Corewell Health Physician Dr. Peter Chen Pledges $5 Million

Dr. Peter Chen, radiation oncologist at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak, recently pledged $5 million to create the Dr. Peter Y. Chen and Family Endowed Chair in Radiation Oncology and the Dr. Peter Y. Chen and Family Fund. This remarkable contribution is the largest gift from a physician ever made to Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan and will support patient care initiatives, promising research and advanced technology.

“This generous gift from Dr. Chen sets the stage for continued advancement and growth in the area of radiation oncology,” said Ryan Daly, president, Corewell Health Foundation Southeast Michigan. “With this gift, he also illustrates his dedication to the patients of Corewell Health and his passion to continue to offer them the very best treatment that is available.”

For more than 40 years, Dr. Chen has tirelessly transformed and saved patients’ lives through his practice. He is board certified in both internal medicine and radiation oncology. He has a keen clinical/research interest in the breast radiation oncology service – contributing to many national research committees, chairing panels on the impact of genomics and immunotherapy on the practice of breast oncology and co-leading a clinical trial on the impact of biomarkers in breast cancer treatment.

“I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given throughout my life and my career,” remarked Dr. Chen. “This gift is very heartfelt and allows me to honor my wonderful parents along with giving back to Corewell Health’s William Beaumont University Hospital for the privilege of practicing and training residents as a physician specializing in radiation therapy. And, most importantly, the Fund will support clinical and research programs for our patients -- the very reason all who enter the health care profession strive for excellence in patient care, both now and in the future.”

On January 24, more than 175 guests gathered at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham to celebrate this one-of-a-kind gift and honor Dr. Chen. Guests heard from bestselling author Mitch Albom, who gave an often-heartbreaking talk about Chika, a young girl he and his wife brought home from Haiti, where she had been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor at the age of five. Albom spoke of how Dr. Chen and the Corewell Health team had cared for Chika, helping improve her daily well-being and extending her life for as long as possible. As well, guest clinician-scientists presented ongoing research heralding future advancements in cancer treatment.

For more information on oncology patient programs at Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan, visit: corewellhealth.org/care-and-specialties/cancer-care