Getting to know MD Anderson president Peter WT Pisters, M.D.

Peter WT Pisters, M.D., MD Anderson’s fifth full-time president, began his role Dec. 1, with a renewed spirit of unity and excitement. Like each of us here, Pisters feels a deep connection to MD Anderson, our mission and the patients we serve.

Pisters built his career here for 20 years as a cancer surgeon, researcher, professor and administrator. He left in 2014 to oversee the University Health Network, affiliated with the University of Toronto, the largest hospital-based research program in Canada.

He began his presidency at MD Anderson by attending New Employee Orientation, followed by rounding and interacting with employees in all four mission areas of patient care, research, education and prevention. Committed to learning everything he can about MD Anderson, Pisters continues to engage stakeholders at all levels and in all areas to hear about our strengths and where we might improve.

We recently sat down with Pisters to learn a little more about him. Here’s what he had to say.

What word best describes you?

Curious.

What prepared you for your role as MD Anderson’s president?

The most important preparation I had was the privilege of caring for cancer patients as an MD Anderson faculty member for 20 years. My understanding of frontline cancer-fighting experience here at MD Anderson gives me deep insight into our mission and culture. Also, I know that my master’s degree in health care management and my experience as chief executive officer at University Health Network in Toronto provided solid academic training and chief executive leadership experience that are absolutely essential for me to serve our organization as president.

As you’ve traveled around MD Anderson recently, what have you learned?

I am in the midst of an intensive and immersive process to connect with and learn from everyone at MD Anderson. Among the extensive amount I have learned so far, I am most impressed with our momentum and trajectory. There is a feeling of hope, optimism, enthusiasm and energy that is like nothing I have seen or experienced before!

What was your first job?

My first job was mowing lawns at age 14.

Why is being a life-long learner important to you?

I get intellectually stale if I’m not continually learning. That is the main reason I’m continuously reading, and it explains my motivation and drive to go back to school for more education.

You use a lot of sports references. What’s your sport of choice? Did you play sports?

Baseball and college football! Of course I follow the Houston Astros and with one of our kids at Ohio State University, I follow the Buckeyes closely! Yes, I played baseball, hockey and soccer growing up and coached our kids in a variety of sports.

What’s something you’ve learned from patients?

Humility and courage. This was so poignantly expressed in the letters and cards that I’ve received from patients. When my return to MD Anderson was announced, so many of them reconnected with me to share updates on their personal cancer journeys.

How do you manage stress?

Through exercise and reading. I aim for exercise four times per week and can include both aerobic and strength training. Running helps me to disconnect into a different world and stimulate both my body and my brain through podcasts and audiobooks.

Best or worst advice ever received?

Best advice: Before accepting an offer in New York, I was advised to look at an assistant professor position at MD Anderson. My life changed forever after that.

What’s one thing you’d like others to know about you?

I lead with a strong moral compass and dedicate myself to personal core values that include integrity, hard work and life-long learning.

A longer version of this story originally appeared in Messenger, MD Anderson’s quarterly publication for employees, volunteers, retirees and their families.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson online or by calling 1-877-632-6789.