Olufunmilayo Olopade, MD

2015 Senior Faculty Scholars

Dr. Olopade, a board certified internist and medical oncologist, is the Walter L. Palmer Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics, Dean for Global Health and Director, Center for Clinical Cancer Genetics at The University of Chicago. Dr. Olopade earned her medical degree from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria. She trained in internal medicine at Cook County Hospital in Chicago and in oncology, hematology and cancer genetics at the Joint Section of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Chicago.

A leader in cancer genetics, Dr. Olopade studies familial forms of cancers, molecular mechanisms of tumor progression in high-risk individuals as well as genetic and non-genetic factors contributing to tumor progression in diverse populations. Her current laboratory research is focused on using whole genome technologies and bioinformatics to develop innovative approaches to democratize precision health care for all and thereby reduce global health disparities.

Dr. Olopade is an expert in cancer risk assessment and individualized treatment for the most aggressive forms of breast cancer based on an understanding of the altered genes in individual patients. She stresses comprehensive risk reducing strategies and prevention in high-risk populations, as well as earlier detection through advanced imaging technologies.

Dr. Olopade is an at-large member of the American Board of Internal Medicine Board of Directors. She is also an elected member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, the Association of American Physicians, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Philosophical Society. She has received numerous honors and awards, including honorary degrees from Bowdoin University, Princeton University, North Central College and Dominican University, Doris Duke Distinguished Clinical Scientist and Exceptional Mentor Award, American Cancer Society Clinical Research Professorship, MacArthur Foundation Fellowship, Officer of the Order of the Nigeria Award, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Freedom from Want Award. Dr. Olopade currently serves on the Board of Directors for the National Cancer Advisory Board, Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Lyric Opera.