Remembering Dr. Edward Chu, Director of the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Dr. Ed Chu, a treasured member of our community, passed away after a courageous battle with glioblastoma on November 13, surrounded by his loved ones, his wife, Dr. Laurie Harrold, and his two children, Ashley and Josh Chu.
Dr. Chu was the director of the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center, vice president of cancer medicine, and the Carol and Roger Einiger Professor of Cancer Medicine. While his professional contributions to Montefiore Einstein were extraordinary, many of us will remember him for his passion, sharp mind, deep laugh, and open, generous spirit.
Born on December 19, 1958, in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Chu dedicated his life to advancing cancer medicine and mentoring medical professionals. Raised in Barrington and Providence, Rhode Island, he earned his B.S. at Brown University and his M.D. from Brown’s School of Medicine. He had a distinguished career as a physician-scientist, holding tenured positions and leadership roles at Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he was chief of hematology-oncology and deputy director of the Hillman Cancer Center. He was committed to providing compassionate care to his patients and advancing his research to improve the treatment for colorectal cancer.
Dr. Chu joined Montefiore Einstein in the fall of 2020. In addition to his roles listed above, he also acted as interim chair of the department of oncology until a year ago. Under his remarkable leadership, Dr. Chu transformed the cancer center, in a mere two years, into a fully integrated, unified cancer enterprise, which resulted in our first comprehensive status designation from the National Cancer Institute.
His list of accomplishments during his time here is extensive: he recruited over 65 faculty members, which meaningfully expanded our research and clinical missions; established a Phase I clinical trials program, elevating the center’s ability to develop and provide cutting-edge therapies to our patients; oversaw the opening of the new Breast Center in the Hutchinson Campus, consolidating services in a state-of-the-art facility; and super-charged our translational research program by investing substantially in pilot and accelerator grants.
This is, of course, a short summary of Ed’s many contributions. We will post a longer feature story to the Montefiore Einstein newsroom in the coming days, where you can learn more about his work and extraordinary impact on our institution.
Dr. Chu will be deeply missed. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and to his close colleagues and friends.
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The Edward Chu Fund for Cancer Research at Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center
One way to honor Dr. Chu’s legacy is to contribute to the Edward Chu Fund for Cancer Research, which will fuel innovative cancer research with the power to advance new discoveries from basic science laboratories to patient care.
Learn More Posted on: Tuesday, November 18, 2025