Vice President, Academic Affairs
Professor Department of Thoracic & Head and Neck Medical Oncology
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. Anne S. Tsao is an esteemed tenured professor and an influential leader in the Department of Thoracic & Head and Neck Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC). Serving as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, and Director of the Mesothelioma Program, Dr. Tsao’s remarkable contributions have shaped the field of oncology, specifically in thoracic malignancies, where she has advanced innovative treatment strategies and led impactful research.
Dr. Tsao’s career at MDACC has been distinguished by numerous leadership roles, including her prior service as Section Chief for Thoracic Medical Oncology and Director of the Thoracic Chemo-Radiation Program. As a clinician scientist, she has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications in world-renowned journals, including The Lancet, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and Cancer Cell. Her research primarily focuses on discovering therapeutic targets and creating new treatment paradigms for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma. Notably, she co-led the NCI TCGA project on thymoma and thymic malignancies and is the Principal Investigator for several high-impact clinical trials. She is the Principal Investigator for the UG1 NIH LAPS grant ($10M) which supports over 50 clinical trials in various cancers at MDACC. Her pioneering work, particularly her paradigm-shifting approach in replacing chemotherapy with immunotherapy for stage III NSCLC and mesothelioma, has garnered global recognition, positioning her as a prominent lecturer in international forums. She has also appeared in numerous television and media outlets discussing health, oncology, and the importance of patient advocacy.
Dr. Tsao’s achievements are celebrated through numerous awards, including the ASCO Merit Award, MD Anderson Achievement in Research Award, and NIH Clinician Scientist K12 Award. As a sought-after authority, she holds key roles in esteemed organizations, such as the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and has served on the SWOG Executive Lung Committee, NRG Lung Committee, and ASCO Government Relations Committee. Her dedication to advancing oncology research and policy is further highlighted by her leadership in large-scale grants, including the Department of Defense PROSPECT grant.
Dr. Tsao’s journey with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) began at the age of 16, where she earned her first degree in molecular biology with a minor in political science. After excelling in medical school and building a distinguished career as an academic physician, she returned to MIT to pursue an executive MBA from the Sloan School of Management. There, she was honored as one of the top two students on the Poets & Quants Executive MBA Best and Brightest 2021 list. Her deep expertise in data analytics, further enriched by a business data analytics certificate from MIT, has led her back as a guest lecturer, where she shares her insights on the transformative power of big data in healthcare.
Dr. Anne S. Tsao’s unwavering commitment to her field and her exemplary leadership place her among the world's top medical professionals, inspiring peers and transforming patient care in the global fight against cancer.
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Finding the "Signal in the Noise": How Professionalism Tunes Into Patient Safety (35H)
Monday, March 24, 2025
4:30pm – 5:30pm CT