Persing Returns To USA Health MCI As Director

USA Health has announced that Dr. Brian Persing, a nationally recognized oncologist and hematologist, is returning to USA Health Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI) as director. Persing served at MCI from 2020 to 2024 and will begin his new role on May 12. As director, Persing will continue caring for patients while overseeing clinical, research and strategic initiatives at the institute. In addition to his leadership role, Persing will serve as an associate professor of interdisciplinary clinical oncology at USA Health. Persing is triple board-certified in internal medicine, hematology and oncology, with a clinical specialty in lung cancer. He 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. 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.