Phoenix Children's has selected Mario Otto, MD, PhD, to serve as director of its center for cancer and blood disorders, as well as division chief of hematology/oncology.
Dr. Otto will lead a team of more than 130 faculty and staff and oversee 165 ongoing studies to facilitate growth of the health system's translational and clinical research efforts, according to a Sept. 23 news release.
His research centers on the use of novel agents to treat cancer while limiting toxicity to healthy tissues, and using stem cell selection techniques for immune system modifications.
Dr. Otto earned his medical degree and PhD training in Germany. He joins Phoenix Children's from the University of Wisconsin's medical school in Madison, where he served as an associate professor in the department of pediatric hematology, oncology and bone marrow transplant.
Prior to that, Dr. Otto completed a clinical fellowship in pediatric hematology and oncology at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn.