Baptist MD Anderson names Tomislav “Tom” Dragovich, MD, as head of cancer medicine and medical oncologist-in-chief

Tomislav “Tom” Dragovich, MD, PhD, is joining Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center as head of the Division of Cancer Medicine and medical oncologist-in-chief, effective March 11, 2024. He will also serve as medical director of the center’s clinical research programs. His appointment follows a national search and extensive review process.

Dr. Dragovich brings more than two decades of experience in medical oncology and clinical research to the region, with significant expertise in gastrointestinal cancer, innovative clinical trials and cancer drug development.

He will play a major role in enhancing clinical investigations into new cancer treatments for patients and growing Baptist MD Anderson’s cancer medicine team, focusing on medical oncology, hematology, supportive and palliative care, and medical specialties to help meet the needs of the local community and beyond. His expertise in clinical research trials and developing Phase I therapies will bring significant support and new opportunities for patients seeking novel or experimental cancer treatments.

In addition to providing care to patients as a practicing medical oncologist, he will also direct the cancer center’s state-of-the-art medical services, including oncology and hematology. He will also maintain and enhance clinical excellence so patients can continue to receive high-quality cancer care.

He will expand the cancer medicine programs at Baptist Medical Center South and Baptist Medical Center Clay with an eye toward increasing access to innovative cancer care throughout the region’s ever-growing community. His leadership will strengthen Baptist MD Anderson’s ability to meet the evolving needs of the community while maintaining its reputation for excellence.

He joins key clinical leaders Christopher Pezzi, MD, FACS, surgical oncologist and Head of the Division of Surgery, and radiation oncologist Michael Olson, MD, PhD, Head of the Division of Radiation Oncology.

“Dr. Dragovich has dedicated two decades of his career to advancing our understanding of cancer biology,” said Bill Putnam, MD, FACS, medical director of Baptist MD Anderson. “We are looking forward to sharing this expertise in clinical trials and cancer medicine with the Jacksonville community and beyond as part of our quest to offer tomorrow’s cancer treatments, today.”

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Dragovich to Florida and the Baptist MD Anderson family,” said LeeAnn Mengel, RN, MBA, CMPE, FACHE, vice president of Baptist MD Anderson. “His appointment reaffirms our commitment to providing innovative and compassionate cancer care to those in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.”

“I’m honored to be joining Baptist MD Anderson,” said Dr. Dragovich. “I look forward to collaborating with this talented team to offer innovative cancer treatments to the community.”

Baptist MD Anderson is a partnership between Baptist Health, the region’s most preferred health care provider, and MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, one of the world’s largest and most respected cancer centers.

Dr. Dragovich comes from Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center in Arizona, where he was one of the original founding oncologists and division chiefs of its cancer center. His most recent position was interim chief of cancer medicine and head of the clinical research division. Prior to this, he was an associate professor of medicine at the University of Arizona Cancer Center and director of its clinical gastrointestinal cancer program.

He is an adjunct professor in the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Dr. Dragovich received his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Belgrade College of Medicine and completed his clinical training at the University of Chicago Medical Center. He also holds a PhD in Molecular Pharmacology from the University of Illinois, Chicago.