Dr. Thomas Lynch of Yale to lead Massachusetts General Physicians Organization: 3 things to know

Thomas Lynch, MD, is leaving his position at Connecticut-based Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Hospital later this summer, according to a New Haven Register report.

Here are three things to know about Dr. Lynch and his departure.

1. Dr. Lynch has accepted a position as chairman and CEO of the Massachusetts General Physicians Organization. In that role, he will lead more than 2,900 physician faculty. Peter Schulam, MD, chairman of the urology department, will serve as the interim director of Yale Cancer Center and physician-in-chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital.

2. Dr. Lynch began his tenure as director of Yale Cancer Center and physician-in-chief of Smilow Cancer Hospital on April 1, 2009.

3. In a letter announcing his departure, Dr. Lynch touted some of the accomplishments faculty and staff have achieved in the last six years. He said the senior leadership of the cancer center "has led us to remarkable heights and continues to drive the most innovative cancer research." This year, 850 patients were enrolled on therapeutic clinical trials, obtained a SPORE grant in Lung Cancer from the National Cancer Institute, published more than 700 scientific papers and reports and will launch the Yale Cancer Center Discovery Fund to continue to support outstanding research.

He also noted that Smilow Cancer Hospital has been expanded to 10 care centers throughout Connecticut.