Howard “Skip” Burris

Howard A. “Skip” Burris III, MD, FASCO, FACP serves as president and chief medical officer of Sarah Cannon, as well as the executive director, drug development for Sarah Cannon Research Institute. He is an associate of Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, where he practices medical oncology.

Dr. Burris’ clinical research career has focused on the development of new cancer agents with an emphasis on first-in-human therapies, having led the trials of many novel antibodies, small molecules, and chemotherapies now FDA approved. In 1997, he established in Nashville the first community-based early phase drug development program, which grew into the Sarah Cannon Research Institute. He has authored over 4 publications and 7 abstracts.

Dr. Burris served as president of ASCO in 219-22 and is serving as Chair of the Board for the 22-221 term. He also currently serves on the Board of ASCO’s Conquer Cancer Foundation. Additionally in 214, Dr. Burris was selected by his peers as a Giant of Cancer Care for his achievements in drug development.

Dr. Burris completed his undergraduate education at the United States Military Academy at West Point, his medical degree at the University of South Alabama, and his internal medicine residency and oncology fellowship at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio. While in Texas, he also served as the Director of Clinical Research at The Institute for Drug Development of the Cancer Therapy and Research Center and The University of Texas Health Science Center. He attained the rank of lieutenant colonel in the US Army, and among his decorations, he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal with oak leaf cluster for his service in Operation Joint Endeavor. 

Disclosures: Dr. Burris has no MCED-related relationships to disclose.