Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade is a hematology oncologist, associate dean for Global Health and Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor in Medicine and Human Genetics at the University of Chicago. She also serves as director of the University of Chicago Hospital’s Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics.

An expert in cancer risk assessment and individualized treatment for the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, Dr. Olopade developed novel management strategies based on an understanding of the altered genes in individual patients. She stresses comprehensive risk-reducing strategies and prevention in high-risk populations, as well as earlier detection through advanced imaging technologies. Her research interests are diverse and include: 1) treatment of breast cancer, especially in young or pregnant women, 2) familial cancers; 3) molecular genetics of cancer; 4) cancer risk assessment and chemoprevention; 5) breast cancer and minority populations; 6) disparities in health outcomes. She has maintained externally funded laboratory and clinical research programs in cancer genetics since 1990. Currently, Dr. Olopade is the Principal Investigator on grants from the NIH/NCI and several others.

In a true public-private partnership, Dr. Olopade and her University of Chicago colleagues are working with a network of investigators in Southwest Nigeria to uncover the genomic landscape of breast cancer in women of African ancestry. Among Dr. Olopade’s numerous honors and awards are honorary degrees from North Central, Dominican, Bowdoin and Princeton Universities. She is a recipient of the Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist and Exceptional Mentor Award, an American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professorship, a MacArthur Foundation Genius Fellowship and Officer of the Order of the Niger Award. Dr. Olopade currently serves on the board of directors for the American Board of Internal Medicine, the National Cancer Advisory Board, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Cancer IQ, and the Lyric Opera.