Persing named director of USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute 

By Jessica Jones
[email protected]

USA Health is excited to name Brian Persing, M.D., a nationally recognized oncologist and hematologist, director of the USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI), the region’s leading academic cancer research and treatment center. Persing is returning to the MCI, where he served from 2020 to 2024, to begin his new role May 12. As director, Persing will continue caring for patients while overseeing clinical, research, and strategic initiatives at the institute.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Persing back to USA Health and the Mitchell Cancer Institute,” said Natalie Fox, DNP, PNP-BC, CEO of USA Health, the academic health system for the University of South Alabama. “He is a highly respected physician leader who understands our mission and the needs of the communities we serve. His vision for advancing education, research, and patient-centered cancer care aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional care along the Gulf Coast.”  

Persing said returning to MCI as director feels both meaningful and personal.  

“I am truly honored and excited to return to USA Health and the Mitchell Cancer Institute,” Persing said. “MCI has always been a special place because of its unwavering commitment to patients, innovation, and community. I look forward to working alongside our exceptional team to continue advancing cancer care through education, thoughtful systems improvement, and expanded research and clinical trials — ensuring patients across our region have access to the most advanced, compassionate care close to home.”  

In addition to his leadership role, Persing will serve as an associate professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology. He is triple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and oncology, with a clinical specialty in lung cancer. Persing earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine and completed his residency and fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi.

A recognized leader at the national level, Persing was inducted in 2025 as a Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). He has served in multiple leadership and advocacy roles within ASCO, including chair of the State Affiliate Council, association board member and treasurer, and as an advocacy representative, providing expert testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and Health and Human Services. His work has focused on expanding access to high-quality cancer care, clinical trials, and policy initiatives benefiting patients nationwide.

“Dr. Persing brings an exceptional combination of clinical excellence, strategic leadership, and compassion for patients,” said Michael Chang, M.D., chief physician executive and system chief medical officer of USA Health. “His return strengthens our ability to expand clinical trials, foster collaboration, and ensure patients across the Gulf Coast benefit from the rapid advances happening in oncology.”  

Persing said staying connected to patients will remain central to his role as director.  

“Caring for patients is at the heart of why I entered medicine, and it remains one of the most meaningful parts of my work,” he said. “It keeps me grounded and focused on what matters most. That patient-first focus is woven into everything we do at MCI. This is a special institution serving a special community, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return and help shape the future of cancer care across our region.”  

To learn more about MCI and its fight against cancer, visit usamci.com.