SUMMARY
Elisabeth I. Heath, M.D., is a clinician-scientist and leader in medical oncology. She specializes in prostate cancer research and care. As chair of the Division of Oncology Research, Dr. Heath brings more than two decades of experience in translational research, clinical trial leadership and institutional strategy to Mayo Clinic.
Dr. Heath's work focuses on advancing prostate cancer discovery and patient outcomes through multidisciplinary collaboration, innovative clinical trials and a commitment to optimal health for all. Dr. Heath has led large-scale, multi-institutional research initiatives, including federally funded prostate cancer grants. She has played a pivotal role in developing new treatment strategies for advanced and high-risk diseases.
Dr. Heath's research integrates molecular biology, clinical science and community engagement to address health drivers and improve survival and quality of life for all patient populations.
Focus areas
- Prostate cancer biology and care. Dr. Heath leads investigations into the biological, clinical and social factors influencing prostate cancer outcomes. Her research explores mechanisms driving aggressive disease in specific populations and develops tailored interventions to improve survival and quality of life. She has contributed to the understanding of differences in treatment response, and she is dedicated to achieving optimal health for all.
- Translational and clinical research leadership. Dr. Heath has overseen research strategy, clinical trial development and program operations for major initiatives such as the Michigan Prostate Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) and the Prostate Cancer Clinical Trials Consortium. She has extensive experience in designing and implementing multisite clinical trials, optimizing accrual strategies and managing complex research programs.
- Development of novel therapies. Dr. Heath's research focuses on developing and evaluating new single-agent and combination therapies for advanced prostate cancer. She investigates biological differences contributing to treatment resistance and disease progression, leading to more-effective therapeutic strategies for high-risk and metastatic disease.
- Health drivers and optimal health for everyone. Dr. Heath is recognized for her leadership in expanding access to clinical research for historically understudied populations. She drives initiatives to ensure appropriate and robust representation in research studies and achieve the highest level of health for everyone.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Heath's research helps patients by creating new treatments for prostate cancer. This is especially true for those whose disease is advanced or hard to treat. Her work helps healthcare professionals know why some cancers are more aggressive. It also helps them adjust treatments for better results.
Dr. Heath makes sure that more patients, including those from understudied communities, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and the latest care advances. Her efforts lead to better survival and quality of life. These efforts also give hope to patients with cancer and their families.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Division of Oncology, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, 2024-present.
- Gary Cowger Legacy Award, American Cancer Society Michigan, 2024.
- Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute:
- Associate center director, Translational Sciences, 2017-2024.
- Patricia C. and E. Jan Hartmann Endowed Chair for Prostate Cancer Research, 2014-2024.
- Director of prostate cancer research, 2010-2024.
- Top Doc, Hour Magazine, 2010-2024.
- Editorial board, Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2014-2020.
- Detroit Business Health Care Hero, Crain's Detroit Business, 2019.
- Lawrence M. Weiner Award, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 2019.
- Cancer Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award, National Cancer Institute, 2010.