University of Michigan Health-West is proud to announce the appointment of Clifford Suhyun Cho, MD, as its new chief medical officer (CMO). A renowned pancreas and hepatobiliary surgeon, Dr. Cho brings 20 years of expertise and experience to the organization.
Since joining the Michigan Medicine faculty in 2016 as the C. Gardner Child professor of surgery, Dr. Cho has served in several leadership roles, including the vice chair of surgical oncology and clinical care chief of cancer surgery. Dr. Cho also served as the initial executive medical director of the Cancer Network of West Michigan in 2019.
“I am honored to join the leadership team at UM Health-West,” said Dr. Cho. “I look forward to expanding world-class healthcare in West Michigan, enhancing patient care and medical innovation in our community.”
In his new position, Dr. Cho will oversee medical leadership at UM Health-West and play clinical and mentorship roles within the Cancer Network. Additionally, his ongoing cancer research is poised to bring advancements to the field as he explores options to continue his laboratory work at Van Andel Institute, focusing on immunotherapy approaches.
“Dr. Cho’s exceptional leadership and innovative research have been integral to our statewide network’s success,” commented Dr. Ronald Grifka, UM Health-West President. “We are excited for his vision to further advance our commitment to delivering the highest standard of care.”
Dr. Cho will transition from his responsibilities in Ann Arbor to his new duties at UM Health-West beginning in May.
Educated at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Dr. Cho is a board-certified surgeon who completed his residency in general surgery at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and a fellowship in surgery oncology at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has an extensive background as a surgical oncologist with a laboratory focus on cancer immunology and immunotherapy. His clinical interests are in the surgical management of hepatopancreatobiliary and gastrointestinal malignancies, and his research is particularly focused on using a novel form of non-invasive tumor ablation called histotripsy as cancer immunotherapy.
“We are grateful for Dr. Cho’s profound contributions to Michigan Medicine and eagerly anticipate his leadership at UM Health-West,” added Dr. Grifka. “His innovative research and dedicated mentorship will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on our community.”
