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William Wierda

Academic History

William Wierda, MD, PhD, is a Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) specialist who holds a number of roles at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDACC), Houston, TX, including Professor within the Department of Leukemia, Section Chief for CLL, and Centre and Executive Medical Director.

In 1986 he graduated from the University of California with a BS in Biochemistry. In 1992 he gained his PhD in Microbiology and Immunology, and a year later his MD from the University of Health Sciences/The Chicago Medical School. Following his education in Internal Medicine and Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology, Dr Wierda moved to the MDACC as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in the Department of Leukemia in 2001, and has been conducting his clinical and translational research in CLL there ever since, becoming a Professor in 2012. He has been Principal Investigator (PI), Co-PI, or collaborator in many clinical trials, published in numerous peer-reviewed journals, and has given many lectures at national and international scientific meetings.

Speaking on chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Dr Wierda’s research focuses on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and treatment in the relapsed/refractory setting. He is also involved in multiple clinical trials as a principal investigator or collaborator. Dr Wierda is also an active member of several international committees.

Dr Wierda holds various notable awards from his years in research and medical care, the most recent of which include D.B Lane Cancer Research Distinguished Professor (2017) and the 2018 Faculty Achievement Award in Patient Care from the MDACC. He is also an active member of various Institutional Committees.

Through his Twitter account, @wwierda, Dr Wierda shares his passion for research and excellent patient care.