Elizabeth Claire Dees

Elizabeth Claire Dees, MD, ScM, is a Professor of Medicine at the University of North Carolina (UNC) School of Medicine and a member of both the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and UNC Breast Center. She founded the Developmental Therapeutics (Phase I Trials) Working Group at UNC-LCCC and currently directs the early phase clinical trials program and breast cancer clinical trials group. Dr. Dees is also co-leader of the LCCC Clinical Research Program, PI for the Duke-UNC-Wash U Partnership in the ETCTN (UM1 Grant), and co-investigator on NCTN and NRG grants.

• Education: MD from Duke University (1993), ScM from Johns Hopkins University (1999)
• Training: Residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (1993–1996), Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Johns Hopkins Hospital (1996–1999)

Her research focuses on early phase clinical trials of novel therapeutics for breast cancer, including genomic risk stratification, immunotherapy, and targeted drug development. She has authored or co-authored over 85 papers and led 100+ clinical trials.

Recent Publications highlight advancements in HER2-targeted therapies, FGFR inhibition, and genomic assays for treatment personalization. Awards include Forbes™ Top 27 Breast Cancer Experts (2017), multiple Best Doctors in America® recognitions, and Komen Scientific Advisory Council membership.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Forbes Top 27 Breast Cancer Expert (2017)
  • Best Doctors in America® (2007, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017)
  • K23 and Doris Duke Awards

Dr. Dees actively mentors oncology and pharmacology fellows and serves on peer review panels for DOD, Komen, and NIH. Her clinical work at UNC Hospitals Adult Oncology Clinics emphasizes patient-centered care, reflected in high patient satisfaction scores.