2003: Medical Center oncologist becomes first Mississippian to lead ACS

Published on Monday, March 31, 2025

By: Gary Pettus, gpettus@umc.edu

During its 69-year history, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has made contributions to the state, and the world, in medicine, science and education. Each month, we’ll recognize at least one of these major accomplishments.

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In 2002, the Mississippi Legislature adopted a resolution commending UMMC faculty member Dr. Ralph Vance for being named president of the American Cancer Society, a one-year position he filled beginning in 2003. As stated in the resolution, Vance was to become the first Mississippian to serve as president of the society.

Vance, who grew up in Jackson, was part of the Medical Center for more than 40 years. He graduated from the University of Mississippi in 1968, the year he entered medical school at UMMC. He earned his medical degree in 1972, then completed a residency in internal medicine at the Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in oncology.

He then became a member of the faculty, retiring as professor emeritus of hematology/oncology after decades of service to his patients and UMMC.

A fellow of the American College of Physicians, Vance helped found the American Cancer Society Gertrude C. Ford Hope Lodge in Jackson, where families and caregivers of cancer patients are able to stay for free.

He was 76 when he died at his home in Oxford, in 2022.