Renowned Pitt doctor becomes chair of AHN Cancer Institute

Dr. David L. Bartlett, a widely recognized cancer researcher and innovator in the use of advanced surgical therapies for abdominal cancers, has taken over as chair of the Allegheny Health Network Cancer Institute.

In addition, Bartlett has opened a surgical practice at AHN’s Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie.

Bartlett comes to AHN from the UPMC, where he was vice-chair for surgical oncology and gastrointestinal surgery services among other leadership positions, including as Bernard Fisher Professor of Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

His appointment to the chairmanship of AHN Cancer Institute was effective May 1.

“It has been a pleasure to meet the people behind the AHN Cancer Institute, and to see up-close their talent, compassion, and commitment to outstanding patient care,” said Bartlett in a statement. “I look forward to beginning the process of leading the AHN Cancer Institute to greater heights of excellence alongside the program’s many exceptional caregivers.”

As chair, Bartlett now oversees a multidisciplinary team of more than 200 physicians and 500 advanced practice oncology professionals. Clinicians within the Institute deliver more than 150,000 cancer treatments to over 11,000 patients at clinical sites across Pennsylvania, AHN said.

At his clinic in Erie, Bartlett will see adult patients for the surgical treatment of abdominal cancers, including gastric, pancreatic, colorectal and appendix cancers, as well as care for sarcoma, neuroendocrine and liver tumors, and peritoneal metastases.

His Pittsburgh-based clinical practice will open in May 2021.