Dr. David H. Ilson

Dr. David H. Ilson, MD, PhD, is a prominent gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), where he specializes in the treatment of esophageal, gastric, and colorectal cancers. He earned both his MD and PhD from New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency in internal medicine at Bellevue Hospital, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at MSKCC. Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Dr. Ilson also serves as Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. He sees patients at MSKCC’s Manhattan location and offers remote consultations via telemedicine, combining personalized care with innovative therapies.

He is widely regarded for his clinical expertise and leadership in developing advanced treatment protocols for upper gastrointestinal malignancies. Dr. Ilson has led numerous clinical trials focused on novel chemotherapy agents, radiation strategies, and targeted therapies in esophageal and gastric cancers. His work has contributed significantly to shaping national treatment guidelines and has helped refine multidisciplinary approaches to care. With a strong focus on translational research, he integrates emerging molecular data to guide therapeutic decision-making and improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease.

Beyond his clinical and research efforts, Dr. Ilson is actively involved in medical education and serves as a mentor to oncology fellows and junior faculty. He is a frequent lecturer at national and international conferences and serves on the editorial boards of several leading oncology journals. With over 200 peer-reviewed publications and ongoing involvement in clinical trial design, Dr. Ilson continues to influence the direction of gastrointestinal cancer care. His dedication to research, education, and evidence-based treatment has firmly established him as a highly influential figure in gastrointestinal oncology.