Thaker to lead Division of Gynecologic Oncology
Accomplished clinician has been recognized for landmark research on ovarian cancer progression
Jerry Naunheim Jr.Premal H. Thaker, MD, an accomplished clinician and researcher, has been named director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at WashU Medicine.
Premal H. Thaker, MD, the David & Lynn Mutch Distinguished Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, has been named director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Her new role began June 1.
As director, Thaker oversees the division’s efforts to conduct research, educate the next generation of gynecologic oncologists as well as care for patients with dignity, assurance and compassion as they address the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
“After a rigorous national search and serving for almost 18 months as interim director, Dr. Thaker was identified as the leading candidate,” said Dineo Khabele, MD, the Mitchell & Elaine Yanow Professor and head of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology. “Since she joined our department in 2006, Dr. Thaker has been distinguishing herself through life-saving research in gynecologic oncology, mentoring learners and faculty alike and ensuring her patients get the utmost cutting-edge care. We are excited to embark on continued growth and expansion of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology under her leadership.”
Thaker earned her undergraduate degree in biology from Villanova University in Villanova, Pennsylvania, and her medical degree from Allegheny University of the Health Sciences in Philadelphia in a combined BA/MD program. She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, also in Philadelphia, and her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. While there, she began her landmark research that explored biobehavioral influences on ovarian cancer progression. She also holds a master’s degree in cancer biology from the University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, also in Houston. Additionally, Thaker received training in laparoscopic lymph node dissection at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in Germany.
She joined WashU Medicine in 2006 as an assistant professor and was promoted to professor in 2018. She continues to see patients at the high-volume gynecologic oncology practice she helped build. She offers complex laparoscopic, robotic and open surgical procedures as well as state-of-the art chemotherapy and other targeted therapies. Since 2021, her name has consistently appeared on the Castle Connolly and St. Louis Top Doctors lists since 2013 as a testament to her outstanding patient care. She is widely published in her field and has presented her work at academic meetings and conferences locally, nationally and internationally. Thaker has served as the principal investigator on nine national clinical trials related to gynecologic oncology. She has been inducted into both the American Gynecological & Obstetrical Society and the Society of Pelvic Surgeons. She has also served as the director of Gynecologic Oncology Clinical Research since 2019.
“So many mentors have come before me, blazing a path toward better outcomes for the women we treat,” Thaker said. “And I wouldn’t be here without them. They encouraged my relentless pursuit of care that goes beyond a patient’s diagnosis, as well as translational research and clinical trials that push the bounds of how we can help them. I’m truly humbled and honored to lead this work and division.”
