Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD
Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD, Donna S. Hall Professor of Breast Cancer Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has been named Interim Director of the Division of Hematology and Oncology. Dr. Park is Associate Director for Translational Research, Co-Leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program, and Director of Precision Oncology at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.
“I am honored to be given this opportunity to help lead the Division of Hematology and Oncology,” Dr. Park said. “The cutting-edge research performed by our faculty, staff, and trainees has led to exciting new insights and standards of care for hematologic disorders and cancers of all types. This, along with the exceptional clinical care provided by our division members, provides the foundation for our continued future success.”
In 2004, Dr. Park was the first to identify a high frequency of PIK3CA mutations in breast cancer, and he subsequently discovered their contributions toward oncogenic phenotypes. His frequently cited studies include the generation of genetically modified cell lines, and requests for his cell lines have enabled significant discoveries by other investigators. Dr. Park has also made fundamental contributions to the field of drug resistance, including hormone therapy resistance and liquid biopsies. He has organized and led a molecular tumor board focused on precision oncology at Vanderbilt, where he was recently appointed Associate Director of Basic Research.
Professional Experience
Dr. Park obtained a dual MD-PhD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1995. He completed a residency in internal medicine and hematology/oncology fellowship training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
In 2001, Dr. Park finished a postdoctoral research fellowship in cancer genetics at Johns Hopkins. The following year, he joined the Department of Oncology at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. He held several positions there, including Associate Dean for Postdoctoral Affairs for the School of Medicine and Associate Director for Research Training and Education for the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center.
