Dr. Francis Worden | Oncology | Best Researcher Award
Clinical Professor at University of Michigan, United States
Francis Worden is a highly respected clinical professor of internal medicine with a specialization in hematology and oncology at the University of Michigan. His career reflects a steady progression through academic and leadership roles, demonstrating both dedication to patient care and commitment to advancing cancer research. He has focused his research on organ preservation strategies in head and neck cancers, as well as developing medical treatment approaches for advanced thyroid and adrenal cancers. His extensive publication record in peer-reviewed journals highlights his contributions to improving outcomes in oncology, and his collaborative work with multidisciplinary teams has advanced both clinical practice and scientific understanding. In addition to research, he has played an important role in medical education and mentorship, particularly through directing fellowship programs and guiding future oncologists. With a balance of clinical excellence, research productivity, and educational leadership, he is recognized as an influential figure in academic oncology.
Professional Profile
Scopus Profile | ORCID Profile
Education
Francis Worden’s educational background reflects a strong and diverse foundation in both the pharmaceutical sciences and medicine. He first completed a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy at Purdue University, which provided him with a deep understanding of pharmacology and drug therapy principles. Building on this knowledge, he pursued a medical degree at Indiana University School of Medicine, where he was part of the Pediatric Honors Program, demonstrating early distinction in his training. Following medical school, he undertook an internship and residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Detroit Medical Center-Wayne State University, which gave him dual expertise and broadened his clinical skills. He then completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Michigan Health System, which set the stage for his lifelong career in oncology. This educational journey, spanning pharmacy, medicine, and advanced subspecialty training, has shaped his ability to integrate research, clinical care, and education in cancer medicine.
Experience
Francis Worden has built an extensive professional career that integrates clinical practice, academic leadership, and research in oncology. He began his work as a pharmacist before fully transitioning into medicine, where he gained experience as a physician in urgent care, emergency settings, and hospice care, reflecting a broad understanding of patient needs across different stages of illness. At the University of Michigan, he advanced through multiple academic roles, ultimately becoming a clinical professor in hematology and oncology. His leadership positions have included serving as a medical oncology clinic team leader, medical director for hospice programs, and director of the hematology/oncology fellowship program, where he played a pivotal role in mentoring and training future oncologists. Alongside his clinical responsibilities, he has maintained an active research portfolio, contributing to advancements in head and neck cancer management, thyroid and adrenal cancers, and strategies for organ preservation. His career embodies dedication to patient care, education, and impactful research.
Research Interest
Francis Worden’s research interests are centered on advancing treatment strategies for complex cancers with a strong emphasis on improving patient outcomes and quality of life. A major focus of his work has been organ preservation in head and neck oncology, where he has contributed to developing approaches that aim to maintain function without compromising survival. He is deeply involved in exploring systemic therapies for advanced and metastatic head and neck cancers, seeking to refine chemoradiation protocols and identify biomarkers that predict response to therapy. His research also extends to the management of rare but challenging malignancies such as adrenal and metastatic thyroid cancers, where he has investigated therapeutic options that may improve survival in patients with limited treatment choices. Additionally, he maintains an interest in medical education research, particularly in shaping oncology training programs. His efforts reflect a balance of translational and clinical research that bridges innovation with patient-centered care.
Award and Honor
Throughout his career, Francis Worden has earned recognition for his significant contributions to oncology, education, and patient care. His dedication to advancing cancer treatment through clinical research has positioned him as a respected figure in the medical community, earning honors that reflect both his scientific impact and his commitment to improving outcomes for patients with complex cancers. As a leader in head and neck oncology, he has been acknowledged for his role in pioneering organ preservation strategies and contributing to the development of evidence-based therapies. His long-standing service as a mentor and fellowship program director has also brought him distinction within academic medicine, highlighting his influence on training the next generation of oncologists. While much of his recognition is embedded in professional appointments, leadership roles, and invitations to collaborate on national clinical guidelines, these achievements collectively illustrate the esteem with which his peers and institutions regard his professional accomplishments.
Francis Worden possesses a wide range of research skills that have enabled him to make meaningful contributions to oncology and medical education. He demonstrates strong expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials, particularly in developing and evaluating treatment strategies for head and neck, thyroid, and adrenal cancers. His ability to integrate clinical practice with research allows him to identify relevant patient-centered questions and translate them into impactful studies. He is skilled in collaborative, multidisciplinary research, working with experts in radiation oncology, surgery, pathology, and radiology to generate comprehensive approaches to cancer management. His proficiency in analyzing clinical outcomes, interpreting imaging, and exploring biomarker-driven therapies reflects a capacity to connect clinical data with translational science. Additionally, his scholarship and publication record highlight his ability to effectively disseminate findings in peer-reviewed journals, influencing both practice and future research. These skills underscore his strength as a clinician-researcher dedicated to advancing cancer care.
Publications Top Notes
Title: Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles,
Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis
Title: Data from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu
Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen
Title: Supplementary Data S1 from Combination Targeted Therapy with Pembrolizumab and Lenvatinib in Progressive, Radioiodine-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancers
Authors: Jena D. French Bryan R. Haugen, Francis P. Worden, Daniel W. Bowles, Andrew G. Gianoukakis, Bhavana Konda, Ramona Dadu, Eric J. Sherman, Shaylene McCue, Nathan R. Foster, et al.
Conclusion
Dr. Francis Worden is a highly accomplished academic oncologist whose career reflects deep commitment to clinical care, education, and impactful cancer research. His contributions to head and neck cancer management and organ preservation strategies are particularly noteworthy and have advanced patient care significantly. While areas such as expanding independent authorship visibility, diversifying into emerging oncology frontiers, and showcasing international leadership could further enhance his candidacy, his overall profile demonstrates excellence, longevity, and leadership in oncology research. He is a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly in fields related to clinical oncology, translational research, and academic mentorship.