New Leadership at Texas Children's Cancer & Hematology Center: Continuing a Legacy of World-Class Care and Innovation

Dr. Parsons is the Beverly and Daniel C. Arnold Endowed Chair for Precision Medicine at Texas Children's Hospital; and a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, at Baylor College of Medicine.

On February 1, 2025, Donald Williams (Will) Parsons, MD, PhD, becomes the Interim Director of Texas Children's Cancer & Hematology Center. He is also Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine and succeeds Susan M. Blaney, MD, who led the Center since 2018.

Meet Dr. Will Parsons

Dr. Parsons is a renowned expert in cancer genomics and precision oncology. Since joining Baylor College of Medicine in 2008, he has held several key positions, including Deputy Director of Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center. He also co-directs the Cancer Genetics and Genomics Program and leads the Center for Precision Oncology, and was recently appointed to the National Cancer Institute’s Board of Scientific Counselors.

A Princeton graduate, Dr. Parsons earned his PhD and MD degrees from The Ohio State University College of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at Johns Hopkins University, followed by fellowships in hematology-oncology and neuro-oncology at Johns Hopkins and the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

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Achievements and Vision

Dr. Parsons' work in pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment has earned him national and international recognition. He established the Precision Oncology Consultation Service in 2016, providing genomic testing recommendations for pediatric cancer patients nationwide. His research has been widely published and cited, and he has received numerous awards, including the Peter A. Steck Memorial Award for Brain Tumor Research, the Sontag Foundation Distinguished Scientist Award and the American Association for Cancer Research Team Science Award.

Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Parsons said, "I am honored to lead the Texas Children's Cancer & Hematology Center and excited to continue the work of Dr. Blaney, who has made a remarkable contribution to improving the lives of young patients with cancer and blood disorders through innovative research and compassionate clinical practice and to training future leaders in the field of pediatric hematology/oncology."

Building on a strong legacy

Dr. Susan Blaney, serving as Director since 2018 and holding the David G. Poplack, MD Chair of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Texas Children’s Hospital and the Elise C. Young Chair of Pediatric Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine, has made transformative contributions to pediatric cancer care. As past Vice Chair of the Children’s Oncology Group (COG), Chair of the COG Phase 1 Consortium and founding member of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, she played a key role in developing over 70 novel drugs and 20 new drug combinations for high-risk childhood cancers. Through her tenure, the Center saw the establishment of new leadership roles, expanded care through specialized clinics to better serve transplant and liver cancer patients and initiatives to further strengthen and improve clinical quality and safety, patient wellness and the inpatient and outpatient experience. 

Education and mentorship of future experts in the field is another area where Dr. Blaney has made a lasting impact. In addition to mentoring numerous medical students, residents, fellows and faculty, she co-edited leading textbooks in the field, and served as co-Principal Investigator on the nation’s only NCI-funded K12 faculty training grant focused on translational pediatric cancer and hematology research.

Dr. Parsons adds, “Through her efforts, Dr. Blaney has fostered a culture of excellence and innovation, and I am honored to further strengthen our commitment to world-leading care, research and education in close collaboration with our outstanding faculty, staff and fellows.”

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Looking Ahead

Dr. Parsons' research has advanced our understanding of the genetic landscape of both pediatric and adult cancers, identifying critical genes in brain tumors and paving the way for new therapies. He is committed to mentoring the next generation of physician-scientists and plays pivotal roles in national pediatric oncology initiatives.

As Dr. Parsons steps into his new role, he brings extensive experience, a passion for clinical and translational research and a commitment to excellence in care. "We will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in pediatric oncology and hematology, leveraging the power of genomics and precision medicine to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients," he said.

With Dr. Parsons leading the way, the future looks bright for Texas Children's Cancer & Hematology Center, promising a continued focus on discovery and innovation and hope for newer, less toxic and more effective therapies.

Dr. Blaney adds, “As I step down from my role as Director, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for the incredible journey we've had at Texas Children's Cancer & Hematology Center. It has been an honor to work alongside such dedicated and talented professionals. I am confident that through Dr. Parsons’ expertise, vision and commitment to our mission, the Center will continue to thrive and achieve new heights in improving the lives of children, adolescents and young adults battling cancer and blood disorders."

Learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center.