Sagar Lonial, MD, an internationally renowned expert in the biology and treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, has been named Chair of the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology within Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Lonial assumes this role vacated by Fadlo R. Khuri, MD, who became President of American University of Beirut.
Dr. Lonial was most recently Winship’s Chief Medical Officer and Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology. He previously held the position of Department Executive Vice Chair.
“The opportunity to lead this terrific group of faculty is a real honor and privilege,” said Dr. Lonial. “I am impressed with the compassion, dedication, and creativity that the faculty invest in making a difference. My goal is to grow and invest in their careers so that they can continue to perform the groundbreaking and life-changing work of cancer care.”
Professional Background
Dr. Lonial has worked in the field of immunotherapy and oncology since joining Emory for his fellowship. His most recent research focuses on combinations of novel agents as therapy for myeloma and development of new targets and treatment strategies for high-risk myeloma. He was principal investigator on two large studies of novel monoclonal antibodies, both of which led to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. The research team he developed has contributed to all the major drug approvals in myeloma over the past decade, and he is currently leading a global genome-sequencing study in newly diagnosed myeloma.
Board certified in hematology, oncology, and internal medicine, Dr. Lonial serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Clinical Oncology and Leukemia, is Associate Editor of the Journal of Oncology Practice, and is the myeloma editor for Clinical Lymphoma, Myeloma, and Leukemia. He is Secretary for the International Myeloma Society, on the scientific advisory board for the International Myeloma Foundation, and serves as Steering Committee Chair for the Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium.
Dr. Lonial earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency at Baylor College of Medicine, followed by a fellowship in hematology and oncology at Emory’s School of Medicine. ■
