Dr. Matei Named Houston Methodist Cancer Center Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

**Dr. Daniela Matei Tapped to Lead Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Ushering in New Era of Innovation**

HOUSTON, TX – Houston Methodist Cancer Center is poised for a significant leadership transition, announcing the appointment of Dr. Daniela Matei as its next director, effective September 1, 2026. Dr. Matei will also assume the prestigious role of chair for the Department of Oncology, signaling a strategic move to further integrate and advance cancer care, research, and education across the sprawling Houston Methodist system.

Dr. Matei brings a wealth of expertise and a distinguished career in oncology to the Texas Medical Center. She will be relocating to Houston from Chicago, where she currently holds prominent positions at Northwestern University. There, she serves as a professor of obstetrics and gynecology and is the associate director for clinical research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. Additionally, she leads the gynecologic oncology division as chief at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Her groundbreaking work has primarily focused on gynecologic cancers, with a particular emphasis on ovarian cancer, a notoriously challenging disease. Dr. Matei is widely recognized for her leadership in developing novel therapeutic strategies and spearheading national and international clinical trials that have pushed the boundaries of cancer treatment. Her research, often supported by significant grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has explored areas such as targeted therapies, drug resistance mechanisms, and precision medicine approaches, leading to improved outcomes for patients.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Matei to Houston Methodist and the Houston Medical Center,” said Marc Boom, M.D., President and CEO of Houston Methodist (simulated quote). “Her visionary leadership, exceptional research background, and deep commitment to patient care align perfectly with our mission. We believe she will elevate our cancer center to new heights, driving discovery and delivering world-class treatment to our community and beyond.”

In her expansive new role, Dr. Matei will oversee all facets of cancer-related research, education, and clinical operations for the entire Houston Methodist Cancer Center network. This comprehensive system includes the flagship Houston Methodist Hospital, a nationally recognized institution within the Texas Medical Center, as well as its robust network of regional campuses located in Baytown, Clear Lake, Sugar Land, West, Willowbrook, The Woodlands, and Cypress. Her mandate includes a strong push for translational research, which bridges laboratory discoveries with patient care, the advancement of personalized medicine tailored to individual patient profiles, and the aggressive development of new drug therapies across this extensive network.

“I am deeply honored and thrilled to join Houston Methodist, an institution renowned for its dedication to innovation and patient-centered care,” Dr. Matei stated (simulated quote). “The opportunity to lead such a comprehensive and impactful cancer program, with its incredible clinical reach and research potential, is truly inspiring. My focus will be on fostering a collaborative environment that accelerates breakthroughs, ensures every patient has access to the most advanced treatments, and trains the next generation of oncology leaders. Together, we will strive to make a profound difference in the fight against cancer.”

Dr. Matei is set to succeed Dr. Jenny C. Chang, who is retiring from the position after a distinguished tenure. Dr. Chang has been instrumental in growing the Houston Methodist Cancer Center, enhancing its reputation, and expanding its clinical and research programs during her leadership. Houston Methodist extends its profound gratitude to Dr. Chang for her dedication and significant contributions to advancing cancer care in Houston.

The appointment of Dr. Matei underscores Houston Methodist’s unwavering commitment to combating cancer and its strategic positioning as a leader in medical innovation within one of the world’s largest medical complexes. Her arrival is expected to significantly bolster the institution’s capabilities in high-impact oncology research and patient care, reinforcing Houston’s status as a hub for medical excellence.

For more information about the Houston Methodist Cancer Center, please visit houstonmethodist.org/cancer.

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