Dr. Leonard B. Saltz

Dr. Leonard Saltz, MD, is a preeminent medical oncologist and a leading authority in the treatment of colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers. He serves as Chief of the Gastrointestinal Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and holds a professorship at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Saltz earned his medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine and completed his residency at Yale–New Haven Hospital, followed by fellowship training at Stanford University and MSKCC. Board-certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine, he has devoted his career to advancing cancer care through clinical excellence, translational research, and health policy leadership.

A distinguished innovator in chemotherapy and targeted treatment strategies, Dr. Saltz has played a vital role in developing and refining drug regimens such as FOLFIRI and FOLFOX for metastatic colorectal cancer. His work has informed global standards for the safe and effective use of chemotherapeutic agents, including dosing strategies that minimize toxicity while preserving efficacy. He has authored hundreds of peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters, helping to redefine how clinicians approach complex GI cancers in both early-stage and metastatic settings.

In addition to his clinical and academic achievements, Dr. Saltz is a vocal advocate for rational, evidence-based use of cancer therapies and has been a thought leader in the national conversation on cancer drug costs and accessibility. He serves on editorial boards and advisory committees for major oncology journals and professional organizations, and is widely regarded as a mentor to oncologists across the country. Through his visionary leadership, patient-centered care, and unwavering dedication to innovation, Dr. Saltz continues to shape the future of gastrointestinal oncology on both a national and international scale.