William G. “Bill” Woods, MD, died on April 18 at the age of 77.
Dr. Woods was a leader in the field of childhood cancer with interests in neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, and acute myeloid leukemia.
In 1977, Dr. Woods joined the University of Minnesota faculty as an instructor and remained there for 17 years. Other positions he held during this time included assistant professor and ultimately director of pediatric hematology. He joined the University of South Carolina in 1996 as director of the South Carolina Cancer Center.
Additional notable roles Dr. Woods held included professor of pediatrics at the Emory University School of Medicine, inaugural director and chief of the Aflac Cancer Center and blood disorders service of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Daniel P. Amos Children’s Chair, associate director of the Winship Cancer Institute, and president of the American Society of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology (ASPHO).
Throughout his career, he won numerous awards, including several teaching awards and the ASPHO Distinguished Career Award in 2011. Dr. Woods left an impact not only on the pediatric cancer field but also countless colleagues and mentees.
“Bill’s personal and professional impact on so many throughout the years is unparalleled,” said Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Oncology Group in an obituary. “His motto of ‘always do the right thing for the patient’ has resonated for many ... and will continue to do so for generations of physicians and patients to follow. He will be missed dearly.”