Dr. Christopher D. Willey, MD, PhD

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Dedicated Academic and Accomplished Practitioner Leads the Way in Advancing Oncology Science

Dr. Christopher D. Willey, MD, PhD, stands at the forefront of cancer research and treatment as an Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, an Associate Vice Chair of Translational Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology, and as Hale-Stephens ROAR Endowed Professor for Distinctive Research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. He also holds the position of Physician Scientist at Hazelrig Salter Radiation Oncology Center in Birmingham, Alabama.

Driven by a passion for unraveling the complexities of cancer biology, Dr. Willey’s laboratory focuses on understanding and manipulating abnormal signaling pathways at the individual tumor level to develop innovative treatment strategies. With a special emphasis on kinases, enzymatic proteins crucial for cellular signaling, research aims to exploit these processes for optimal therapeutic outcomes.

A licensed physician practicing in Alabama, Dr. Willey holds appointments at esteemed medical institutions including UAB Hospital, Cooper Green Hospital, Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, and Birmingham VA Medical Center. His expertise extends beyond clinical practice, encompassing roles as a medical-legal consultant for malpractice case reviews and consultations for leading healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations such as LifeNet Health, Guidepoint Global, and EMD Serono.

From 1992 to 1996, Dr. Willey pursued a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. Following this, he obtained his Medical Doctorate from the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, between 1996 and 2003, concurrently completing a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Molecular Cellular Biology and Pathobiology. Dr. Willey then undertook a Transitional Internship at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center from 2003 to 2004, after which he completed his residency in radiation oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee, spanning from 2004 to 2008.

In 2009, Dr. Willey assumed the role of Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine. By 2010, he took on the responsibility of Director of the UAB Kinome Core. In 2011, he was appointed to the Cancer Immunology Theme Program in UAB Graduate Biomedical Sciences. 

Continuing his academic journey, in 2013, Dr. Willey was promoted to Associate Professor in various departments, including Radiation Oncology and Biomedical Engineering. Simultaneously, he acquired secondary appointments in the UAB Center for Clinical and Translational Science. In 2015, his dedication and contributions were recognized with tenure, and he gained a secondary appointment as a Scientist in the UAB Center for AIDS Research (CFAR).

Board certified in radiation oncology, Dr. Willey is recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The mission of the ABR is to certify that diplomates demonstrate the requisite knowledge, skill, and understanding of their disciplines to the benefit of patients.

Contributing his insights and leadership to professional organizations, Dr. Willey is an esteemed member of the Alabama Society of Radiation Oncology (President from 2018 to 2021), the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Fraternity, the American Association for Cancer Research, the American College of Radiation Oncology, the American College of Radiology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama, the Radiation Research Society, the Radiological Society of North America, the Roentgen Society of Vanderbilt, and the Radiosurgery Society.

At the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Dr. Willey serves on the Department of Radiation Oncology Promotion and Tenure Committee, a position he has held since 2009. Since 2017, he has been a member of the MSTP Advisory Committee. Additionally, he sits on the Internal Advisory Board for UAB Neuroendocrine SPORE and the Internal Advisory Board for TGEN/City of Hope/UAB U19 CA264512, both since 2021.

Furthermore, Dr. Willey is involved in the U-BRITE Steering Committee from 2023 onwards. Beyond UAB, he is on the Central Alabama Board of Directors of the American Cancer Society and serves as an Accreditation Reviewer for Radiation Oncology Practices (Central Nervous System) for the American College of Radiation Oncology.

Shaping the future of cancer research and treatment, Dr. Willey’s notable accolades include Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Fraternity (elected in 2002); 2000-2002 NIH Predoctoral Fellowship (NRSA); 2003 B. Leonard Holman Research Pathway by American Board of Radiology; 2005 Gordon Conference Travel Grant; 2005 ASTRO Translational Research Symposium Travel Grant; 2006 ASTRO Translational Research Symposium Travel Grant; 2006 Radiation Research Scholars in Training Travel Grant; 2007 NCI Joint Lung and Head/Neck SPORE Travel Award; 2007 RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award; 2007 ASTRO Basic Science Travel Grant Award; 2007 Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Training Award; 2008 ACRO Travel Award Scholarship; 2008 ASTRO Junior Faculty Career Research Training Award; 2011 John R. Durant Award for Excellence in Cancer Research, 1st Place Jr. Faculty; 2011 UAB CCTS 3rd Annual Scientific Symposium Poster Session, 1st place; 2008-2013 NIH Loan Repayment Program Award; 2018 Nomination for Servant Leadership Vulcan Award; 2021-23 Nomination for Endowed Chair Position; 2023 Resident Choice Award recognized as a UAB Top Provider in Patient Communications; and 2020-Present Castle Connolly Top Doctors Recognition, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, among others.

Contributing to various editorial boards, Dr. Willey offers his expertise in radiation oncology, cancer research, and related fields. As a reviewer, he evaluates submissions for journals such as Radiation Research, Cancer Research, Clinical Cancer Research, PLOSONE, BMC Neurology, and many others, covering topics ranging from molecular therapeutics to clinical oncology. Additionally, he has served as a Guest Editor, collaborating on a special issue titled “Radiation Biology and Molecular Radiation Oncology” for the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, alongside James A. Bonner.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Willey values personal connections and is happily married. Fluent in English and proficient in Spanish, he embodies a holistic approach to patient care, emphasizing effective communication and compassionate engagement with those he serves.

Dr. Christopher D. Willey’s unwavering dedication to advancing cancer research and treatment continues to inspire colleagues and patients alike, reaffirming his position as a leading figure in the field of radiation oncology. His innovative contributions and commitment to excellence serve as a beacon of hope for individuals affected by cancer worldwide.

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