Richard T. Lee, M.D.

(877) 460-4673
Richard T. Lee, M.D.
Medical Oncologist
Clinical Expertise
  • Supportive Care Medicine
  • Integrative Oncology
  • Gastrointestinal Cancers
Research Area
  • Integrative Oncology
Academic Appointments
  • Cherng Family Director's Chair, Center for Integrative Oncology
  • Medical Director, Supportive & Integrative Medicine, Department of Supportive Care Medicine
  • Professor, Supportive & Integrative Medicine
Clinical Teams
Supportive Care Medicine

We don’t always have to think about a prescription as the first option. There’s a lot of things that we can do through mind-body approaches that have very few side effects but really profound effects on how patients feel. When we help them feel better or sleep better, they’ll have a lot less stress and it improves their quality of life. - Richard T. Lee, M.D.

Richard T. Lee, M.D., is a third-generation physician who was inspired by seeing the positive impact that good health care can have on a community. His philosophy as an oncologist is all about treating the whole patient — centering care on who they are and what they need. His practice brings together the best of Western medicine with integrative therapies such as mind-body techniques and acupuncture backed by research findings.
 
Dr. Lee earned his medical degree at George Washington University, then pursued a residency in internal medicine at Stanford University. Next, a Fulbright Scholarship brought him to China Medical University in Taiwan, where he learned traditional medicine, focusing on acupuncture. At the University of Chicago, he was a fellow in oncology/hematology, including a stint as chief fellow, and in medical ethics, while also training in clinical research. This was followed by a palliative medicine fellowship at Northwestern University.
 
In his practice, Dr. Lee augments the latest in cancer care with options such as acupuncture, which has been shown to help alleviate pain, nausea and symptoms of nerve damage; meditation, shown to help with pain and insomnia; and yoga, also shown to help with insomnia.
 
In his role as medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program, he works closely with his colleagues in supportive care to ensure a unified program with a comprehensive approach. This includes everything from the mind-body techniques and acupuncture, to the basics of nutrition and physical activity, to specialists in treating pain, to support from psychologists and social workers.
 
In his research, Dr. Lee aims to push forward the field of integrative medicine by searching for new cancer drugs based on plants such as European mistletoe, mushrooms and other plants. He hopes to introduce clinical trials into mind-body approaches such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, acupuncture and massage, as well as evaluating the cancer-fighting potential of herbs and supplements, including ones he learns about through his patients.
 
Dr. Lee maintains board certifications in medical oncology, hospice and palliative medicine, and internal medicine. He has received multiple awards from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Prior to joining City of Hope, he was on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Location

Education & Experience

Board Certifications

  • 2012, Hospice and Palliative Medicine

  • 2008, Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • 2004, Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine

Degrees

  • 2001, Doctor of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC

  • 1998, Bachelor of Arts, George Washington University, Washington, DC

Fellowship

  • 2008-2009, Palliative Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL

  • 2006-2008, Medical Ethics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

  • 2005-2008, Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

  • 2004-2005, Fulbright Scholar, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan

Residency
  • 2002-2004, Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
Internship
  • 2001-2002, Internal Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
Professional Experience

  • 2022-present, Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program, Department of Supportive Care Medicine, City of Hope, Irvine, CA

  • 2018-2022, Interim Medical Director, Palliative Care, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH

  • 2015-2022, Medical Director, Supportive & Integrative Oncology Program, University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH

  • 2014-2015, Associate Professor, Palliative, Rehabilitation, and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

  • 2014-2015, Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX

  • 2009-2015, Medical Director, Integrative Medicine Program, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

  • 2009-2014, Assistant Professor, Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Awards & Memberships

Awards

  • 2018-2019, ASCO Leadership Development Program

  • 2011-2015, Helen Moss Foundation-Schoff Family Professor of Integrative Oncology

  • 2008-2009, Midwest Trainee Travel Award, Clinical Society for Clinical Research

  • 2008, ASCO Foundation Merit Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology

  • 2008, ASCO Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Awards, American Society of Clinical Oncology

  • 2001, Doris Deford Speck Award, George Washington University Medical Center

  • 1999, Lamport Award, George Washington University Medical Center

Memberships

  • 2017-present, Member, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine

  • 2007-present, Member, Society for Integrative Oncology

  • 2005-present, Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology

Publications

To view all publications by Richard T. Lee, M.D, please visit this link here.

Ratings & Reviews

Ratings and reviews below are gathered from the Press Ganey Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CG CAHPS) survey. CG CAHPS is a standardized survey that is used to measure a patient's experience in the physician office setting. Ratings are an average of all responses to questions about a provider's care, with five stars being the highest.
4.9
Provider explain in way you understand
4.9
Provider listen carefully to you
4.9
Show respect for what you say
4.9
Spend enough time with you
4.8
Recommend this provider office
4.8
Rate provider 0-10
4.7
Know important info medical history
04/01/25
I would highly recommend anyone to Dr Lee - Verified patient
10/10/24
Absolutely Impressed with this provider. His openness and knowledge of alternative therapies that I also believe in was very impressive, and exactly what I was looking for. - Verified patient
06/19/24
In my cancer journey, Dr. Lee is the "first," City of Hope physician who addressed all aspects of my care (e.g. Lab work (wanted to view), nutrition, supplements, and well-being - mind/body). Further, based on an inquiry, his thorough explanation regarding a cancer reoccurrence likelihood, based on a provided figure, gave me a new perspective (invaluable information). - Verified patient
06/19/24
In all honesty, this is the first time I've used tele-video option (always preferred an in-person appointment), and experience was outstanding (attributed to Dr. Lee). - Verified patient
06/14/24
Thank u for having dr.Lee. [...] - Verified patient