Aaron Scott, MD, appointed early therapeutics director for Cancer Center

Aaron Scott, MD, has been appointed the Phase 1 director of the Early Therapeutics Program at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center. Scott serves the Cancer Center as co-leader of the Clinical and Translational Oncology Program, a position he will leave as he begins his new role. 

Scott is also an associate professor of medicine at the U of A College of Medicine – Tucson whose primary academic pursuit has been clinical research and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers. Scott has served as interim Phase 1 director of the Early Therapeutics Program since Dec. 1, 2024, when the position was vacated by Jennifer Segar, MD. 

“I’m delighted to have Dr. Scott permanently appointed to this position,” said Rachna Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO, associate director of clinical investigations for the Cancer Center, a member of the BIO5 Institute and chief of the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the College of Medicine – Tucson, where she is a tenured professor in medicine. “Dr. Scott’s vast experience as a prolific clinical investigator, coupled with his leadership skills and experience as a translational researcher, will propel our Phase 1 program to new heights.” 

Scott, a clinical investigator since 2017, has been a contributing author on 42 publications, 13 of which he has served as first or senior author. Under his guidance as co-leader of the Clinical and Translational Oncology Program at the Cancer Center, Scott has worked to identify opportunities to move basic scientific discoveries toward clinical applications for diagnosing and treating cancer. 

Scott said Shroff has had a strong influence on his development as both a clinical scientist and leader at the Cancer Center.

“She’s mentored me about the nuts and bolts of running a CTO, trial activation and administrative processes that being a leader within the Cancer Center requires,” Scott said. “I’ve been the beneficiary of mentorship by an internationally recognized cancer specialist who leads our division and clinical research enterprise.” 

“Dr. Scott is a great example of homegrown talent for our center,” said Dan Theodorescu, PhD, MD, the Nancy C. and Craig M. Berge Endowed Chair for the Director of the Cancer Center and a professor of urology and cellular and molecular medicine at the College of Medicine – Tucson. “This really is a crucial responsibility for all NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers — that we have a strong focus on investing our resources in developing the next generation of cancer researchers and leaders. I’m confident that Dr. Scott is a fantastic choice for this position.”