Ursina R. Teitelbaum has been named the Deenie Greitzer and Daniel G. Haller Associate Professor in the Perelman School of Medicine. Dr. Teitelbaum, a dedicated medical oncologist, exclusively cares for patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, and is a strong proponent of multidisciplinary approaches to pancreatic cancer. This chair will advance her research in gastrointestinal cancers, as well as her work in geriatric medicine and hospice and palliative care.

“One of very few doctors board certified in the fields of medical oncology, geriatric medicine, and hospice and palliative care, Dr. Teitelbaum is a stellar physician and investigator who embodies compassionate patient care,” said J. Larry Jameson, executive vice president for the Health System and dean of the Perelman School of Medicine.

Established by Marty Greitzer and his family to honor his late wife, Dianne “Deenie” Greitzer, and the wonderful care provided to her by the Abramson Cancer Center, this professorship, originally the Deenie Greitzer Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology Professorship, was renamed to honor Deenie Greitzer’s physician, Daniel G. Haller, at his retirement. Specializing in colon and rectal cancer patient care, Dr. Haller is a nationally prominent medical oncologist who has exerted great influence in the way patients with gastrointestinal cancers have been treated.

Dr. Teitelbaum was trained by Dr. Haller, and joined the faculty of the Perelman School of Medicine in 2007. She is the clinical leader of the Gastrointestinal Oncology group at Penn and leader of the Pancreas Cancer Service Line at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center. She was also one of the first Master Clinicians at Penn Medicine, the most prestigious designation for Perelman School of Medicine clinical faculty. Dr. Teitelbaum earned her medical degree at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Subsequently, she completed an internship, residency and fellowships in medical oncology and geriatrics at the University of Chicago, where she also completed a clinical research training program in 2005.