Thomas Buchholz

Headshot photo of Thomas Buchholz, MD

Thomas Buchholz, MD

Corporate Senior Vice President

Medical Director, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center


As medical director of the Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, Dr. Thomas Buchholz leads a comprehensive and clinically integrated cancer care program that serves patients throughout Southern California. Operated in partnership with The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Scripps MD Anderson brings together Scripps’ history of cancer care excellence in San Diego with the research-based approaches of the nation’s leading cancer program.


Prior to Scripps, Dr. Buchholz spent 20 years with the University of Texas MD Anderson program, holding a variety of academic and executive leadership positions. During his tenure he was division head and department chair of radiation oncology and served as executive vice president and physician-in-chief.


Dr. Buchholz earned his medical degree from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He served his residency at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, where he also completed a fellowship in radiobiology research. He is board certified by the American Board of Radiology and the National Board of Medical Examiners.


As a radiation oncologist with a clinical focus on breast cancer, Dr. Buchholz has had his research published in more than 350 peer-reviewed journals and has made significant scientific and academic contributions. He recently was named as the first recipient of the Conrad Prebys Executive Medical Directorship, Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center. The endowed position was made possible through a 2016 gift by the late Conrad Prebys.