Developing a comprehensive program in oncology care
The Emory University School of Medicine was established in 1854 and has grown into a national center for teaching and clinical care delivery. In 1979, Emory University leadership initiated a strategic plan to address the future development of the Woodruff Medical Center which would include the formation of a comprehensive program in oncology care. From this plan, the School of Medicine designated the Winship Cancer Center as a department in the School.
In 2000, the name of the center was changed to Winship Cancer Institute (Winship), to incorporate all cancer care, education, and research at Emory University and its clinical affiliates. With this change, the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology was moved from the Department of Medicine into Winship. Fadlo R. Khuri, MD, was then recruited from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to lead the new Division and expand its faculty by cultivating clinical and translational expertise.
In February 2008, the School of Medicine established Hematology and Medical Oncology as a Department, with Dr. Khuri as Department Chair.
Winship became Georgia's first National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center in April 2009, and later received designation as a comprehensive cancer center in May 2017.
Sagar Lonial, MD, replaced Dr. Khuri as Chair of the department in January 2016. Dr. Lonial oversees clinical, basic, and translational research as well as the delivery of oncology clinical services at each of these facilities.
Comprised of physicians, clinical researchers, basic scientists, and nursing professionals, the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology has seen a steady increase in patient care and research activity since its inception. The growing number of oncology patients is being served by department faculty members at Emory University Hospital, Emory University Hospital Midtown, Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital, Emory Johns Creek Hospital, the Georgia Cancer Center of Excellence at Grady Hospital, and the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center.