William K. Oh, MD, has been appointed as the esteemed Medical Director of Smilow Cancer Hospital at Greenwich Hospital, alongside his role as Director of Precision Medicine for both Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. In his significant new position at Greenwich Hospital, Dr. Oh will take on the responsibilities of the oncology service line leader and serve as the regional physician leader for the critical lower Fairfield and Westchester Counties at Smilow Cancer Hospital, further emphasizing the institution’s commitment to targeted cancer care in these communities.
“We are pleased to welcome William to our team. His proven leadership, commitment to advancing access to multidisciplinary cancer care, and expertise in genitourinary cancers will be invaluable as we work to further develop cancer services in lower Fairfield and Westchester counties,” expressed Eric Winer, MD, the Director of Yale Cancer Center and President and Physician-in-Chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital. Dr. Oh will also lend his expertise as a Senior Advisor to Dr. Winer, enhancing strategic initiatives and collaborative approaches to cancer treatment.
At Greenwich Hospital, Dr. Oh is poised to continue refining integrated oncology care teams, aiming to broaden the reach and effectiveness of multidisciplinary cancer treatment for patients across the region. His dual role as Director of Precision Medicine for Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital will see him spearheading the development of a cohesive precision medicine program that seamlessly integrates basic and translational science, innovative clinical trials, and the operations of Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Precision Medicine Tumor Board. Dr. Oh is staunchly dedicated to advancing the routine use of molecular and genetic testing for every cancer patient, a mission he has passionately pursued throughout his illustrious career.
Dr. Oh is a renowned genitourinary oncologist with decades of experience dedicated to improving the lives of patients battling prostate cancer. Prior to his new appointment at Yale, Dr. Oh made significant strides as the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, where he concentrated on identifying and dismantling barriers to care for prostate cancer on a national scale. He led an esteemed expert panel that synthesized crucial evidence and published comprehensive guidelines for prostate cancer screening tailored specifically for Black men in the US, a groundbreaking effort that will be featured in the 2024 issue of NEJM Evidence. Dr. Oh also previously served as the Chief Medical Officer of Sema4, a publicly-traded genomics and health intelligence company known for its innovative AI tools designed to enhance clinical decision-making for medical professionals.
From 2009 to 2020, Dr. Oh was instrumental as the System Chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Mount Sinai Health System and served as the Deputy Director of the Tisch Cancer Institute between 2017 and 2020. Prior to his significant tenure at Mount Sinai, Dr. Oh progressed from Instructor to Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, also fulfilling the role of Clinical Director at the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
“I am incredibly excited to join Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital on its mission to expand and deliver the newest advances in cancer care to patients in Greenwich and throughout the region. Precision cancer care can improve patient outcomes, and more is needed. Yale’s great science, translational research, and clinical trials can deliver better and more precise care to patients in their communities,” stated Dr. Oh, underscoring his enthusiasm for contributing to the ongoing advancements in cancer treatment.
Additionally, Dr. Oh plays a pivotal role as Chair of the American Cancer Society’s National Prostate Cancer Roundtable and is a member of the Board of Trustees, contributing as Chair of the Medical Advisory Council for the Chemotherapy+ Foundation. He has made noteworthy contributions as a participant on grant review committees for various National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, and Foundation grants and has been involved with guidelines panels for the American Urological Association as well as the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has contributed to numerous journal editorial boards and holds a position as an ad hoc reviewer for multiple publications. Dr. Oh boasts an impressive portfolio with nearly 400 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters focused on genitourinary oncology and is frequently sought after as a lecturer at prestigious national and international meetings.
Dr. Oh completed his undergraduate education at Yale University and earned his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He undertook his internship and residency at the esteemed Brigham and Women’s Hospital before completing his clinical fellowship in medical oncology at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, paving the way for a distinguished career dedicated to cancer care and research.
**Interview with Dr. William K. Oh: Embracing Leadership in Cancer Care**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Oh. Congratulations on your new role at Greenwich Hospital and your dual title as Director of Precision Medicine at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital. How do you feel about this significant transition in your career?
**Dr. Oh:** Thank you! I’m genuinely excited about this opportunity. Joining the team at Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital is an honor, and I’m looking forward to contributing to advancing integrated oncology care in lower Fairfield and Westchester counties. It’s a great chance to expand the reach of targeted cancer care for patients who need it the most.
**Interviewer:** With your extensive background in genitourinary oncology, what are your primary goals as the oncology service line leader at Greenwich Hospital?
**Dr. Oh:** My immediate goals are to refine our oncology care teams, ensuring they work collaboratively to deliver effective, multidisciplinary treatment. By enhancing communication and coordination among specialists, we hope to empower patients with comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the importance of precision medicine in your new role. Can you elaborate on how you plan to integrate this approach into patient care?
**Dr. Oh:** Absolutely. I believe that every cancer patient should have access to molecular and genetic testing. We will be developing a cohesive precision medicine program that ties together cutting-edge research, innovative clinical trials, and our Precision Medicine Tumor Board. This integration will ensure that we make personalized treatment options more routine and effective.
**Interviewer:** Your experience at the Prostate Cancer Foundation and your efforts in improving screening guidelines for Black men in the US have been commendable. How will those experiences shape your work at Yale Cancer Center?
**Dr. Oh:** My work at the Prostate Cancer Foundation highlighted the systemic barriers that patients face and the need for tailored interventions. At Yale, I intend to keep that focus on equity and access, particularly in underserved communities, ensuring that all patients receive the essential screening and care they deserve.
**Interviewer:** What excites you most about leading this collaborative mission with Dr. Eric Winer and the rest of the team at Smilow Cancer Hospital?
**Dr. Oh:** I’m excited about the opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in oncology. Dr. Winer’s vision for advancing cancer care aligns perfectly with my commitment to innovation and patient-centered treatment. Together, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment and research.
**Interviewer:** what message would you like to share with patients currently battling cancer in your communities?
**Dr. Oh:** To patients, I want to express that we are here to support you. Our mission is to ensure you receive the most advanced and compassionate care possible. We are dedicated to innovation in treatment options, and we believe that with the right support, patients can have hope and improved outcomes. Your fight is our fight.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for your time, Dr. Oh. We look forward to seeing the impact of your leadership in the region.
**Dr. Oh:** Thank you for having me! I’m eager to get started and make a difference.
