David Rosenthal, Oliver Professor of Hygiene and director of University Health Services, has been elected president of the American Cancer Society. His term began Monday

Rosenthal graduated from Harvard College in 1959, received his M.D. degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in 1963, and joined the faculty of the Medical School in 1970. He was appointed director of University Health Services in 1989.

Rosenthal has been affiliated with the American Cancer Society since 1976. He served as president of its Massachusetts Division from 1984 to 1987 and is now a member of its National Board of Directors and National Assembly.

A specialist in cancer and the study of blood, Rosenthal holds appointments at Brigham and Women's and Beth Israel Deaconess hospitals and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Rosenthal said that his new post will involve him in negotiations between Congress and the tobacco industry over a national tobacco policy. He is also interested in promoting medical research and in providing the best available information about cancer to the public.