The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today is recognizing the exceptional leadership of Peter WT Pisters, M.D. , president, following his announced plan to retire from UT MD Anderson to focus on the next chapter of his career. The UT System Board of Regents and Chancellor John M. Zerwas, M.D., have named Jeffrey E. Lee, M.D. , interim president, effective immediately. Pisters will work with Lee on a thoughtful transition through the end of September.
Since returning to UT MD Anderson in 2017 to serve as president, Pisters championed the development and disciplined execution of the institution's strategic plan. Under his leadership, UT MD Anderson set in place a $10 billion capital expansion plan now actively underway, achieved the strongest financial performance in its 85-year history, and launched a $2.5 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign that has already raised $2.16 billion.
“The Board of Regents and I are profoundly grateful to Dr. Pisters for his exceptional presidency over the past nine years and for thoughtfully concluding his service when UT MD Anderson is thriving at its best position of peak performance, strength and impact. We wish him our very best with his retirement and in his next chapter,” said Kevin P. Eltife, Chairman of the UT System Board of Regents.
Key priorities advanced during Pisters’ tenure as president include the launch of five transformative institutes: the James P. Allison Institute™ , the Institute for Data Science in Oncology , the Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation , the Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing and the Leadership Institute. Through a steadfast focus on patient safety, elevating the patient experience, and investing in employee wellness, he has cultivated a high-performing culture that develops leaders, empowers employees and delivers exceptional outcomes.
“I first arrived at UT MD Anderson 32 years ago with a passion for doing everything I could to advance our mission to end cancer. Serving as the only faculty member to become president, and now marking nine years in the role, I can say with great pride and gratitude that there is no better place than UT MD Anderson to turn hope into healing for patients and families everywhere,” said Pisters. “With a timeless strategy, a strong leadership team, unprecedented levels of financial health, and a priceless culture anchored in our deeply held Core Values, now is the right time for me to transition to other opportunities. UT MD Anderson has never been stronger, and its future has never been brighter.”
Lee will lead UT MD Anderson over the next several years. He currently is executive vice president, chief physician executive and chief cancer network officer and is a member of UT MD Anderson’s Executive Leadership Team. He has been at the institution for 35 years, and is recognized for his clinical, research, administration and leadership expertise.
“Dr. Lee’s close working relationship with Dr. Pisters and the entire executive leadership team gives him the advantage of being immersed in every leadership action, with excellent decision-making skills and a collaborative style,” said Zerwas. “We pledge our full support to Dr. Lee as he leads UT MD Anderson.”
Lee, a surgical oncologist, oversees UT MD Anderson's clinical divisions, its national cancer network and relationships with international governmental and non-governmental organizations. As part of his strategic responsibility for extending the reach and value of UT MD Anderson, he leads institutional initiatives to expand virtual care offerings, improve quality of care nationwide and enhance patient experience and outcomes through clinical and technological innovations.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve during this important time for UT MD Anderson. Continuing Dr. Pisters’ exceptional legacy of leadership at this institution, where I have spent my entire career, will be among the greatest honors of my professional life. I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary teams and leaders, united by a shared commitment to providing and advancing the very best care for cancer patients,” said Lee. “Together, we have accomplished so much, particularly during the past nine years, and our work is far from finished. I look forward to partnering with UT System and Dr. Pisters during this transition, and to collaborating with our many colleagues and supporters as we continue to advance our mission to end cancer.”
Pisters and Lee will immediately begin working closely together to ensure the highest levels of continuity and stability for the future of UT MD Anderson. During this transition, UT MD Anderson remains firmly committed to its mission and strategic priorities. Guided by an unwavering focus on patients and their loved ones, the institution will continue to advance innovative research, deliver exceptional cancer care, lead efforts in cancer prevention and educate future generations while building on its legacy of excellence.