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Dimple Patel, Ph.D., recently joined the executive leadership team at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she will serve as the associate director for innovation, leadership and professional development. Patel brings 25 years of leadership experience spanning six public and private institutions of higher education.

In her role at Massey, Patel is responsible for advancing leadership excellence among faculty and senior leaders, developing and overseeing programs that enhance leadership capabilities, supporting career progression, and preparing faculty for executive roles. A key focus of Patel’s will be creating a strong leadership pipeline, ensuring that faculty are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate complex academic, research, and clinical environments.

“I’m extremely excited to be joining the team at Massey,” Patel said. “This opportunity was particularly interesting to me because of how Massey is putting resources toward the development of future leaders within its own walls and across other cancer centers.

“I can offer insight into how leaders develop the right skills through experience, grounded in established leadership frameworks and evidence-based training tools, and how they sustain themselves in healthy ways as they continue to grow and progress.”

Additionally, Patel will oversee the operations and strategic direction of the Executive Leadership Academy for Cancer Centers (ELACC), ensuring it remains a premier training program for future cancer center leaders. The role includes evaluating and providing individualized guidance to optimize leadership growth.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Patel join our team at Massey," said Robert Winn, M.D., director and Lipman Chair in Oncology at Massey. "Her addition continues Massey's commitment to leading the way not only in cancer care and outcomes, but to also lead the way in building a strong, robust cancer-fighting leadership team that will carry us into the future."

Patel’s own leadership experience spans across 25 years and six institutions of higher education. She has spent the last 11 years at the University of Minnesota Medical School, where she served as associate dean for admissions. In Minneapolis, Patel co-developed selection processes, designed faculty training, and implemented systems for ongoing development, calibration, and feedback.

During her tenures at the University of Minnesota Medical School and at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Patel expanded her leadership through service on regional and national committees to develop innovative and strategic recruitment and retention programs. She co-created and implemented baccalaureate-to-medical school pathway programs that showcased collaboration with leaders in academic affairs, financial aid, admissions, and student services. Her work included designing curricula, developing articulation agreements, and ensuring all program components aligned seamlessly with both undergraduate and professional education requirements.

Patel started in her role on October 1st. 

Written by: Bill Potter