Henry Ford + MSU Welcomes Pioneering Cancer Physician-Scientist
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences is proud to welcome Eric Mellon, M.D., Ph.D. Mellon joins the partnership as a Henry Ford + MSU physician-scientist, a position that will contribute to the bold partnership joint effort to advance cancer innovation through research and clinical excellence.
Mellon, an academic radiation oncologist and imaging scientist, brings nationally recognized expertise in the treatment of brain and spine tumors. Through this Henry Ford + MSU position, Mellon will serve as senior member and vice chair for translational research in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Henry Ford Health. He will also hold a dual academic appointment in the Department of Radiology at Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine as a professor.
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program, Mellon earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in magnetic resonance physics. His NIH-funded research focuses on using advanced MRI and spectroscopy to detect hidden cancers, analyze metabolic responses during therapy, and adapt treatments in real time—particularly in aggressive tumors like glioblastoma.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mellon to our team,” said Benjamin Movsas, M.D., co-chair of the Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Committee and Henry Ford Cancer medical director and radiation oncology chair. “He brings a rare blend of technical and clinical insight that will help us transform cancer treatment through imaging and innovation.”
Mellon has authored 100 peer-reviewed publications and holds two active National Cancer Institute grants. He has received multiple accolades, including the ASCO Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award.
“Dr. Mellon’s wealth of experience and passion for improving cancer care aligns perfectly with our partnership’s vision,” said Adnan Munkarah, M.D., Henry Ford + MSU board chair and Henry Ford Health president of care delivery system and chief clinical officer. “He is exactly the kind of physician-scientist this partnership was built to attract.”
After completing his residency in radiation oncology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Mellon joined the University of Miami faculty, where he emerged as a leader in neuro-oncology, image-guided therapy, and translational research.
Beginning in August 2025, Mellon’s clinical practice at Henry Ford Cancer, Detroit will focus on brain and spine tumors, stereotactic radiosurgery, and MR-guided adaptive radiotherapy.
“Dr. Mellon will also be a wonderful addition to our department at MSU and we are excited about joint imaging research opportunities,” said Mark DeLano, M.D., professor and chair of the Department of Radiology at MSU, serving both the College of Osteopathic Medicine and the College of Human Medicine.
“His leadership in mentorship, collaborative clinical trials, and focused research aligns seamlessly with our vision for high-impact, team-driven cancer research,” said Jeff MacKeigan, Ph.D., co-chair of the Henry Ford + MSU Cancer Committee and senior advisor to the MSU Office of Research and Innovation.
A champion of inclusive excellence, Mellon has actively mentored students through Diversity in Cancer Research programs and was selected for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Emerging Leaders Program. Originally from a disadvantaged background, he remains deeply committed to serving Michigan’s diverse communities and improving health equity through patient care and research.
Reflecting on his path, Mellon shared, “My journey into medicine was personal—driven by family experiences and a promise to always center the patient. I’m incredibly excited to join the outstanding team at Henry Ford + MSU, where we’ll push the boundaries of what’s possible for cancer patients by uniting the world’s best clinical care and scientific discovery.”