Hematology & Oncology
Division of Hematology and Oncology
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Thomas J. George, MD, FACP Division of Hematology / Oncology Assistant Professor Associate Program Director, Fellowship Training Program Malcom Randall VA Medical Center Director, Gastrointestinal Oncology Program University of Florida Division of Hematology/Oncology P.O. Box 100278, College of Medicine Gainesville, Florida 32610-0278 Telephone/FAX: 352-273-7759, 352-392-2129 |
Dr. George is a clinical investigator and educator with a focus on gastrointestinal malignancies and melanoma. He is board certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine. He is a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and numerous clinical trial cooperative groups.
Training:
| Degree Program |
Institution | Field/Specialty |
| B.S. with Highest Honors | University of Florida, Gainesville, FL |
Microbiology & Chemistry |
| M.D. | University of Florida, Gainesville, FL |
Medicine |
| Residency | University of Florida, Gainesville, FL |
Internal Medicine |
| Fellowship | University of Florida, Gainesville, FL |
Hematology & Oncology |
Academic Interests:
Clinical research in the areas of gastrointestinal malignancies and malignant melanoma are primary aspects of Dr. George’s academic interests. Specific areas of focus include active participation and development of clinical trials to promote novel drug application in patient care, quality of life/cancer care decision making, and identification of predictive markers for individualized therapy. He serves as Vice Chair of the Cancer Center Data Safety Monitoring Board and has been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Florida Cancer Control and Research and Advisory Council which advises the legislature on matters related to cancer care and research in the state.
Educationally, he is a dedicated mentor and teacher of fellows, residents, and students in the College of Medicine and is actively involved in Graduate Medical Education administration and policy development both locally and at a national level.
Clinical Interests:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Malignancies
Diagnosis and Treatment of Malignant Melanoma
Research Interests:
Experimental Therapeutics
Dr. George is involved as a Principle Investigator in numerous clinical trials aimed at determining the optimal treatment for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies and melanoma. Collaboration includes numerous national clinical trial groups as well as the University of Florida Proton Therapy Institute. Representative protocols include studies in colon, rectal, pancreatic and hepatobiliary cancers, as well as malignant melanoma. These novel therapies hold the promise of becoming the next breakthrough in cancer patient care.
Personalized Oncology
As cancer care becomes more complex, focus on a tailored approach to individualized treatments which maximize benefit while minimizing risk is critical. Research involving the identification of specific markers or elements of a patient or their cancer which will predict, in advance, response to a given therapy is an area of active investigation. The incorporation of new molecular markers, gene expression profiling, and pharmacogenomics into clinical care will help to provide patients with truly personalized care.
Quality of Life and Decision Making
Patients and their loved ones facing the new diagnosis of a cancer face a variety of potentially overwhelming treatment options and decisions. Collaboration with behavioral scientists, clinical psychologists, and others are helping to break down the complex process of decision making in an attempt to determine how best to deliver treatment options and maximize quality of life.
Educating the Next Generation of Oncologists
The next generation holds the keys to continuing the work currently ongoing in cancer biology, therapeutics, and patient care. Development of novel educational tools, training modules, and advanced curricula aimed at providing these oncologists-in-training with the skills needed to practice state of the art medicine while maintaining the humanism and sensitivity required for being entrusted with the honor of caring for patients with cancer is an area of ongoing professional and research interest.
Representative Publications:
- George TJ, Sugrue MW, George SN, Wingard JR. Factors Associated with Parameters of Engraftment Potential of Umbilical Cord Blood. Transfusion. 2006 Oct;46(10):1803-12.
- Marsh R and George T. Rationale and Appropriate Use of Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy for Pancreatic Ductal Carcinoma. Current Gastroenterology Reports. 2006 Apr;8(2):111-20.
- Rajasekhar A, George TJ Jr. Gemcitabine-induced Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. The Oncologist. 2007 Nov;12(11):1332-1335.
- Mendenhall WM, Amdur RJ, Grobmyer SR, George TJ Jr, Werning JW, Hochwald SN, Mendenhall NP. Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Cutaneous Melanoma. Cancer. 2008 Feb 7;112(6):1189-96.
- George TJ Jr. KRAS Mutational Analysis: Ready for Prime Time? Community Oncology. 2008 Aug;5(8):433-6.
Link to Curriculum Vitae
Link to PubMed Publication listing