Dr. Monica Baskin has reached a groundbreaking milestone in cancer research and healthcare leadership. On August 3, 2026, she began serving as the director of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, becoming the first Black woman to lead a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer center.
Her appointment also marks another first. Baskin is the first woman selected to direct VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. She now joins a small group of just nine women leading comprehensive cancer centers across the United States, highlighting the growing impact of women in cancer research and patient care.
Dr. Monica Baskin Takes the Helm at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
Baskin will oversee one of the nation’s leading cancer centers, guiding a team of 250 scientists and clinical investigators. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the center’s work in research, treatment, prevention, and community partnerships.
She said she is honored to lead the institution and continue its mission of improving cancer care for every patient.
“It is an honor to be named as the next director at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center,” Baskin said. “Massey is an exemplar, locally and nationally, on what truly matters for a cancer center, and together we will continue to be defined by cutting-edge science, compassionate care, and collaboration with our community to ensure everyone has access to lifesaving cancer prevention and treatment.”
Her leadership begins at a time when reducing health disparities remains a major priority for cancer centers across the country.
A Career Dedicated to Cancer Research and Health Equity
Baskin’s commitment to cancer research was shaped by personal loss. Her father died from colorectal cancer while she was still in high school. She also lost other family members to cancer. Those experiences inspired her to focus on cancer prevention, early detection, mental health, and health equity.
Throughout her career, she has combined scientific research with community outreach. That approach has helped improve access to cancer prevention and care for underserved populations.
Her academic journey also reflects years of preparation. The Atlanta native earned a master’s degree in community counseling and later completed a Ph.D. in counseling psychology after graduating from Georgia State University.
Dr. Monica Baskin Built a National Reputation in Cancer Leadership
Before joining VCU Massey, Baskin held several senior leadership positions at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. She served as deputy director, associate director for community outreach and engagement, vice chancellor for community health equity, and associate director for health equity.
She also taught as a professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Earlier in her career, she was a tenured professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and a senior associate faculty member at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health.
In addition, Baskin completed prestigious fellowships at Emory University, the National Cancer Institute, and the NIH Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research. She has also led research teams that secured more than $70 million in National Institutes of Health grants.
Cancer Research Leadership Focused on Community Impact
Beyond publishing research, Baskin has focused on making scientific discoveries benefit real communities. She has served on Cancer Center Support Grant review panels while helping shape national cancer research priorities.
Her work has consistently addressed the connection between cancer prevention, behavioral health, and health equity. That combination has made her a respected leader among researchers and healthcare professionals.
Marlon Levy, CEO of the VCU Health System, praised her appointment.
“As a world-renowned scientist and counseling psychologist, Dr. Baskin’s extensive experience in identifying and working to reduce health disparities at the intersection of cancer prevention and mental health has made her a powerful advocate for VCU Health patients and their loved ones.”
Dr. Monica Baskin’s Historic Appointment Inspires Future Leaders
Baskin’s appointment represents an important moment for women and Black professionals in medicine. Her leadership shows how expertise, persistence, and service can open new opportunities in fields where representation has often been limited.
At the same time, her career demonstrates the importance of combining scientific excellence with compassion. As she begins leading an NCI-designated cancer center, many hope her work will inspire the next generation of researchers, physicians, and healthcare leaders to pursue careers that improve lives.
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