The Duke Department of Medicine (DOM) joins Duke University in looking back at the people who have had an impact within our Department over the years. These individuals have contributed to the Department’s trajectory in providing equitable and compassionate patient care, training our next generation of physician leaders with excellence, and developing new therapies to improve the lives of patients in our community and beyond.
Nelson J. Chao, MD, MBA, the Donald D. and Elizabeth G. Cooke Professor in Cancer Research, has been a transformative force in the Duke Department of Medicine (DOM) and the broader Duke institution. As the former chief of the Division of Hematological Malignancies and Cell Therapy at DOM, Dr. Chao has made significant contributions to stem cell biology, graft-versus-host disease prevention, and immune reconstitution. As Duke reflects on its first 100 years, Dr. Chao’s work has firmly positioned Duke at the forefront of cell-based therapies, significantly impacting patient care for the next 100.
Dr. Chao's academic journey began at Harvard University, where he earned his BA cum laude, followed by a medical degree with honors from Yale University. He completed his residency in internal medicine and fellowship in oncology at Stanford University Medical Center. Dr. Chao then earned an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business, furthering his commitment to combining clinical excellence with strategic leadership.
At Duke, Dr. Chao wears many hats. In addition to his role at DOM, he is a Research Professor of Global Health, a Professor in Pathology and Immunology, an Affiliate of the Duke Regeneration Center, and a Member of the Duke Cancer Institute. His leadership as the former chief of the division has driven significant advancements in the field, improving patient outcomes and pushing the boundaries of medical science.
Dr. Chao’s vision extends beyond Duke. As Director of Global Cancer at the Duke Global Health Institute, he has spearheaded initiatives to enhance cancer care globally, particularly in resource-limited settings. His recent NIH grant to design health-systems interventions for improving cancer care for children in Tanzania highlights his dedication to global health equity. In addition, he helped found the Radiation Injury Treatment Network (RITN), a large collaborative partnership of academic centers and the Federal Government focused on preparedness for radiation or nuclear terrorism.
Dr. Chao's collaborative spirit and dedication to innovation are evident in his co-directorship of the Clinical Stem Cell Transplantation Laboratory, where he oversees approximately 50 clinical protocols. These protocols explore various facets of stem cell therapy, from novel preparatory regimens to innovative supportive care studies. His pioneering work in developing cord-blood transplantation for adult patients with hematologic malignancies has provided new hope to patients with previously limited treatment options.
Throughout his career, Dr. Chao has received national and international acclaim for his contributions to medicine. He serves on numerous boards, including the NIH (NIAID, NCI and NHLBI) and many grant review committees. His editorial work for prestigious journals such as Blood and the Journal of Immunology and his role as associate editor of Biology of Blood and Marrow Transplantation underscore his influence in the scientific community.
Dr. Chao’s prolific output includes close to 400 peer-reviewed papers and numerous awards, such as his election to the Association of American Physicians and Best Abstract awards from leading medical societies. He is also an entrepreneur, co-founding biotechnology companies Aldagen and C2 Regenerate, further extending his impact beyond academia.
Among his recent achievements, Dr. Chao secured several significant grants, including 20 years of federal continuous funding for a consortium of centers called the Radiation Countermeasures Centers Research Excellence (RadCCORE). His recent publications reflect his ongoing dedication to advancing knowledge and improving patient care.
Dr. Nelson J. Chao's distinguished career is a testament to his unwavering dedication to medical science, patient care, and global health. In addition, he is most proud of the mentoring and growth of new faculty and trainees. As we celebrate Duke University's centennial, we honor Dr. Chao's exceptional contributions that have not only shaped the Division of Hematological Malignancies and Cell Therapy but also left an indelible mark on the entire field of medicine. His work continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of clinicians and researchers, ensuring Duke remains a beacon of medical excellence for the next century.