Philip Spanheimer

Philip Spanheimer, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery (Surgical Oncology) and holds a secondary appointment in the Department of Genetics at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He specializes in surgical management of breast and endocrine cancers, with a focus on translational research linking clinical outcomes to molecular mechanisms. His research explores tumor adaptation to therapies, resistance mechanisms in breast cancer, and the use of patient-derived models (organoids, xenografts) to enhance treatment strategies.

Key research areas include kinase signaling pathways in endocrine-resistant breast cancer, cell cycle dynamics, and single-cell genomics for predicting therapy response. His clinical expertise spans complex skin cancers, gastrointestinal malignancies, and high-risk breast cancer patients. Board-certified in General Surgery and Complex Surgical Oncology, he integrates patient-centered care with laboratory investigations to advance cancer treatment paradigms.

Spanheimer collaborates across disciplines within the UNC Department of Genetics and Surgical Oncology programs, contributing to over 70 peer-reviewed publications. His work emphasizes training future researchers through clinical and laboratory projects, fostering critical analysis skills in surgical oncology fellows.