Missak Haigentz, Jr., MD
Dr. Missak Haigentz is a cancer physician and thoracic oncologist at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and RWJBarnabas Health. Dr. Haigentz has focused his experience and knowledge on caring for patients with thoracic cancers including cancer of the lung and thymus, malignant pleural mesothelioma, and head and neck cancers including cancers of the mouth and throat, voice box, sinuses, salivary gland, thyroid, and some skin cancers.[1]
Dr. Haigentz is encouraged by recent innovations in cancer treatment and the improved survivorship and quality of life that they offer. With advances in immunotherapy and targeted therapies, he says he and the multidisciplinary team at Rutgers and RWJBarnabas work together to craft individualized treatment plans that suit each patient’s condition and goals, empowering patients to participate in their own care and act as their own advocates.
Education and Career
Dr. Haigentz earned his medical degree at the UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School. He remained there for his internship and residency in Internal Medicine, serving as chief medical resident. Following his residency, he completed fellowship training in Hematology and Oncology at the New York University School of Medicine.[1]
Dr. Haigentz has served on the faculty of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and has held national leadership roles in expanding cancer care and research. He is now Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology and Head and Neck Medical Oncology at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, as well as Professor of Medicine. He is also the Clinical Director of Oncology Integration for RWJBarnabas Health.
Research
Dr. Haigantz emphasizes bringing clinical research studies to the communities that need them most and believes that the work being done at Rutgers Cancer Institute will help to more quickly translate what is learned into patient care.
Committees and Professional Memberships
Dr. Haigentz is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He has served as President of the New York Head and Neck Society and the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO, YIA Grants Selection Committee.
