Chief of Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology
John Theurer Cancer Center
Hackensack University Medical Center
Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack, New Jersey
Position Overview
Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) seeks a nationally distinguished, academically accomplished GI Medical Oncologist to serve as Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology at the John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC), based at Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC).
This is a career-defining leadership opportunity to build, expand, and elevate a GI Oncology program within one of the most comprehensive and research-driven cancer enterprises in the United States.
JTCC is recognized as the #1 cancer hospital in New Jersey and ranked among the Top 75 cancer hospitals in the United States by Newsweek. It is also the only nationally ranked cancer center in New Jersey by U.S. News & World Report. The center participates in the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center consortium, positioning it within an elite national research network.
The Chief of GI Oncology will lead strategic growth across clinical care, research, faculty recruitment, and programmatic development—advancing JTCC’s GI division to national prominence.
Position: Chief of GI Oncology at Hackensack Meridian Health
Location: Hackensack, New Jersey
Cancer Network Affiliation: John Theurer Cancer Center
The Opportunity: Chief of GI Oncology
GI Oncology represents a major strategic priority for continued expansion and national elevation.
The Chief will be responsible for:
Clinical Leadership
- Overseeing and growing the GI Medical Oncology division
- Expanding subspecialty disease programs (colorectal, pancreatic, hepatobiliary, upper GI, neuroendocrine, etc.)
- Enhancing multidisciplinary integration with surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, interventional GI, and radiology
- Driving quality metrics and clinical excellence initiatives
Research & Academic Development
- Increasing GI-focused clinical trial accrual
- Advancing translational research initiatives
- Strengthening alignment with consortium-based NCI research priorities
- Publishing and maintaining national academic visibility
- Supporting mentorship of junior faculty and fellows
Faculty Recruitment & Program Growth
- Recruiting additional GI oncology faculty aligned with growth strategy
- Building disease-focused centers of excellence within GI malignancies
- Elevating the national reputation of JTCC’s GI division
Administrative Leadership
- Partnering with the Physician-in-Chief and Cancer Center leadership on strategic planning
- Overseeing divisional quality metrics, research compliance, and academic productivity
- Representing JTCC at institutional and national meetings
This role provides meaningful leadership authority and the institutional support required to build a nationally recognized GI Oncology program.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- MD or DO from an accredited institution
- Board Certification in Medical Oncology (ABIM)
- Eligibility for New Jersey medical licensure
- Established expertise in GI malignancies
- Record of peer-reviewed scholarship and academic productivity
- Experience in clinical trials and/or translational research
- Demonstrated leadership experience in a division, section, or programmatic role
- National presence or trajectory toward national prominence
The institution welcomes candidates with focused disease expertise (e.g., colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, hepatobiliary malignancies, immunotherapy, molecular oncology) who are capable of both building programs and fostering collaborative multidisciplinary environments.
Why This Role Is Distinct
Few GI Chief opportunities nationally offer this combination of:
- National ranking and recognition
- NCI consortium affiliation
- Large-scale clinical enterprise
- Robust clinical trials infrastructure
- Advanced precision medicine capabilities
- Strong institutional commitment to GI program growth
- Proximity to New York City within a thriving academic health system
This is not a maintenance role—it is a strategic growth mandate within one of the most dynamic oncology platforms in the region.
About Hackensack Meridian Health
Hackensack Meridian Health is New Jersey’s largest and most comprehensive integrated health system, comprised of:
- 18 hospitals
- 500+ patient care locations
- 36,000+ team members
- 7,000+ physicians
The network delivers care across the full continuum, combining academic medicine, research, innovation, and community-based clinical reach.
Hackensack University Medical Center serves as the flagship academic hospital and is consistently ranked among the top hospitals in the region and nationally.
We are a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the largest, most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care.
Mission Transform health care and be recognized as the leader of positive change.
Vision Innovation is in our DNA, compelling us to create a world where: the highest quality care is human-centered, accessible and affordable; we deliver outcomes that matter most; and excellence is the standard. We believe in being creative, courageous, compassionate, collaborative and connected.
