Internationally Recognized Physician-Scientist Named Director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

PITTSBURGH — John C. Byrd, MD, an internationally acclaimed physician scientist in hematologic malignancies, has been appointed director of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, which together with the University of Pittsburgh is the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center and one of the country’s largest academic cancer treatment networks. 

Byrd, who brings nearly three decades of distinguished experience in innovative research, superior patient care and educational excellence, will assume overall responsibility for all aspects of cancer-related basic, translational, and clinical research and education at both the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Hillman in Nov. 2025. 

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Byrd and his extensive experience in conducting and supporting internationally influential cancer research, developing and overseeing premier programmatic efforts and elevating holistic patient care,” said Anantha Shekhar, MD, PhD, senior vice chancellor for the health sciences and John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. “The formidable breadth and quality of his leadership capabilities will prove essential to advancing a center already operating at the exceedingly high level of UPMC Hillman.”

In addition to his role as director, Byrd will serve as associate vice chancellor for cancer affairs at Pitt and will be recommended for appointment to hold the Hillman Professorship of Oncology in the Pitt School of Medicine’s Department of Medicine. 

“The appointment of Dr. Byrd represents a defining moment in the continued advancement of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center as a global leader in cancer care and research,” said Leslie Davis, president and CEO of UPMC. “His distinguished record of scientific innovation, strategic leadership, and unwavering dedication to patient-centered care will further accelerate the groundbreaking work underway across our network. We are honored to welcome a visionary whose contributions continue to shape the future of hematologic oncology and elevate the standard of care worldwide.”

Since 2021, Byrd has served as professor and chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati (UC) College of Medicine, and chief of internal medicine at UC Health. He also served as a senior advisor to the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, where he led the development of the comprehensive blood cancer center.

“Dr. Byrd and I share a deep commitment to advancing groundbreaking research and patient-centered clinical care—values that align perfectly with UPMC Hillman’s mission to transform cancer treatment and discovery,” said Stanley M. Marks, MD, chairman of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “As a pioneer in hematologic cancer therapies, with more than 700 publications, 23 patents, and advisory roles in seven therapeutics companies, including two he founded, Dr. Byrd brings unparalleled expertise. I am confident that with the addition of Dr. Byrd, UPMC Hillman will continue to lead nationally and internationally in delivering world-class cancer care and innovation.”

Byrd’s previous roles include senior advisor for cancer experimental therapeutics and Distinguished University Professor at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center–James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. He was the founding director of the Division of Hematology at Ohio State and has mentored over 90 trainees. His research has been continuously funded since 1997 by industry, federal agencies and leading cancer philanthropies.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to join the leadership team at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh,” said Byrd. “Working together, we will build on a legacy of excellence and push the boundaries of what is possible in impactful cancer research, empathetic clinical care of patients, and training the next generation of cancer professionals.”  

Byrd earned his M.D. from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his residency and fellowship at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by translational laboratory training at Johns Hopkins University.

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CAPTION: John C. Byrd, MD

CREDIT: UC Health