President's Leadership Award for Advancing Women Faculty

Thomas Burke, M.D., cited as outstanding mentor

BY Scott Merville

Photo by F. Carter Smith.

Thomas Burke, M.D., executive vice president of MD Anderson Cancer Network™, recently received the President’s Leadership Award for Advancing Women Faculty.

Burke joined MD Anderson in 1988 and was appointed professor in 1998. A practicing gynecologic oncology surgeon, he served as executive vice president and physician-in-chief from 2007 through 2013.

Thomas Burke, M.D.

As the physician in charge of clinical operations, Burke strived to identify and promote women faculty to medical director positions. He has mentored several women faculty members, created opportunities and helped prepare women for leadership positions through special assignments.

“I’ve benefited from the wisdom and guidance of many wonderful mentors throughout my education and career,” says Burke. “Several of them were talented women. I’m thrilled to be recognized for fostering the professional development of friends and colleagues over the past 25 years.

”MD Anderson initiated the award last year to recognize faculty members who have had a significant impact on women faculty members’ career advancement. Recipients provide vision and leadership to address practices that inadvertently disadvantage women faculty and serve as change agents by creating an environment where women can flourish and advance to leadership positions.

"I've benefited from the wisdom and guidance of many wonderful mentors throughout my education and career. Several of them were talented women. I'm thrilled to be recognized for fostering the professional development of friends and colleagues over the past 25 years."

Thomas Burke, M.D.

executive vice president, MD Anderson Cancer Network™

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