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Kathleen Ann Cooney

George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor of Medicine
Medicine, Medical Oncology
DUMC 3703, Duke North Hospital Suite 1102, Durham, NC 27710
40 Duke Medicine Circle, Davison Bldg, Suite 401, 401A, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Cooney is Chair of the Duke Department of Medicine. 

She is a medical oncologist focused in caring for men with prostate cancer, and is internationally known for her investigations focused on the genetic epidemiology of prostate cancer.

Her research led to the important discovery of a recurrent mutation in the HOXB13 gene that increases the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer and is estimated to account for 5 percent of hereditary prostate cancer cases worldwide. Since men with HOXB13 mutations are at an increased risk of prostate cancer, they may benefit from participation in screening and potentially prevention protocols in the future.

Dr. Cooney’s research continues with a focus on identifying germline mutations associated with lethal and aggressive prostate cancer as well as prostate cancer in African American men.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


George Barth Geller Distinguished Professor of Medicine · 2020 - Present Medicine, Medical Oncology, Medicine
Professor of Medicine · 2018 - Present Medicine, Medical Oncology, Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine · 2018 - Present Medicine, Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2018 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers
Member of Duke Molecular Physiology Institute · 2022 - Present Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Institutes and Centers

Education, Training & Certifications


University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine · 1984 M.D.