Thomas J George, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.S.C.O.

Dr. George is a physician scientist with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies and new cancer therapy development. As director of the GI Oncology Program at the University of Florida, Dr. George helps to oversee the multidisciplinary treatment of patients with GI malignancies. He also develops and tests new cancer treatments as the director of Experimental Therapeutics through clinical trials leveraging advancements in precision oncology and immunotherapy across a variety of cancer types. He previously served as chair of the Medical Advisory Board to the State of Florida Department of Health and the Screen for Life Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, which targets historically underserved populations. He also completed a 10 year term as the gubernatorial-appointed chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council, which advises the legislature, Department of Health, and state surgeon general on all cancer related matters and policy. He currently serves as the Interim Director of the UF Health Cancer Institute. As a National Cancer Institute funded clinical investigator and through national leadership in several clinical trial groups and research organizations, Dr. George is both advancing the field and supporting the next generation of physician scientists. He is a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Association for Cancer Research, and numerous cancer research groups.

Translational and clinical research in gastrointestinal malignancies is the primary aspect of Dr. George’s academic interests.  Specific areas of focus include active collaboration and development of early phase clinical trials to promote novel drug application in patient care, improve quality of life, and identify predictive markers for individualized therapy.  He has been a 10 year Gubernatorial appointee to the Executive Committee and past Chair of the Florida Cancer Control and Research and Advisory Council which advises the legislature on matters related to cancer care and research in the state. He is a dedicated mentor and teacher of trainees and students in the College of Medicine and junior faculty both at UF and other major cancer centers.

Experimental Therapeutics – Dr. George is involved as a Principal Investigator in numerous clinical trials aimed at determining the optimal treatment for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and bringing new therapies to patients with these cancers.  Collaborations include public and private partnerships, numerous national clinical trial groups as well as the National Cancer Institute.  Representative protocols include studies in colon, rectal, pancreatic, esophagogastric, hepatobiliary and other treatment refractory cancers.  He has been involved in developing or leading clinical trials that have contributed to changes in clinical practice.  

Personalized Oncology – As cancer care becomes more complex, focus on a tailored approach to individualized treatments which maximize benefit while minimizing risk is critical.  Research involving the identification of specific markers or elements of a patient or their cancer which will predict, in advance, response to a given therapy are areas of active investigation.  The incorporation of new molecular markers, gene expression profiling, and pharmacogenomics into clinical care will help to provide patients with truly personalized care. 

Cancer Informatics, digital resources, and Big Data – The rapid adoption of advanced computing and AI offers tremendous opportunities to rapidly advance the field of cancer research and improve outcomes for patients. Dr. George works closely with computational engineers, bioinformaticians, large database managers and biomedical scientists to leverage the University’s AI-resources and initiatives to support new cancer discoveries and innovations.