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The Future of Oncology: A Conversation with Dr. Lee Schwartzberg
- Linda Solarek
- Jan 22
- 3 min read
An in-depth interview on community oncology, personalized medicine, AI, and joining BCA
Introduction
BCA is honored to welcome Dr. Lee Schwartzberg, a pioneering oncologist and internationally respected expert in community oncology and breast cancer research. Dr. Schwartzberg’s remarkable career spans leadership roles at the University of Tennessee, West Cancer Center, OneOncology, NCCN, and the American Community Oncology Research Network (ACORN). With over 300 peer-reviewed publications and an endowed research program in his name, Dr. Schwartzberg shares his insights on the evolution of breast cancer care, personalized medicine, AI, and how he plans to contribute to BCA’s mission.
You’ve had a remarkable career. Can you take us through your journey into oncology and breast cancer research?
I trained at Sloan Kettering and after fellowship took a big gamble moving to Memphis to join the West Clinic, then a small community oncology practice. Bill West had the vision to blend research and clinical care in the community setting. Over decades, we built one of the nation’s strongest community research programs. I was originally a hematologist, but I got involved in writing breast cancer protocols in the 1990s, and that sparked a lifelong focus. I’ve been attending the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium since 1994 and have spent over 20 years dedicated to improving care for breast cancer patients.
How has breast cancer care evolved over the last two decades?
We’ve moved from a one-size-fits-all approach to precision medicine. We understand much more about molecular subtypes and biomarkers, allowing us to tailor treatment to individual patients. De-escalation is a major trend: finding ways to deliver the most effective care with the fewest side effects and least amount of treatment necessary. The large adjuvant trials of the 1990s would be impossible now; we’ve learned how to run smaller, more targeted trials.
You often speak about the importance of personalized care. Can you expand on that?
Every patient is different—not just biologically but also in their values, tolerance for side effects, and goals of care. Even if two tumors look identical, the patient’s experience and priorities will differ. I still love practicing because that human variability keeps the work fascinating.
What are the biggest challenges for today’s community oncologists?
It’s incredibly hard to keep up. Community oncologists may see a breast cancer patient, then a lung cancer patient, then a sarcoma patient—all requiring different knowledge bases. Larger practices are starting to sub-specialize, but in many settings that’s not possible. The challenge is time: having only 15 minutes with a patient limits how deep you can go. That’s why tools like NCCN guidelines and decision-support technology are critical.
Where do you see the role of AI in oncology?
I think AI has already proven useful in certain niches—imaging, pathology, and decision support. I’ve seen colleagues adeptly use generative AI for literature searches and treatment planning, though it requires skill in framing the right questions. Integrating clinical EMR data with genomic data is where AI will become transformative, helping physicians prioritize therapy choices as molecular targets grow, especially in breast cancer where we're starting to see more actionable mutations.
What excites you most about joining BCA?
I’ve had the privilege of helping to build three very different breast centers. I know firsthand what works, what wastes time, and where programs get stuck. With BCA, I’m excited to help breast programs across the country accelerate their success without having to reinvent the wheel.
What is your vision for helping BCA clients?
Every institution is different, but common themes exist. Encouraging true multidisciplinary teamwork, helping streamline processes, and avoiding the dead-ends I’ve seen others go down are my goals. I want to advise leaders on what to prioritize so they can focus resources where they’ll have the biggest impact.
In closing, what keeps you passionate about breast cancer care?
The combination of science and humanity. Breast cancer is a model for how we can deliver innovative, personalized care that respects the whole patient. And I still get joy from working with patients and mentoring the next generation of physicians.
About BCA
BCA is a collective of experienced clinical leaders dedicated to advancing breast care excellence. We partner with hospitals and health systems to build, strengthen, and optimize high-performing breast care programs.
Contact Us
Is your organization ready to enhance breast care excellence? Connect with BCA for advisory services, leadership coaching, and program development support.www.BreastCareArchitects.com
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