Dr. William Clarke Named Director of Research Commercialization

William Clarke, MD, MSc, associate professor of anesthesiology and pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and a pediatric anesthesiologist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, has been named Director of Research Commercialization at MCW. His primary role will be to work with faculty members who wish to establish new companies based upon technology they have developed.

Dr. Clarke brings to the position significant experience in the biotechnology field and strong credentials in academic medicine and research. Most recently, he served as the president and CEO of Cellectar, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on developing radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat cancer. From 2004-2006, he was the Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of GE Healthcare, and oversaw the company’s technology and medical innovation portfolio. Other previous biotech experience includes Amersham Health, for which he served as Executive Vice President of Research and Development; GlaxoWellcome UK, as the Director of Biological Sciences and Director of Disease Science.

“Dr. Clarke’s experience in commercial biotechnology is invaluable to our institution, and that breadth and depth of knowledge will provide that critical link between innovation and commercialization,” said David Gutterman, MD, Senior Associate Dean of Research at MCW. “Our goal is to translate our scientists’ proven ideas into viable business ventures that advance our ability to diagnose and treat disease through pharmaceuticals, devices, and other inventions that improve health.”

Prior to his corporate experience, Dr. Clarke held a faculty position as associate professor of anesthesiology and critical care medicine and pediatrics at the University of Washington School of Medicine from 1994-1997, where he founded the Pediatric Pulmonary Vascular Disease Center at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center as well. He also held a faculty position as assistant professor of anesthesia and pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania.

In addition to his new role at MCW, Dr. Clarke continues his practice as a pediatric anesthesiologist at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, where he spends three-four days every week in the operating room caring for children, teaching residents and fellows, mentoring faculty, and conducting clinical research.

Dr. Clarke earned his medical degree and a master of science degree in physiology and pharmacology from Duke University School of Medicine in 1979. He completed residencies in anesthesiology and pediatrics in 1983 at the University of Washington School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Seattle. From there, he went to the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia to complete clinical and research fellowships.