Lucille Leong, M.D., wants others to see City of Hope’s physicians as she does — not only as excellent clinicians and researchers, but also as passionate and mission-driven individuals who care deeply about patients and their families.
After 26 years of dedicated service to patients at City of Hope, Leong became medical staff president in October, now serving as chief of staff.
 Lucille Leong (Photo by Kaminsky Productions) |
Leong will provide leadership and guidance to the medical staff and strive to enhance communication between the staff and other members of the team such as nurses, pharmacists, medical center administration — including the chief medical officer — and the medical center’s board of directors. Leong also plans to develop medical staff leadership and involve more physicians in staff-related activities.
“There are many new, enthusiastic medical staff members and seasoned, experienced ones who can contribute their talents,” said Leong, professor of medical oncology. “We need to engage them and provide training for this type of leadership.”
Leong believes the role of the medical staff president is one of a “servant-leader,” someone who should give an understanding of what it means to be part of City of Hope’s medical staff, of which there are 148 voting members.
She credited Mordecai Dunst, M.D., outgoing medical staff president, for teaching her about the position’s chief duties: “First to protect our patients’ safety, then to protect our medical staff’s rights within our bylaws.” Following appropriate process is of the utmost importance to Leong.
“Dr. Leong is an exceptionally well-organized physician,” said Dunst. “She has a remarkable devotion to patient care.”
The medical staff president position rotates every two years, and the president is selected through an election among voting members of the medical staff. Frederic Grannis, M.D., is president-elect and Leslie Popplewell, M.D., is secretary and treasurer.
“Without the help of the talented and hardworking Medical Staff Services Department, managed by Graciela Lopez, no president could be successful,” Leong said. “These professionals keep everything running smoothly. I feel extremely fortunate to have their assistance.”
One of City of Hope’s nationally recognized experts in the study and treatment of breast and gastrointestinal cancers, Leong has been involved with dozens of cancer clinical trials, including studies investigating prevention, adjuvant therapy for early disease, novel treatments for metastatic breast cancer and quality of life.
Leong earned her medical degree from the Stanford University School of Medicine and is a member of the board of directors for the American Cancer Society, California Division. She has authored or co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed publications and more than 100 abstracts. She also has coordinated the Medical Oncology-Hematology Fellowship at City of Hope for more than 20 years.
