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Monica L. Baskin, Ph.D., recently joined VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as deputy director of research. She will also serve as associate dean for cancer innovation at the VCU School of Medicine with appointments as professor in the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Palliative Care in the Department of Internal Medicine, and professor in the Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the School of Public Health.

Baskin comes to the Massey community from the University of Pittsburgh Hillman Cancer Center where she served as deputy director, associate director for community outreach and engagement, and associate director for health equity. She also served as assistant vice chancellor for community health equity, health sciences, at the University of Pittsburgh.

“I am deeply honored to join the distinguished faculty and staff at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center as deputy director,” Baskin said. “Massey is leading the nation in putting the community at the center of research, treatment and survivorship in order to eliminate disparities and save more lives. I am thrilled to bring my research to VCU and join the team.” Baskin's personal experience helps drive her mission to reduce the cancer burden for all people.

“Dr. Baskin is a fierce advocate for cancer prevention and early detection in order to reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for all,” said Robert A. Winn, M.D., director and Lipman chair in oncology at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. “I could not be more excited that the path she has forged across the national cancer research landscape has led her to this role at Massey.”

Baskin lost her father to colorectal cancer during her senior year in high school. Her family’s journey has inspired her research in the psychology of cancer prevention, early detection and mental health.

“My father died from an entirely preventable cancer, and that had major implications for me,” Baskin said. “I chose a career in psychology, primarily because I saw what my family was experiencing in that loss, and then really didn’t see a lot of people who looked like me who were in professions of mental health, or even talked about that.”

Baskin previously served as vice chair for culture and diversity in the Department of Medicine in the School of Medicine at The University of Alabama and Birmingham (UAB). She is a former president of the Society of Behavioral Medicine and recently chaired the cancer incidence panel for the World Cancer Research Fund International’s Global Cancer Update Program.

Baskin holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Emory University, a master’s and doctoral degree from Georgia State University in community counseling and counseling psychology. She also completed a pediatric psychology fellowship at Emory University in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine and, as well as two National Institutes of Health fellowships at the National Cancer Institute and Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research.

Written by: Nicole Hansen