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Huntsman Cancer Institute and 麻豆学生精品版 are pleased to announce the appointment of , as the inaugural chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology in the . Gamblin will also serve as an investigator at Huntsman Cancer Institute, a role that underscores his deep commitment to advancing cancer research and discovery. His appointment begins August 16, 2025.
Gamblin is a nationally and internationally recognized hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgeon, with expertise in the surgical management of complex liver, pancreas, and biliary cancers. He joins the University of Utah (the U) from the , where he served as chief of surgical oncology and vice chair of clinical operations for the department of surgery at the Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.
With over 20 years of experience, he has advanced minimally invasive techniques, regional chemotherapy, and data-driven care models. His work includes more than 250 peer-reviewed publications and service on national oncology committees. Trained in both clinical research and business, he brings a rare combination of surgical, academic, and operational leadership.
鈥淒r. Gamblin joins us with a remarkable history of leadership across clinical, academic, and research settings,鈥 says Fiemu Nwariaku, MD, MBA, chair of the Department of Surgery. 鈥淗is experience will be instrumental as we deepen our commitment to high-impact cancer care, discovery, and education.鈥
鈥淢y first goal is to listen, learn, and understand our team鈥攊dentifying our strengths and areas for growth... Together, we鈥檙e shaping the future of cancer care, tailoring treatments to the unique needs of each patient.鈥
T. Clark Gamblin, MD, MS, MBA, FACS
At Huntsman Cancer Institute, Gamblin will play a key role in advancing the integration of basic, translational, and clinical research, with a focus on innovating outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers. As division chief, he will lead efforts to grow the surgical oncology clinical enterprise, enhance access to multidisciplinary cancer care, and develop innovative surgical practices.
He will also serve on the Clinical Innovation and Excellence Committee, where he will collaborate with leaders in malignant hematology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology to shape recruitment, strategy, drive innovation in cancer care delivery, expand access to comprehensive cancer care, and align clinical strategy with research and education priorities across the Mountain West.
鈥淒r. Gamblin is a subspecialty-trained surgical expert and experienced academic leader. He has a deeply collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with our mission at Huntsman Cancer Institute,鈥 says Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA, chief clinical officer and physician-in-chief at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the U. 鈥淗is leadership will be pivotal in shaping a dynamic Division of Surgical Oncology鈥攐ne that fosters collaboration, drives discovery, and prepares the next generation of oncology leaders.鈥
鈥淒r. Gamblin is a subspecialty-trained surgical expert and experienced academic leader. He has a deeply collaborative spirit that aligns perfectly with our mission at Huntsman Cancer Institute.鈥
Sachin Apte, MD, MS, MBA
Gamblin hopes to enhance access to patients across the five-state area served by Huntsman Cancer Institute, expand research collaborations, and strengthen educational programs for medical students, residents, and fellows.
鈥淢y first goal is to listen, learn, and understand our team鈥攊dentifying our strengths and areas for growth,鈥 says Gamblin. 鈥淚鈥檓 committed to building strong relationships within our institution and across our community. It鈥檚 an exciting time in surgical oncology, as we collaborate with medical and radiation oncologists and embrace innovations like robotic surgery and personalized medicine. Together, we鈥檙e shaping the future of cancer care, tailoring treatments to the unique needs of each patient.鈥
As a dedicated educator, Gamblin has mentored more than 100 medical students, residents, fellows, and junior faculty. He is passionate about fostering high-performing academic environments and believes coaching and mentorship are essential to the future of cancer care.
鈥淚 was drawn to Utah by the outstanding reputations of Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, and the Department of Surgery and by the spirit of collaboration that defines this institution,鈥 says Gamblin. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to build a division that is grounded in research, innovation, and a shared commitment to patient-centered care.鈥
Gamblin鈥檚 appointment follows the exceptional leadership of Courtney Scaife, MD, gastrointestinal surgeon at Huntsman Cancer Institute and professor of surgery at the U, vice chair for clinical operations in the department of surgery, and gastrointestinal disease center leader. She has served as interim chief and played a pivotal role in launching and shaping the new division.
Gamblin steps into the role with deep respect and personal appreciation. Having known Dr. Scaife through her work and leadership, he has long admired her dedication to multidisciplinary care and surgical innovation鈥攓ualities that have laid a strong foundation for the division鈥檚 continued growth.
Outside the operating room, Gamblin is an avid runner and outdoors enthusiast. He sees a natural fit with Utah鈥檚 active community and lifestyle.
鈥淩unning has been a lifelong outlet for me鈥攁 time to think, reflect, and connect with others,鈥 he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 also a skier, hiker, fisherman, and camper, and I鈥檓 excited to be in a place that values those things.鈥
鈥淵ou鈥檙e not actually racing anyone but yourself鈥擺running] is about consistency and discipline. That mindset applies to leadership, research, and clinical care, too.鈥
T. Clark Gamblin, MD, MS, MBA, FACS
He adds that running also gives him a sense of accountability and community鈥攙alues he sees mirrored in his approach to academic medicine.
鈥淵ou鈥檙e not actually racing anyone but yourself鈥攊t鈥檚 about consistency and discipline,鈥 says Gamblin. 鈥淭hat mindset applies to leadership, research, and clinical care, too.鈥
The critical research happening every day at Huntsman Cancer Institute is supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute, including cancer center support grant P30 CA042014, as well as Huntsman Cancer Foundation.
Media Contact
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Huntsman Cancer Institute
801 581-3194
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About Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah
Huntsman Cancer Institute at the is the National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center for Utah, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and Wyoming. With a legacy of innovative cancer research, groundbreaking discoveries, and world-class patient care, we are transforming the way cancer is understood, prevented, diagnosed, treated, and survived. Huntsman Cancer Institute focuses on delivering the most advanced cancer healing and prevention through scientific breakthroughs and cutting-edge technology to create pioneering cancer treatments beyond the standard of care today. We have more than 325 open clinical trials and 276 research teams studying cancer. More genes for inherited cancers have been discovered at Huntsman Cancer Institute than at any other cancer center. Our scientists are world-renowned for understanding how cancer begins and using that knowledge to develop innovative approaches to treat each patient鈥檚 unique disease. Huntsman Cancer Institute was founded by Jon M. and Karen Huntsman.