TGen appoints Dr. Aleksandar Sekulic as Physician-in-Chief
The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, today announced the appointment of Aleksandar Sekulic, M.D., Ph.D., a distinguished physician-scientist known for his work in skin cancer treatment and clinical research, as Physician-in-Chief. Dr. Sekulic specializes in immunotherapy and targeted therapies for a range of skin cancers, from melanoma to rare types of cutaneous lymphoma and epidermal neoplasms. His patient care approach integrates advanced treatments with a focus on individual needs, ensuring comprehensive, whole-person care.
“We are excited to welcome Dr. Sekulic as Physician-in-Chief,” said TGen President and Research Director, Jeffrey M. Trent, Ph.D., F.A.C.M.G.G. “His pioneering work in skin cancer treatment, combined with his focus on genomics and precision medicine, aligns perfectly with TGen’s mission to advance our research and develop innovative therapies for patients.”
Dr. Sekulic’s clinical practice bridges dermatology and oncology, with expertise in treating complex skin cancers. He is known for his compassionate care, tailoring treatments to each patient while advancing the fields of disease prevention, diagnosis, and skin cancer therapy. He has led groundbreaking clinical trials, including studies that contributed to the approval of the first targeted therapy and the first immunotherapy for basal cell carcinoma by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“I am honored to accept this new role at TGen,” said Dr. Sekulic. “The Institute’s work in genomics and precision medicine is transforming cancer care, and I look forward to furthering the development of therapies that can make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives.”
Dr. Sekulic joined TGen in 2024 as a professor and director of the Clinical Genomics and Therapeutics Division. He also holds a joint appointment at City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix, where he serves as director of Dermatology and director of Translational Research. In these roles, he has led the development of the newly opened skin cancer service at City of Hope Phoenix.
“We are thrilled that Dr. Sekulic is now Physician-in-Chief of TGen. I have had the pleasure of working alongside Dr. Sekulic for roughly two decades in our coordinated fight against our common enemy: cancer. Dr. Sekulic’s leading-edge translational research in skin cancer and compassionate patient care will continue to catapult cancer innovations forward to the benefit of cancer survivors,” said John D. Carpten, Ph.D., City of Hope chief scientific officer, director of its National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and director of Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope.
At TGen, Dr. Sekulic’s research focuses on applying genomics to improve patient care. He is also dedicated to expanding TGen’s research programs and recruiting top faculty to advance these efforts. His leadership will help foster collaboration between TGen’s research teams and clinical providers at City of Hope, bringing new therapies from the lab to patients more quickly.
“Dr. Sekulic’s appointment as Physician-in-Chief highlights his translational science skills, dedication, and innovative thinking, which will greatly benefit both TGen and, most importantly, patients,” said Daniel D. Von Hoff, M.D., F.A.C.P., a Distinguished Professor at TGen and City of Hope and former TGen Physician-in-Chief.
Dr. Sekulic has co-authored more than 60 peer-reviewed articles and led innovative studies on skin cancer genomics and precision oncology. His work has directly contributed to FDA-approved therapies for basal cell carcinoma. At TGen, he will continue to lead initiatives that bridge research and clinical practice to deliver the latest therapies to patients in need.
Dr. Sekulic earned his M.D. from the University of Zagreb in Croatia and his Ph.D. in biomedical sciences (immunology) from the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He also completed his postdoctoral fellowship, dermatology residency, and fellowship at Mayo Clinic. Before joining City of Hope, Dr. Sekulic served as associate director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine, deputy director of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, and vice chair of the Department of Dermatology at Mayo Clinic Arizona. He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, the Society for Investigative Dermatology, the Society for Melanoma Research, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
