Roswell Park Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Experts Shift Into Expanded Leadership Roles

BUFFALO, N.Y. — When cancer patients need a precise diagnosis or a second opinion, they rely on the expertise of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Often called the “most important doctors you’ll never meet,” pathologists play a critical behind-the-scenes role to ensure proper staging and grading of disease, allowing care teams to develop personalized treatment plans. Acknowledging their dedication, Carl Morrison, MD, DVM, Chair of the Department, has recently announced several promotions within his team.

“I am proud and excited to appoint this slate of accomplished leaders to these important roles,” says Dr. Morrison, who is also Senior Vice President for Scientific Development and Integrative Medicine. “I know their professionalism and insights will benefit both our patients and colleagues across Roswell Park.”

Thaer Khoury, MD, promoted to Vice Chair of Anatomic Pathology
On staff for more than 15 years, Dr. Khoury has served as a Professor of Oncology and, most recently, Chief of Breast Pathology. He completed his fellowship at Roswell Park and residencies at the University at Buffalo’s Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences as well as the University of Damascus.

Kai Fu, MD, PhD, promoted to Vice Chair of Hematopathology
Dr. Fu joined the team last year as Director of Hematopathology following a long tenure at the University of Nebraska. His new role will see him guiding Roswell Park’s work in this important subspecialty, which is dedicated to diagnosis, staging and analysis involving blood cancers and disorders.

Joanne L. Becker, MD, promoted to Vice Chair of Laboratory Medicine
With Roswell Park for more than two decades, Dr. Becker has served as Chief of Clinical Laboratory Services since 2011 and as the Medical Director of the Blood Bank and Therapeutic Apheresis Unit — a role she continues to hold.

Paul Bogner, MD, promoted to Vice Chair for Pathology Outreach
Dr. Bogner continues to be sought after as a diagnostic consultant throughout the region in the field of dermatopathology, and will utilize this expertise to expand outreach to local dermatologists managing patients with difficult skin lesions.

Mihai Merzianu, MD, promoted to Clinical Chief and Director of Surgical Pathology
Dr. Merzianu came to Roswell Park in 2005 and currently serves as a surgical pathologist with expertise in head and neck pathology and hematopathology. In his role as Director of Surgical Pathology, Dr Merzianu plays an integral role in the day-to-day management of patient care issues.  

Sean Glenn, PhD, promoted to Vice Chair of Molecular Pathology
Most recently serving as Assistant Director of the Molecular Pathology, Dr. Glenn will take a leadership role in bringing innovative solutions in molecular pathology to the forefront of patient care.

Manuel Glynias, named Vice Chair of Pathology Informatics
New to the Roswell Park team, Glynias will provide technical and administrative leadership to guide informatics strategy across the department. Nationally known as an innovative leader in genomics informatics and bioinformatics, Glynias fills a major gap in our future strategic plan for the Department of Pathology.

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Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is a community united by the drive to eliminate cancer’s grip on humanity by unlocking its secrets through personalized approaches and unleashing the healing power of hope. Founded by Dr. Roswell Park in 1898, it is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. Learn more at www.roswellpark.org, or contact us at 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or ASKRoswell@RoswellPark.org.