Monica L. Baskin has been named director of the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She began her role on August 3, making her the first woman to lead the center and the first Black woman to serve as director of a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center.
In addition to her new director role, Dr. Baskin is associate dean for cancer innovation in the VCU School of Medicine, with appointments as a professor in the division of hematology, oncology, and palliative care, and as a professor in the division of social and behavioral sciences in the School of Public Health. A renowned population scientist, she examines how behavioral, social, and environmental factors influence cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship. She has also led lifestyle interventions to improve cancer-related behaviors and health outcomes such as diet, physical activity, and obesity, particularly among rural and historically underserved populations. Dr. Baskin previously held faculty and leadership roles at the University of Pittsburgh, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Emory University in Atlanta.
“It is an honor to be named as the next director at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center,” said Dr. Baskin. “Massey is an exemplar, locally and nationally, on what truly matters for a cancer center and together we will continue to be defined by cutting-edge science, compassionate care and collaboration with our community to ensure everyone has access to lifesaving cancer prevention and treatment.”
A native of Atlanta, Dr. Baskin received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Emory University. After earning her master’s and doctoral degrees in community counseling and counseling psychology from Georgia State University, she completed a pediatric psychology fellowship at Emory and two National Institutes of Health fellowships at the National Cancer Institute and Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research.
