Douglas Yee, MD, to Serve as Medical Director of the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network

The Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN) is pleased to announce that Douglas Yee, MD, will serve as Medical Director of the network effective February 11, 2025. Jeffrey Miller, MD, Interim Director of the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, nominated Dr. Yee to the position, with the MNCCTN Steering Committee confirming Dr. Yee’s appointment. 

With a wealth of research, leadership, and cancer care experience at the Masonic Cancer Center, Dr. Yee will bring a new and refreshed vision to MNCCTN as the network continues to grow and develop its research capabilities to serve all Minnesotans. Dr. Yee is particularly interested in exploring pathways and collaborations to expand both the number and complexity of therapeutic clinical trials available through the network. One potential pathway is industry and sponsored trials, an important area of growth that Dr. Yee’s experience and interests will bring to the MNCCTN. Additionally, Dr. Yee’s unparalleled insight into the Masonic Cancer Center’s clinical trial portfolio will help MNCCTN deepen existing and new collaborations with investigators and bring increased study opportunities to MNCCTN Partners and sites.

“I’ve been involved with MNCCTN since its creation. We’ve established a great partnership throughout the state and have engaged thousands of patients in clinical cancer research," Dr. Yee said. "I’m looking forward to continuing the Network’s progress by further strengthening and expanding our partnerships, increasing the number of new therapeutic trials for our patients, and addressing health disparities that exist within our state. The goal of MNCCTN is to reduce the cancer burden for all Minnesotans, and I think we are well poised to continue on this pathway.”

Prior to his new role, Dr. Yee served as the Director of the Masonic Cancer Center for nearly 18 years. Dr. Yee has been a significant member and advocate of MNCCTN since the network’s very beginning. As MCC Director when MNCCTN was founded, Dr. Yee has been instrumental in the development and success of the network thus far. His advocacy for partnering with community oncology practices has shaped MNCCTN’s innovative partnership model with measurable statewide impact, positioning Minnesota as a national leader in advancing an equitable and sustainable approach to cancer clinical trial participation. 

In addition to his role as MNCCTN Medical Director, Dr. Yee is a medical oncologist with a specialty in breast cancer, maintaining an active clinical practice focused on the medical management of breast cancer. Dr. Yee also serves as the site principal investigator for several clinical trials involving new breast cancer therapies. 

About MNCCTN
The Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network (MNCCTN) is a cancer clinical trials network with locations across Minnesota, funded by the Minnesota legislature as part of the University of Minnesota's overall MnDRIVE Strategic Investment Request. Led by the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, MNCCTN partner organizations aim to improve cancer outcomes for all Minnesotans through greater access to cancer clinical trials in prevention and treatment.