Dr. Deborah Schrag

Dr. Deborah Schrag, MD, MPH, is a nationally recognized medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies, with a particular focus on colorectal and rectal cancers. She serves as Chair of the Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holds the George J. Bosl Chair in Medicine. Dr. Schrag earned her medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and completed her residency in internal medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. She pursued fellowship training in medical oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and earned a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and is widely regarded for her leadership in advancing care delivery and clinical research in gastrointestinal oncology.

A leader in pragmatic clinical trials and health services research, Dr. Schrag has been instrumental in developing strategies to improve the quality and equity of cancer care. She has led major national studies, including the PROSPECT trial, which refined treatment sequencing for locally advanced rectal cancer. Her work in integrating patient-reported outcomes into clinical practice and her research on healthcare delivery models have significantly influenced national cancer care standards. Dr. Schrag has authored over 300 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to national guidelines and policy initiatives aimed at optimizing cancer care delivery.

In addition to her clinical and research leadership, Dr. Schrag is a dedicated educator and mentor. She has trained numerous fellows and junior faculty and is recognized for her collaborative leadership style. Prior to joining Memorial Sloan Kettering, she served as Chief of the Division of Population Sciences at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. She is an Associate Editor of JAMA and serves on advisory committees for ASCO, NCCN, and the National Cancer Policy Forum. Dr. Schrag was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2024, reflecting her impact on oncology research and policy. Through her commitment to clinical innovation, health services research, and mentorship, Dr. Deborah Schrag continues to shape the future of gastrointestinal oncology and cancer care delivery.