John (Jack) Killen, Jr., M.D. was recently appointed Deputy Director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

"Dr. Killen has extensive leadership experience in creating and managing highly successful multidisciplinary clinical research programs at the NIH", said NCCAM Director Josephine P. Briggs, M.D. "He also has a deep interest in CAM, particularly mind-body modalities, and the exploration of their potential for improving health. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Killen in his new role as Deputy Director."

Dr. Killen’s 27-year career at NIH began in 1980 when he joined the National Cancer Institute’s extramural clinical trials and investigational drug development program. In 1987 he moved to the Division of AIDS at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), serving first as Deputy Director from 1987-1993, and then Director from 1993-2001. During that time he oversaw the establishment and evolution of many of the major HIV/AIDS research programs of the NIH, and served on numerous domestic and international committees and advisory bodies relating to HIV/AIDS research.

During 2001-2003 he served as Associate Director for Research Ethics, and as Head of the Office of Biodefense Research in NIAID. In 2003 he joined NCCAM as Director of the Office of International Health Research, where he fostered international research collaborations studying complementary, alternative, and traditional medicine. Since August 2007 he has served as Acting Deputy Director. At various times during his NCCAM tenure, he has also served as Acting Director of the Division of Extramural Research, and Acting Director of the Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation.

Dr. Killen earned his B.A. degree from Kenyon College in 1971 and his M.D. degree from Tufts University in 1975. He is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, and has pursued additional training in end-of-life care and mind-body medicine. He has received multiple awards including the NIH Merit Award, the NIH Director’s Award, the U.S. Public Health Service Special Recognition Award, and the PHS Superior Service Award.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine's mission is to explore complementary and alternative medical practices in the context of rigorous science, train CAM researchers, and disseminate authoritative information to the public and professionals. For additional information, call NCCAM's Clearinghouse toll free at 1-888-644-6226, or visit the NCCAM Web site at nccam.nih.gov.