About John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC)
The John Theurer Cancer Center (JTCC), part of Hackensack University Medical Center, is a nationally recognized leader in cancer care. It is consistently ranked among the top cancer programs in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report and is known for its comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to oncology. JTCC is the largest and most comprehensive cancer program in New Jersey and one of the most robust oncology enterprises in the Northeast.
National & Regional Recognition
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Ranked #1 cancer hospital in New Jersey and Top 75 nationally (Newsweek)
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Only nationally ranked cancer center in New Jersey (U.S. News & World Report)
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Member of the NCI-designated Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center consortium
Clinical Scale & Infrastructure
JTCC delivers care at exceptional scale:
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Approximately 600 cancer patients treated daily at the main campus
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Over 75,000 cancer treatments administered annually
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More than 120 infusion chairs
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Dedicated inpatient oncology units
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Multidisciplinary care across 16 specialized oncology divisions
This scale provides both clinical impact and the patient base necessary to support sophisticated disease-specific programs and robust clinical trial enrollment.
Research & Innovation Platform
JTCC maintains one of the most dynamic oncology research enterprises in the region.
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Hundreds of active clinical trials across disease types and phases
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Strong early-phase clinical research presence
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Access to advanced molecular diagnostics and precision oncology platforms
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Established infrastructure for translational research and biomarker-driven therapy
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Robust support for investigator-initiated and industry-sponsored trials
Through its NCI consortium participation, JTCC offers collaborative research pathways and expanded access to national trial networks.
JTCC is also known for leadership in advanced therapies, including immunotherapy and CA
Hackensack, New Jersey
Located in Bergen County, Hackensack offers a dynamic mix of urban convenience and suburban charm. Just 12 miles from New York City, it provides easy access to world-class dining, entertainment, and cultural institutions while maintaining a strong sense of community. The city is home to top-rated schools, diverse neighborhoods, and an array of parks and recreational facilities. With its proximity to major highways, public transit options, and three major airports, Hackensack is an ideal location for professionals and families alike.
Housing options range from luxury high-rise apartments with stunning Manhattan skyline views to historic homes in charming residential areas. The town has undergone significant revitalization, with an expanding downtown area featuring restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues.
Why Join Hackensack Meridian Health?
Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) is New Jersey’s largest, most comprehensive health network, consisting of 18 hospitals, over 500 patient care locations, and a team of more than 36,000 dedicated healthcare professionals. As an academic health system with a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and education, HMH provides a dynamic environment for medical professionals to thrive, lead, and make a lasting impact.
- Nationally Recognized Cancer Care – HMH’s John Theurer Cancer Center is a top-ranked institution, part of the NCI-designated Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center Consortium, and a leader in innovative oncology treatments.
- Cutting-Edge Research & Clinical Trials – HMH is at the forefront of precision medicine, immunotherapy, and molecular oncology, providing access to over 900 active clinical trials across multiple specialties.
- Academic & Teaching Opportunities – Affiliated with the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and top research institutions, HMH offers faculty appointments and mentorship opportunities for the next generation of oncologists.
- Collaborative & Multidisciplinary Approach – Work alongside world-class experts in surgical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, and research in a highly integrated cancer care environment.
- Commitment to Innovation – HMH is dedicated to pioneering new treatment modalities, AI-driven healthcare advancements, and groundbreaking therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcomes.
- Culture of Excellence & Compassion – With a patient-first approach, HMH is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care in an environment that fosters professional growth and work-life balance.
How To Apply
Hackensack Meridian Health has retained the services of Academic Med to assist with this strategically important search. The search for this esteemed position is being conducted by Academic Med Principals, Gentry Zacheis & Jim Hagood. Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae to Jim Hagood at ji*@**********ed.com. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be handled with confidentiality.
We are committed to embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout our organization. As a result of our network-wide efforts, Hackensack Meridian Health has been named No. 1 in the U.S. on Diversity Inc.’s “Top Hospitals & Health Systems” list for 2023. Hackensack Meridian Health’s Health Equity Strategy emphasizes:
- Cultural competency training
- Data collection and stratification
- Dimensions of team member well-being
- Diversity and inclusion in leadership and governance
- Strengthening community partnerships
Our commitment to DEI is one of our seven strategic priorities, emphasizing the importance of an equitable and inclusive environment.