Naples, Fla. – May 29, 2026 – Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is proud to advance its investment in cancer care and has named Javier Muñoz, MD, MS, MBA, FACP, an internationally trained academic hematologist-oncologist and cancer program builder, as Medical Director of the NCH Cancer Program and a practicing medical oncologist in the NCH oncology clinic. Dr. Muñoz joins NCH from Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, where he served as Director of the Lymphoma Program and held senior leadership roles in clinical trials and cellular therapy. His background includes advanced fellowship training and faculty experience at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he helped build nationally recognized immunotherapy and transplant programs.
Dr. Muñoz brings more than two decades of experience across leading academic cancer centers, with deep expertise in lymphoma, immunotherapy, cellular therapies and clinical trial development. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and has played leadership roles in dozens of clinical trials, including registration-defining studies that have helped shape modern cancer treatment.
This appointment represents a transformative moment for cancer care in Naples and Southwest Florida. Historically, patients have often been required to navigate a fragmented system, receiving medical oncology, surgery, radiation therapy and supportive services at different locations across the community. NCH’s evolving cancer program in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine is designed to change that model by delivering coordinated, patient-centered care through a fully integrated, multidisciplinary approach that brings services together under one cohesive program.
Dr. Muñoz was selected following a national search led by a dedicated Cancer Committee established by NCH and Northwestern Medicine in late 2025. The committee sought a visionary physician leader capable of building a comprehensive cancer program that integrates academic-level clinical care, research excellence and a patient-first philosophy.
“Dr. Muñoz brings exceptional clinical expertise, academic rigor and a proven ability to build high-performing oncology programs,” said Paul Hiltz, President and CEO of NCH. “This appointment reflects our commitment to redefining how cancer care is delivered in our community, with a model that prioritizes coordination, quality and the patient experience.”
“Dr. Muñoz brings the clinical oncology expertise and visionary leadership essential to elevating NCH’s cancer program,” said Leonidas Platanias, MD, PhD, director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Medicine. “His commitment to advancing multidisciplinary care and expanding access to innovative therapies and clinical trials will help ensure that patients in Southwest Florida receive cancer care that reflects the standards of an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.”
Through its collaboration with Northwestern Medicine and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, NCH is developing a world-class oncology center of excellence designed to transform cancer care in Southwest Florida. This collaboration provides access to academic expertise, specialty tumor boards and clinical trials infrastructure, along with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies and comprehensive support services such as genetic counseling, nutrition, palliative care and survivorship.
As Medical Director, Dr. Muñoz will serve as the senior clinical leader responsible for shaping an integrated cancer service line encompassing surgical, medical, radiation and supportive oncology. He will recruit and mentor oncology physicians, expand access to clinical trials, lead quality and patient safety initiatives, and partner with philanthropy leaders and community physicians to advance the program’s long-term vision.
“This is a rare opportunity to build a cancer program defined by excellence, coordination and compassion,” Dr. Muñoz said. “Together with NCH and Northwestern Medicine, we will create a destination for cancer care that keeps patients close to home while delivering the highest academic and clinical standards.”
NCH has secured early philanthropic support and strong community momentum to help advance the development of its cancer program, but continued philanthropic partnership from the community will be essential to fully realize this vision and bring integrated, academic-level cancer care to Southwest Florida. This effort reflects a shared commitment to ensuring patients have access to advanced treatments, clinical research and coordinated, patient-centered care close to home.
###