Lisa M Rimsza, MD

Lisa M. Rimsza, M.D., Professor and Chair, Samuel and Winifred Witt Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Arizona.

Dr. Rimsza is a physician-scientist who works as a clinical hematopathologist, teacher, laboratory medical director, and runs a translational science research laboratory. She is known worldwide for her research into genetics and biomarkers of lymphoma.

Dr. Rimsza earned her B.S. in Pharmacy with high distinction at the University of Arizona and her M.D. at the University of Arizona, College of Medicine, where she also completed her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. She subsequently completed a fellowship in Hematopathology at the University of New Mexico. Faculty positions have included Assistant Professor at the University of Florida; Associate and Full Professor with Tenure at University of Arizona; Endowed Full Professor and Executive Operations Team at the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Rimsza returned to her alma mater in 2024 to become the Chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. She holds the Witt Endowed Chair in Cancer Research at the College of Medicine in Tucson, Arizona.

Dr. Rimsza’s clinical focus is hematopathology, including blood, lymph node and tissue diagnosis of benign and malignant lymphoid and myeloid disorders. Her research focuses on immune surveillance in lymphoma; gene expression profiling and mutational analysis of lymphoid malignancies; lymphoma biomarker development and commercialization; tumor banking, and AIDS-related lymphomas. She has authored numerous journal articles, abstracts, book chapters and other written publications. She has been continuously funded by the National Cancer Institute, Hope Foundation, American Cancer Society, and others for 20+ years for over $25 million in total funding. She recently co-edited the Textbook of Hematopathology, 3rd edition and will serve in the prestigious role of an expert Editor for the upcoming 6th Edition of WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues.

Dr. Rimsza has served on numerous committees and leadership roles for professional organizations including the American Society of Hematology, International Lymphoma Study Group, Society of Hematopathology, Southwest Oncology Group, and Lymphoma Research Foundation.