Saint Luke's Cancer Institute (SLCI) has appointed Timothy J. Pluard, M.D., medical director. Pluard is associate professor of medicine at Washington University and clinical director, section of breast oncology at Siteman Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, at Washington University/Barnes Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, Mo.

Pluard was recruited by Siteman Cancer Center in 2005 as medical director of its first satellite center in St. Peters, Mo. In 2010, Pluard was appointed clinical director of breast oncology. He also was the institutional Principal Investigator for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) as well as all breast industry research trials. Pluard led multiple clinical trials at Siteman Cancer Center over the past eight years, and he has been recognized twice by NCI as one of the nation's top accruers in cooperative group trials.

Pluard will work to maximize growth on a regional and national level and pursue research opportunities and clinical trials.