Hollywood, Fla. – September 15, 2026 -- Memorial Healthcare System has appointed Atif M. Hussein, M.D., as chief of Memorial Cancer Institute, capping more than 25 years of physician leadership at the South Florida cancer program.
Hussein built the institute from a handful of oncologists into a comprehensive cancer network
Recruited from Duke University more than two decades ago, Dr. Hussein joined Memorial when its oncology staff was minimal. He since expanded multidisciplinary care, clinical research and graduate medical education, while recruiting nationally recognized physicians to the program.
New role expands strategic oversight and cross-system oncology collaboration
As chief, Dr. Hussein will direct strategic and clinical operations across Memorial Cancer Institute, working with physicians and research teams to widen access to advanced treatments. He will also lead oncology collaboration between Memorial Healthcare System and Broward Health under the two organizations' Better Together initiative, aimed at expanding specialized cancer care access throughout Broward County.
CEO cites leadership continuity as institute pursues regional expansion
"His leadership will be instrumental as we continue advancing cancer care across Memorial and strengthening collaboration with Broward Health," said Shane Strum, CEO of Memorial Healthcare System.
Prior roles include fellowship training and clinical research leadership
Before this appointment, Dr. Hussein served as medical director and program director of the Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program at Memorial Cancer Institute, training future oncologists while building the institute's research mission. He chairs Memorial's Cancer Committee and sits on the Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, linking philanthropic funding to patient care, research and education initiatives.
Credentials span internal medicine, hematology and oncology certification
Dr. Hussein earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, completed his internal medicine residency at American University Hospital, and finished hematology and oncology fellowships at the University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital. He is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.