In 1992, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) President Peter O. Kohler, M.D. announced the appointment of Grover Bagby, M.D., as the founding director of the Oregon Cancer Center.  Dr. Bagby, was professor of medicine and molecular and medical genetics at OHSU.

Dr. Bagby retired on May 21, 2007, after recruiting Brian Druker, M.D., the world-renowned cancer specialist who helped develop the cancer pill Gleevec as the new director of the OHSU Institute.