Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Jun Zhang, Vice President of Oncology Research at the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute
Nov 17, 2025
Dr. Jun Zhang, Vice President of Oncology Research at OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, is a dedicated medical oncologist focusing on thoracic cancers. In this engaging discussion, he highlights the growing importance of patient-centric approaches in cancer research. Dr. Zhang shares insights on breakthroughs in prevention and treatment, emphasizing the role of clinical trials in advancing patient care and drug approvals. He also dives into the impact of new technologies like AI on drug development, making exciting predictions for the future of oncology.
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Bench-To-Bedside Career Path
- Dr. Jun Zhang trained as both a thoracic medical oncologist and a cancer biologist and practices bench-to-bedside research.
- He conducts laboratory studies and clinical trials to translate discoveries into patient care.
Dual Research Focus: Prevention And Breakthroughs
- OSF focuses research on prevention/early detection and on innovative treatments for advanced cancer through a Breakthrough Treatment Center.
- Clinical trials bridge lab discoveries to patients and give early access to potentially life-saving therapies.
Clinical Trials As The Path To Standard Care
- Clinical trials are indispensable steps before treatments become standard of care and insurance-covered.
- They also let patients access emerging treatments years before broad approval.