Tennessee Oncology Welcomes Dr. John Phillips as EVP for Radiation Oncology Services

Tennessee Oncology, a leading cancer care provider in Tennessee that caters to nearly half of the state's cancer patients, has proudly announced the appointment of Dr. John Phillips, MD, MPH, as the new Executive Vice President of Radiation Oncology Centers. In this critical role, Dr. Phillips will lead Tennessee Oncology's comprehensive radiation oncology service line, focusing on clinical development, safety, research, quality, and strategic growth initiatives.

Dr. Phillips is highly esteemed in the field of theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapy safety. His expertise is illustrated by his contributions to ASTRO's White Paper on Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Quality and Safety, alongside his involvement with ASTRO's national Radiopharmaceuticals Committee, where he has played a pivotal role in establishing national standards for targeted radiopharmaceutical treatments. His previous work with ASTRO's Multi-Disciplinary Quality and Safety Committee has shaped radiation safety and accreditation guidelines.

In light of Dr. Phillips' extensive experience, Dr. Natalie Dickson, President and CEO of Tennessee Oncology, expressed her excitement for the future of the organization, stating, "Tennessee Oncology has seen significant growth across our radiation oncology program. I anticipate continued expansion of radiation services for patients across Middle and East Tennessee under Dr. Phillips' leadership."

The organization has recently seen advancements such as the launch of the state-of-the-art Tennessee Oncology Proton Center in Franklin, the opening of Lebanon Radiation Oncology Center, and the transition of operations at the Tullahoma Radiation Oncology Center. These developments aim to provide patients with cutting-edge therapies conveniently located within their communities. "By expanding patient access to advanced treatments, Tennessee Oncology is dedicated to delivering world-class cancer care to communities throughout the state," added Dr. Dickson.

Dr. Phillips' robust medical background includes earning his medical degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine as a distinguished Canby Robinson Scholar and completing his residency through the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program. He also holds a Master of Public Health from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Before joining Tennessee Oncology in 2021, Dr. Phillips served at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he led clinical pathway development initiatives and oversaw programs focused on genitourinary cancers and brain tumors. Since 2024, he has contributed to Tennessee Oncology as the Director of Development and Strategy while actively participating on the Radiation Oncology governance committee.

In addition to Dr. Phillips’ leadership, Dr. Taylor Whaley and Dr. Ryan Jones will continue their essential roles as medical directors for the radiation oncology divisions in Chattanooga and Nashville, respectively.

About Tennessee Oncology

Founded in 1976 in Nashville, Tennessee Oncology stands as one of the nation's largest community-based cancer care practices, harboring one of the most prominent clinical trial networks in the country. The organization’s mission—to deliver high-quality cancer care and the benefits of clinical research to all patients—remains steadfast. To find out more about their services, visit www.tnoncology.com.