Following a comprehensive national search, RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Cancer Institute have appointed Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph as chief of Breast Surgery and co-director of the multidisciplinary breast program.
Joseph will lead surgical operations at the newly opened Jack & Sheryl Morris Cancer Center—New Jersey’s first and only freestanding cancer hospital. In addition to her clinical leadership, she will serve as associate chief surgical officer for System Integration and Quality at RWJBarnabas Health and director of Breast Surgical Services for the system’s Southern Region.
Joseph joins the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center from NYU Langone Medical Center. A distinguished surgeon and researcher, she is widely recognized for her work in reducing healthcare disparities. At NYU, she co-directed the Beatrice W. Welters Breast Health Outreach & Navigation Program, which successfully improved screening access for thousands of underserved women.
“Dr. Joseph exemplifies our mission to provide the most advanced, patient-centered care,” Dr. Steven Libutti, director of Rutgers Cancer Institute and senior vice president of Oncology Services at RWJBarnabas Health said. “Her expertise in advanced surgical techniques combined with her commitment to equity makes her a fantastic addition to our team.”
In her role as director of Breast Surgical Services for the Southern Region, Joseph will oversee the expansion of high-level surgical oncology across Monmouth, Ocean, and surrounding counties. Her appointment is a cornerstone of the system’s $1.5 billion investment in oncology infrastructure, aimed at keeping world-class care “close to home” for New Jersey residents.
Joseph’s clinical focus includes:
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Advanced Breast Surgery: Expertise in nipple-sparing mastectomies and oncoplastic techniques.
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Complex Cases: Management of rare subtypes, including inflammatory breast cancer and phyllodes tumors.
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Clinical Research: Overseeing high-impact trials and mentoring the next generation of researchers at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Joseph’s influence extends beyond the operating room. She currently serves as chair of the Society of Black Academic Surgeons Research and Education Committee and holds leadership roles within the American College of Surgeons. Her career was profoundly shaped by the loss of her mother to cancer during her time at Harvard, a tragedy that fueled her lifelong dedication to early detection and patient navigation.
“I am privileged to join such a passionate team,” Joseph said. “I look forward to working together to tackle a disease that impacts so many families across New Jersey.”
