Dr. Joanne E. Mortimer

Dr. Joanne M. Mortimer, MD, is an internationally respected medical oncologist specializing in breast and women’s cancers. She serves as the Baum Family Professor in Women’s Cancers and is Vice Chair of the Department of Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research at City of Hope National Medical Center. Dr. Mortimer earned her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and completed her residency and fellowship in internal medicine and medical oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Board-certified in both Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, she has devoted her career to improving outcomes for patients with breast cancer through a combination of compassionate care, clinical innovation, and academic leadership.

Dr. Mortimer is widely recognized for her pioneering work in the use of functional imaging to assess early treatment response in breast cancer, as well as her contributions to the development of novel targeted therapies in HER2-positive disease. She has led and participated in numerous clinical trials exploring genotype-directed treatment strategies and continues to play a leading role in advancing precision oncology. Her research has been published extensively in high-impact journals and has significantly influenced how breast cancer is diagnosed and managed. In addition to her scientific accomplishments, she is known for integrating psychosocial support into oncologic care, reflecting her patient-centered philosophy.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Mortimer serves as Associate Director for Education and Training at City of Hope’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she has trained generations of oncologists and physician-scientists. She has received numerous honors for her contributions to clinical care and academic medicine, including recognition from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Through her leadership in clinical research, her commitment to education, and her unwavering dedication to patients, Dr. Mortimer stands as a transformative figure in the field of breast oncology and women’s cancer care.