City of Hope Orange County’s Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., Named Among the Nation’s 25 Science and Policy Leaders by Friends of Cancer Research

(Irvine, CA, May 27, 2021) Preeminent oncologist Edward S. Kim, MD, MBA, Physician-in-Chief, City of Hope Orange County and Vice Physician-in-Chief, City of Hope National Medical Center, has been named among the nation’s top cancer leaders by Friends of Cancer Research, a national organization dedicated to advances in science, policy, and regulations that speed lifesaving treatments to patients.

Friends of Cancer Research (Friends) is honoring Dr. Kim, a leading physician executive and world-renowned lung cancer specialist, for his tireless work to expand eligibility criteria for cancer clinical trials. Dr. Kim leads initiatives to reduce barriers to clinical trials and is passionate about ensuring that they are inclusive and representative of all populations.

“I am humbled to receive this recognition from Friends of Cancer Research, which has spent decades at the forefront of cancer research and policy and fosters collaboration among the advocacy community, research institutions, the health care industry and more,” Dr. Kim said. “It’s an honor to partner with Friends and, at the same time, help bring City of Hope’s pioneering research and lifesaving treatments to more people through our planned cancer campus of the future and network of advanced cancer care in Orange County.”

Dr. Kim is instrumental in the development of a world-class network of care and visionary cancer campus opening in Irvine that will include widespread access to clinical trials, leading-edge treatments, and innovations in cancer prevention and early diagnosis. Lennar Foundation Cancer Center at FivePoint’s Great Park will open in 2022.

The recognition from Friends of Cancer Research comes as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Dr. Kim is one of 25 scientific, policy and advocacy leaders who, through their work and partnership with the organization, have been instrumental in making significant advancements for patients.

“Dr. Kim is an incredible scientific partner and steadfast advocate for patients in countless ways,” said Ellen V. Sigal, PhD., chair and founder of Friends of Cancer Research. “His leadership to make clinical trials more representative and accessible has truly helped change the field.” 

Recently, Dr. Kim collaborated with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and Friends of Cancer Research to author new recommendations for changing cancer trial eligibility requirements. “We can reverse an age-old blind spot and make our clinical findings more applicable to our patient populations,” says Dr. Kim.

Dr. Kim also serves as Vice Physician in Chief for City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, CA. A U.S. News & World Report “Top Doctor,” he is known for his immense oncology experience, including pioneering research in molecular prognostication –a discipline that advances cancer detection and personalized therapies. Before joining City of Hope in 2020, he held clinical and executive leadership positions at Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health in Charlotte, North Carolina, and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Founded in 1996, Friends, as it is known in the cancer community, is committed to partnering with collaborating health care institutions, policy makers, patients, and families to create and implement policies that ensure patients receive the best treatments in the fastest and safest way possible.

For updates on City of Hope Orange County, or to become a volunteer or philanthropic partner, please visit CityofHope.org/OC.