Dr. Charles M. Balch, MD, FACS, FASCO

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One of the World’s Preeminent Experts in Melanoma and Breast Cancer: Advancing the Frontiers of Surgical Oncology and Patient Education with a Global Impact That Spans Continents

Dr. Charles M. Balch is a distinguished surgical oncologist whose illustrious career spans over five decades. He has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of melanoma and breast cancer, establishing himself as a global leader in surgical oncology. His multifaceted expertise encompasses not only clinical practice but also laboratory and clinical research, particularly in the fields of tumor immunology and immunotherapy.

Dr. Balch’s academic journey began with a Doctor of Medicine Degree from Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons in New York, New York. He further honed his surgical skills through an internship at Duke University Medical Center and a surgical residency at the University of Alabama, Birmingham. A dedicated researcher, he completed an immunology research fellowship at the Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation. He was a specialist in the General Clinical Research Centers Branch of the National Institutes of Health.

In 1975, Dr. Balch joined the surgical faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he held pivotal roles, including Chief of Surgical Oncology and Associate Director of Clinical Studies at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. His career trajectory continued upward when he joined the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1985 as Head of the Division of Surgery, Anesthesia, and Dental Oncology, eventually taking on roles as Vice President of Hospitals and Clinics and Executive Vice President for Health Affairs.

Dr. Balch’s leadership extended beyond MD Anderson, as he took on significant positions, including President and CEO of the City of Hope National Medical Center, Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and Professor of Surgery at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. In 2015, he returned to his roots at MD Anderson, where he continues to practice as a Professor in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Division of Surgery.

Author of over 850 publications, Dr. Balch’s work has had a profound impact on the biomedical landscape, accumulating over 35,000 citations—an average of 75 citations per article. His influence is felt globally, with lectures delivered in more than 42 countries and numerous contributions to academic institutions across the United States.

Dr. Balch is also the founding Editor-in-Chief of the “Annals of Surgical Oncology”, recognized as the premier journal in its field. He has authored the authoritative textbook on melanoma, “Cutaneous Melanoma”, now in its 6th edition. His commitment to cancer patient education is exemplified through the initiation of “Resource Cancer Guides”, which distributes nearly one million cancer guides annually to patients seeking information on various cancer topics.

Throughout his career, Dr. Balch has organized and participated in randomized surgical trials that have set the standards for melanoma surgery. These include his role as Principal Investigator for the Intergroup Melanoma Surgical Trial and leadership in multi-institutional clinical trials involving adjuvant therapies for high-risk melanoma patients. His research has been integral in shaping the staging of cutaneous melanoma, with methodologies adopted worldwide.

Dr. Balch’s leadership extends into numerous professional organizations, where he served as President of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the Association of Academic Surgeons, and the International Sentinel Node Society, among others. He holds honorary memberships in various national and international societies. He has received accolades such as a Ph.D. degree (Honora causa) from the University of Crete and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the British Association of Surgical Oncology.

In addition to his professional commitments, Dr. Balch is actively involved in volunteer work with not-for-profit organizations, including Health Volunteers Overseas and the American College of Surgeons Foundation. His passion for philanthropy and community service is evident in his leadership roles across various organizations, including Manned Space Flight Education Foundation, NASA Space Center Houston (Founding Board of Directors), and Undying Hope International (Chair, Board of Directors).

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Balch is an avid traveler and photographer. He is fond of exploring Asia, Europe, and Africa on safari. His diverse interests enrich his life and inspire his work in oncology.

Dr. Charles M. Balch’s extraordinary contributions to surgical oncology and his unwavering dedication to patient education and advocacy continue to shape the future of cancer treatment. As he embarks on the next chapter of his remarkable career, his legacy is celebrated by the broader medical community, which looks forward to his ongoing impact on the field.

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