OREANDA-NEWS. September 06, 2013. McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network  announced the appointment of Michael V. Seiden, M.D., Ph.D. as chief medical officer, effective September 22. This appointment is the next step in the organization's continued drive towards becoming the clear leader in empowering the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based, cost-effective care.  

"Dr. Seiden's distinguished track record and extensive experience across patient care, research and operations makes him uniquely qualified to lead our organization's clinical and physician engagement strategy," said Marc Owen, president, McKesson Specialty Health. "His experience as a practicing oncologist and in running a major cancer center will complement the existing leadership team and ensure that a physician's perspective is contemplated in all decisions."

"Dr. Seiden's expertise will be beneficial in driving The US Oncology Network's vision of improving patient outcomes and quality of life," said Steven Paulson, M.D., president and chairman of the board for Texas Oncology, a practice affiliated with The US Oncology Network. "Physicians from The US Oncology Network participated in the candidate search which led to Dr. Seiden's appointment, and we are pleased to welcome him to the organization."

As the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Seiden will lead McKesson Specialty Health's clinical strategy and work closely with physicians in The US Oncology Network and other community practices across the country to enhance the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based care.

"McKesson Specialty Health and The US Oncology Network's commitment to empowering the community patient care delivery system through a physician-driven approach is vital given today's rapidly-changing environment," said Dr. Seiden. "I look forward to working closely with this team to ensure that patients everywhere have access to the best care possible."

Until recently, Dr. Seiden served as the CEO and President of Fox Chase Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center research facility and hospital in Philadelphia, Penn., and one of the top-ranked cancer programs in the country. Under his leadership, Fox Chase merged with Temple University Health system in 2012. Prior to Fox Chase, Dr. Seiden spent many years practicing at Massachusetts General Hospital, where he served as Chief of the Clinical Research Unit, Cancer Science Division. A nationally known expert on ovarian cancer, Dr. Seiden has been a practicing oncologist for more than 20 years.

Dr. Seiden received his bachelor's degree from Oberlin College and his medical and Ph.D. degrees from Washington University. He completed his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital, his fellowships in medical oncology and bone marrow transplant at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, and his post-doctoral fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Department of Pathology. He will be based in The Woodlands, Texas.