John A. Charlson

John A. Charlson, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He holds leadership roles including Medical Director of the Cancer Center 24-Hour Clinic and serves on institutional committees such as the Cancer Center Process Improvement Committee and Pharmacy/Therapeutics Subcommittee. His clinical practice focuses on sarcoma and breast cancer management.

Education & Training

• B.A. in Biology, Luther College (1989-1993)
• M.D., University of Iowa College of Medicine (1995-1999)
• Residency in Internal Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin (1999-2002)
• Fellowship in Neoplastic Diseases, Medical College of Wisconsin (2005-2007)
• Lean Healthcare Certification, University of Michigan (2013)

Research Focus

Dr. Charlson's research spans clinical trials in sarcoma therapeutics, cancer survivorship, and treatment optimization. He leads multiple phase 1-3 trials investigating novel agents like nirogacestat for desmoid tumors and adoptive cellular therapies. His work emphasizes multimodal approaches including immunotherapy combinations, radiation techniques, and biomarker-driven treatments. Research interests extend to adolescent/young adult oncology and health services outcomes.

Publication Trends

Recent publications demonstrate extensive work in sarcoma immunotherapy (CAR-T therapies, immune checkpoint combinations), targeted therapies (tyrosine kinase inhibitors, gamma-secretase inhibitors), and treatment optimization studies (hypofractionated radiation, chemotherapy regimens). Breast cancer research focuses on receptor expression patterns and neoadjuvant response biomarkers. Methodologies include clinical trials, retrospective cohort analyses, and translational studies.

Honors & Recognition

• Best Doctors in America (2009-2023)
• Top Ten Teaching Award, Medical College of Wisconsin (2003-2004)
• Donald J. Schuenke Cancer Fellowship (2006)
• Vitality Award for clinical excellence (2016)
• Top 20 Outpatient Physicians, Froedtert Hospital (2008)

Academic Contributions

As principal investigator for over 20 clinical trials, Dr. Charlson has secured funding from NIH/NCI, industry partners, and foundations. He mentors medical students and fellows in sarcoma research projects and coordinates hematology/oncology educational programs. Administrative roles include oversight of quality improvement initiatives in cancer care delivery and readmission reduction.

Laboratories & Collaborations

Dr. Charlson collaborates with the Midwest Sarcoma Trials Partnership and Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC). He serves as institutional PI for multi-center trials and liaises with sarcoma research consortia. Laboratory work focuses on preclinical drug evaluation in sarcoma models, particularly combination therapies and biomarker validation.