Dr. Mary Legenza named medical director of Edwards Cancer Institute and chair of oncology at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Marshall Health Network and the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine announce the appointment of Mary T. Legenza, M.D., FACS, as medical director of the Edwards Cancer Institute (ECI) and chair of oncology at the School of Medicine. In this leadership role, Legenza will oversee the strategic growth, clinical governance, research initiatives and community outreach efforts of both the ECI and the Department of Oncology.

Legenza, a surgical breast oncologist with more than 36 years of experience, will be instrumental in guiding the direction and vision for ECI and the department, aligning with Marshall Health Network’s goals to enhance regional cancer care throughout the region. As medical director, she will oversee medical leadership and clinical operations, focusing on the growth of oncology specialties, clinical trials and research programs as well as supporting philanthropic and community outreach efforts for patient resources and awareness.

“Dr. Legenza’s clinical knowledge and expertise combined with her vision for Edwards Cancer Institute make her an outstanding medical director and chair, but her compassion for patients and commitment to advance oncology care for our region and beyond make her the ideal leader for Edwards,” said Larry D. Dial Jr., M.D., chief physician executive of Marshall Health Network and vice dean for clinical affairs at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.

She succeeds world-renowned urologic oncology and robotic surgeon James C. Jensen, M.D., FACS, who has provided outstanding service as medical director and chair since 2018. 

“Over the past seven years as medical director, Dr. Jensen has demonstrated exceptional leadership, contributing significantly to the growth of the Edwards Cancer Institute as a regional cancer care destination,” said Kevin Yingling, R.Ph., M.D., emeritus CEO and senior advisor for Marshall Health Network. “We are grateful for Dr. Jensen’s nearly 20-year commitment to Huntington and welcome Dr. Legenza who will passionately serve patients of our region.”

Legenza, an associate professor, joined Marshall's clinical faculty in 2014. She has served as chief of breast oncology and director of the Diagnostic Breast Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Legenza is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She earned her medical degree at the Medical College of Ohio (now the University of Toledo) in Toledo, Ohio, and completed residency training in general surgery at Mt. Sinai Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons.