Dear Colleagues,
I am delighted to announce that Dr. Maurice Willis is joining UTMB as our new Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology. Many of you will remember Dr. Willis from his extensive service here between 2006 and 2018, followed by his tenure at MD Anderson from 2018 to 2023, during which he continued caring for UTMB patients. Over these years, Dr. Willis earned great respect from colleagues and the deep gratitude of his patients, reflecting his expert, compassionate care.
After leaving UTMB, Dr. Willis took on the role of Division Chief at Saint Louis University, where he successfully built a robust and innovative Medical Oncology/Hematology program. Under his guidance, the division expanded its clinical trials portfolio, strengthened its fellowship training, and advanced multidisciplinary collaborations, establishing a high standard of care for patients across the region.
As Dr. Willis steps into the role of Chief of Medical Oncology and Hematology at UTMB, he will be a driving force in developing and growing our division into a world-class center for cancer care. Under his leadership, we will focus on expanding clinical trials, broadening advanced therapies, and pursuing innovations in patient-centered treatment. The Department of Internal Medicine and the wider UTMB leadership stand firmly behind his vision, committed to providing him with the support and resources needed to build exceptional cancer services for our community and help UTMB regain its status as an NCI-designated institution.
Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Willis as he begins this exciting new chapter at UTMB. Your collaboration and support will be essential to the success of our mission and the growth of our oncology and hematology services.
Warm Regards,
Salim Hayek, MD
Chair ad interim, Department of Internal Medicine