MD, MPH
Assistant Professor, Oncology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Clinical Research, Breast Cancer
Meet Emily Ray
Area of Interest
Emily Ray, MD, MPH, is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer with a research focus in evaluating cancer outcomes and improving cancer care delivery. She has a particular interest in improving outcomes for patients with advanced cancer through better treatment decision-making and increased access to high-quality end-of-life (EOL) care. Her research interests and ongoing projects include understanding healthcare utilization and cost of care among patients with advanced cancer, identifying and addressing supportive care needs including palliative care and patient navigation, and improving prognostic understanding and serious illness communication among patients, caregivers, and providers. Her training and experience include the analysis of large secondary databases (claims, registry, and electronic health records), use of qualitative methods, and quality improvement. She holds a K08 from the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ) to study implementation of a breast cancer prognostic tool and to acquire training in implementation science. She serves on the American Society of Clinical Oncology Measures Steering Committee (Chair-Elect, 2024-2025; Chair, 2025-2026) and Alliance for Clinical Trials Cancer Care Delivery Research Committee. As an oncologist and health services researcher, her research aims to improve outcomes for cancer patients and the healthcare system through designing, testing, and implementing evidence-based interventions to deliver high-quality, patient-centered cancer care.
Awards and Honors
- Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (K08), 2023 – 2028
- Inpatient Attending Award, UNC Department of Medicine, 2024
- Chair-Elect, American Society of Clinical Oncology Measures Steering Group, 2024 – 2025
- Member, End-of-Life Measures Task Force, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2023 – 2024
- Lung Cancer Initiative Career Development Grant, 2022 – 2024
- Conquer Cancer – Marc L. Citron, MD, Career Development Award in Breast Cancer, 2021
- Conquer Cancer Young Investigator Award in Breast Cancer, 2019 – 2020
- ASCO Merit Award, ASCO Quality Care Symposium, 2019
- National Research Service Award (NRSA) T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship Program, 2018 – 2019
- Lung Cancer Initiative of NC Research Fellowship, 2018 – 2019
- Appleseed Award for Outstanding Resident Teaching, Duke University, 2016
- Assistant Chief Resident, Durham VA Hospital, 2015-2016
News and Stories
UNC researchers to present at American Society of Clinical Oncology annual meeting
UNC and UNC Lineberger researchers and trainees will be presenting talks and participating in scientific and educational panels and discussions on the latest cancer research at the ASCO Annual Meeting.
Ray to use Conquer Cancer grant to test prognostic calculator for metastatic breast cancer
Emily Ray, MD, MPH, and colleagues are developing a tool to help support patients by providing a level of care that aligns with their goals and preferences.
