NewsJanuary 20 2025

Dr. Glen Balch Appointed Director of The University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute

 

KNOXVILLE, Tenn., January 16, 2025 — The University of Tennessee Medical Center (UTMC) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Glen Balch as the new Director of the Cancer Institute, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Balch succeeds Dr. John Bell, who retired on December 31, 2024, after 36 years of dedicated service, including spearheading the establishment of the medical center’s cancer program.  

Dr. Balch is a highly respected clinician, academic leader and innovator with a distinguished background in surgical oncology and colorectal surgery. His medical journey began at the University of Texas at Houston, followed by a general surgery internship and residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He then completed advanced training in Surgical Oncology and Colorectal Surgery at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. In addition, Dr. Balch earned a Physician Executive MBA from the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee in 2013, equipping him with the expertise required for advanced leadership roles in health care. 

In his previous roles, Dr. Balch has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to grow and lead teams. During his tenure at the University of Texas Southwestern Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, he successfully spearheaded three multidisciplinary programs. Most recently, as Chief of Colorectal Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine, he expanded the division’s clinical and academic presence, overseeing the establishment of both ACGME-certified colorectal and research fellowships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Glen Balch to our team,” said Dr. Keith Gray, CEO and President of the University of Tennessee Medical Center. “Dr. Balch’s expertise, leadership and vision are precisely what we need as we continue our mission to build the region's premier cancer program. His experience positions us well for our goal of achieving NCI designation over the next decade.”

Dr. Balch will carry forward the remarkable legacy of Dr. John Bell, whose visionary leadership over the past 36 years transformed the UTMC Cancer Institute into a leading center for cancer care. UTMC celebrates Dr. Bell’s significant contributions and wishes him a fulfilling retirement.