In May 2023, Michael O. Meyers, MD, a surgical oncologist at UNC, was named the James F. and Alice B. Newsome Distinguished Professor, carrying on the legacy of distinguished UNC surgeon and teacher Dr. James “Turk” F. Newsome.

Dr. Meyers’ surgical oncology journey also was shaped by the legacy of a Fox Chase fellowship. “I chose Fox Chase over anywhere in the country because of its national reputation for clinical innovation, bench-to-bedside research, and compassionate care,” says Dr. Meyers.

“At Fox Chase, the relationships between the most esteemed clinician-researchers and Fellows were about collaboration and knowledge sharing. I received broad-based surgical training and ‘in the weeds’ guidance about translating scientific ideas into clinical realities.”

At UNC, Dr. Meyers’ specialties include gastrointestinal malignancy, including esophageal, gastric, colon, and rectal cancer, liver cancer, and melanoma. He serves in the Division of Surgical Oncology and was the General Surgery Residency Program Director for 11 years, a position which he stepped away from last fall for a new administrative role.

Dr. Meyers received the 2022 UNC Health Care / UNC Faculty Physicians Award for Carolina Care Excellence and is known throughout the region as a surgeon worthy of carrying the James F. and Alice B. Newsome Distinguished Professor mantle.