Dr. Tanyanika Phillips | Care Delivery in Thoracic Oncology | Best Researcher Award
City of Hope National Med Center | United States
Dr. Tanyanika Phillips is an accomplished physician and academic leader specializing in thoracic and geriatric oncology. Currently serving as Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope National Medical Center, she integrates patient care, research, and community health advocacy. Her professional journey reflects a steadfast dedication to improving cancer care across diverse populations, with a special focus on equity in access and outcomes. Throughout her career, she has held pivotal roles as a clinician, researcher, and administrator, contributing to health system development, rural oncology programs, and national initiatives in cancer equity. Known for her commitment to advancing inclusive research, Dr. Phillips has been instrumental in developing geriatric oncology services and clinical trials that address the needs of aging populations. Her career is distinguished by numerous leadership positions, prestigious awards, and recognition for her community-focused work in eliminating health disparities.
Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Tanyanika Phillips’ educational foundation reflects a balance of clinical excellence and population health. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana, followed by her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. Her interest in public health and health outcomes led her to pursue a Master of Public Health at Vanderbilt University, specializing in population-based studies and non-experimental design. She furthered her training through an internal medicine residency at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, a geriatric fellowship at Vanderbilt, and a prestigious medical oncology fellowship at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University. She also completed K12 Research training at Vanderbilt, emphasizing outcomes-based cancer research. Her executive education at Harvard School of Public Health and Case Western Reserve University enhanced her expertise in leadership, project management, and measurement design. This multidisciplinary academic preparation laid the groundwork for her career in oncology research, clinical innovation, and health equity.
Experience
Dr. Tanyanika Phillips has built a dynamic career across academic medicine, community oncology, and health equity leadership. She began as Assistant Professor at Case Western University, where she also directed the Health Equity Initiative in Cancer. Her dedication to accessible oncology care expanded during her tenure as a staff physician at St. John Medical Center and CHRISTUS Health, where she also served as Medical Director for Rural and Community Health. At Antelope Valley Hospital, she led the cancer program as Medical Director before joining City of Hope, where she has since shaped geriatric oncology programs, served as Site Research Champion, and directed community-focused cancer initiatives. In her current role, she balances clinical care and research, directing City of Hope’s Antelope Valley Cancer Program while advancing clinical trials in aging and thoracic oncology. Her leadership positions include Deputy Director of the Center for Cancer and Aging and Enterprise Champion for Advancing Inclusive Research.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Tanyanika Phillips’ career is marked by consistent recognition for excellence in medicine, leadership, and community service. Early in her journey, she received the Community of Caring Award from Ochsner Medical Foundation and the Futures Scholar distinction from the American Medical Directors Association. Her research potential was recognized with the American Society of Clinical Oncology Young Investigator Award. She has also been honored with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition for her leadership in Ohio. Her dedication to minority health and community empowerment was acknowledged through multiple awards, including the Unsung Hero Award from the North Coast Nurses Coalition and the Minority Faculty Development Award at University Hospitals Case Medical Center. At St. John Medical Center, she received Values in Action Awards for Human Dignity, Wisdom, and Presence. More recently, her contributions at City of Hope earned her the Values in Action Award for Collaboration and the 2025 Hope Colleague Award.
Research Focus
Dr. Tanyanika Phillips’ research interests are centered on thoracic oncology, geriatric oncology, and advancing equity in cancer care. She is particularly committed to designing and implementing clinical trials that address the unique needs of aging patients with cancer. Her work integrates population-based research methods, health outcomes assessment, and translational oncology to bridge gaps between laboratory advances and real-world applications. As a site research champion and program lead for geriatric oncology at City of Hope, she has facilitated community-based clinical trials aimed at improving access and participation among underrepresented populations. She is also deeply engaged in health equity research, focusing on reducing disparities in cancer outcomes through inclusive trial design and community navigation programs. Her leadership in advancing inclusive research has established her as a key figure in initiatives that integrate cancer biology, geriatrics, and population health, ensuring that scientific discoveries translate into equitable patient care.
Publications
Title: Clin-STAR Corner: Practice Changing Advances at the Interface of Oncology and Geriatrics
Year: 2025
Title: Smoking prevalence and association with sociodemographic variables in cancer clinical trial participants
Year: 2025
Conclusion
Dr. Tanyanika Phillips stands as a distinguished oncologist, educator, and leader whose career reflects an enduring commitment to patient-centered care, health equity, and translational research, integrating clinical excellence with a vision for advancing inclusive and community-driven oncology practice.