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Andrew Smitherman, MD, MSc, was recently named medical director of UNC Lineberger’s Adolescent and Young Adult Program.
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Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH, will be spearheading early phase clinical trials.

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has appointed Andrew Smitherman, MD, MSc, and Thomas Alexander, MD, MPH, to the Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology. Smitherman was also named medical director of UNC Lineberger’s Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Program.

Smitherman earned his medical degree from East Carolina University. He completed a combined residency in internal medicine and pediatrics, as well as served as chief resident in pediatrics, at UNC Hospitals. He continued his training as a clinical fellow in pediatric hematology-oncology at UNC and received a Master of Science degree in Clinical Research at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

In his role as AYA medical director, Smitherman will work collaboratively with Lauren Lux, LCSW, AYA program director, to provide personalized care and support for people the ages 13-30 who are being treated for cancer at the N.C. Cancer Hospital, UNC Lineberger’s clinical home, and UNC Children’s Hospital.

Alexander earned his medical degree and Master in Public Heath degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and then stayed on to complete his combined residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics at UNC Hospitals. He completed a fellowship in pediatric hematology-oncology and Physician Scientist Training Program at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, before being recruited back to UNC. Alexander will be spearheading our efforts in early phase clinical trials.

Stuart H. Gold, MD, chief of the Department of Pediatrics and Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at UNC Lineberger, said the recruitment of Alexander and Smitherman further enhances pediatric hematology-oncology’s scope of services and expertise.

“We have added two very capable, compassionate clinicians and researchers to our team,” said Gold. “Andrew’s research and clinical interests are going to help us move the ball forward for adolescents and young adults who are living with cancer in North Carolina. Thomas is leading the way with our early phase clinical trials, which is the cornerstone to advancing the development of new cancer therapies that can benefit our patients and those across the globe.”