Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry

Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry, MD, PhD, is a nationally recognized medical oncologist and cancer researcher specializing in gastrointestinal malignancies and molecular oncology. He serves as Associate Dean for Oncologic Sciences at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Director of the Cancer Center at Brown University, and holds the Mencoff Family University Professorship in Medical Science. Dr. El-Deiry earned his medical degree and PhD from the University of Miami, completed his residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and pursued fellowship training in hematology and oncology at Johns Hopkins. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology and is widely regarded for his leadership in translational cancer research.

Dr. El-Deiry is best known for his discovery of p21(WAF1), a critical downstream target of p53 that regulates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, a finding that has shaped the molecular understanding of cancer biology. His laboratory has advanced insights into drug resistance, apoptosis pathways, and immunotherapy, leading to the development of novel therapeutic strategies. He has authored more than 400 peer-reviewed publications and his work has been continuously funded by the National Cancer Institute and other major research organizations.

In addition to his scientific contributions, Dr. El-Deiry is a dedicated educator, mentor, and leader in oncology. He has held leadership roles at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn State Cancer Institute, and now at Brown University, where he is building collaborative programs to accelerate cancer discoveries. He serves on numerous editorial boards and national advisory panels and is an elected member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Through his commitment to discovery, translational research, and mentorship, Dr. Wafik S. El-Deiry continues to shape the future of cancer science and clinical care.