The Penn State Cancer Institute, located at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, is facing intense scrutiny following a comprehensive investigation by Spotlight PA. The inquiry reveals concerns regarding the institute’s operations and leadership amid ongoing changes within the organization.
The Penn State Cancer Institute operates under the umbrella of Penn State Health, which is the university’s health system. Penn State University owns the majority of the health system and oversees its research initiatives. Until May 2024, Raymond Hohl served as the director of the cancer institute, managing both clinical and research functions. He is now focusing on educational and research efforts within the center.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation is a significant accolade for cancer research facilities, representing a commitment to excellence in cancer care and research. Established in 1971, this prestigious designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate high levels of specialized care and advanced research capabilities. Currently, there are 73 designated centers across the United States, most of which are affiliated with university medical schools.
To achieve NCI designation, cancer centers undergo a rigorous application process that can last over a year and often exceeds 1,000 pages. The evaluation assesses the center’s research across multiple disciplines and its responsiveness to the needs of the communities it serves. The highest designation is “comprehensive,” indicating a center’s broad research scope and regional impact. Lower designations include “basic laboratory” and “clinical,” which recognize specialized laboratory research and clinical research capabilities, respectively.
The investigation conducted by Spotlight PA involved outreach to more than 150 individuals connected to the Penn State Cancer Institute, resulting in interviews with over 30 current and former employees. Many sources requested anonymity due to concerns about retaliation. The reporting team verified the information through extensive records, including internal documents, audit reports, and communications related to patient safety.
Several leadership changes have taken place within the health system recently. Steve Massini retired as CEO of Penn State Health in October 2024, followed by Deborah Addo, who stepped down as chief operating officer in the fall of 2025. The former chief medical officer of Hershey Medical Center, Robert Harbaugh, reduced his leadership responsibilities in November 2025 but remains a professor at the medical college.
In September 2023, Karen Kim was appointed as the permanent dean of the university’s medical college after Kevin Black served as interim dean. Currently, Black holds the position of interim vice dean for educational affairs at the medical school.
Prior to publication, Spotlight PA attempted to engage with leadership at Penn State Health for insights into their actions and perspectives. Despite multiple requests for interviews, the organization declined to make any officials available. Although a spokesperson provided a general statement, none of the inquiries posed by the news team were directly addressed.
Approximately two weeks before the article’s publication, Spotlight PA shared a detailed list of findings with Penn State and individuals named in the report, offering them a final opportunity to respond. No replies were received by the deadline.
The investigation raises questions about the operational integrity of the Penn State Cancer Institute, particularly in light of its leadership transitions and the implications of its NCI designation. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring accountability and maintaining high standards of care for patients within the health system.