The University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) announced that Ryan C. Fields, MD, a prominent surgeon-scientist from Washington University, will take over as chair of its Department of Surgery starting July 1, 2025. Fields succeeds David C. Linehan, MD, who currently serves as both URMC CEO and Dean, and will also hold the Seymour L. Schwartz Professorship in Surgery.
In his new role, Fields will serve as Surgeon-in-Chief of Strong Memorial Hospital and director of Translational Research at the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Walter Pegoli, Jr., MD, will remain interim chair until Fields begins his tenure.
Fields brings a distinguished career in surgical oncology and translational science, most recently as the Kim and Tim Eberlein Distinguished Professor of Surgery and chief of Surgical Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. His research, funded for over a decade by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), focuses on cancer biology, genomics, and developing novel treatments for solid tumors.
“An accomplished surgeon-scientist, Ryan Fields brings an exceptional blend of clinical expertise and leadership in transdisciplinary research that will elevate our Department of Surgery’s missions,” said Linehan. “His remarkable track record of securing NIH funding is evidence of his research prowess, while his commitment to team building and mentorship align perfectly with our collaborative culture.”
Fields, a Detroit native, holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Duke University School of Medicine. His training includes a general surgery residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and a surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Since joining Washington University’s faculty in 2011, he has become a leader in the multidisciplinary treatment of complex cancers, including pancreatic, liver, and gastric malignancies, sarcoma, and melanoma.
Judith F. Baumhauer, MD, MPH, chair of the search committee and vice dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, emphasized Fields’ qualifications. “Given his clinical and scientific interests and impressive achievements, Ryan quickly emerged as a leader among a national pool of candidates,” she said.
Fields’ research achievements include leadership in two NCI “Cancer Moonshot” projects and over 350 peer-reviewed publications. At URMC, he plans to continue integrating cutting-edge science into patient care while mentoring the next generation of surgical oncologists. His professional affiliations include leadership roles in prominent organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Society of Surgical Oncology.
“We at Wilmot are fortunate to welcome Dr. Fields to our team,” said Wilmot Cancer Institute Director Jonathan W. Friedberg, MD. “He provides amazing research synergy with many of our current members, and he is committed to the multidisciplinary clinical approach represented by our cancer service line.”
Fields, along with his wife, Laura, and their teenage children, is eager to embrace the Rochester community. “My family and I are thrilled and honored to join the University of Rochester,” Fields said, pledging to build on the department’s legacy of excellence. “We will become ‘ever better’ together. Meliora!”
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