
Dr. David Chism MD
Oncologist | Medical Oncology
101 Manning Dr Chapel Hill NC, 27514About
Dr. David Chism is an oncologist practicing in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Chism specializes in the care and treatment of patients with cancer. As an oncologist, Dr. Chism manages and oversees the treatment of a cancer patient after he or she has been diagnosed with the disease. Oncologists will care for their patients throughout the course of the disease. Types of oncologists include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gynecologic oncologists, pediatric oncologists and hematologist oncologists.
Education and Training
University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN M.D. 2008
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA M.S., Cell and Molecular Biology 2003
Board Certification
Internal Medicine
Medical Oncology
American Board of Internal Medicine
Provider Details

Dr. David Chism MD's Expert Contributions
Cancer Anxiety
Congrats on quitting smoking. That’s an achievement and most likely you have helped yourself prevent smoking related cancers in the future. Continue to stay close to your ideal body weight and stay active as well. Establish good dental hygiene and monitor your health with your primary care doctor. If anxiety persists, contact your doctor for a brief visit. Finally, as you age, stay uptodate with cancer screening. READ MORE
Do I likely have Primary Liver Cancer?
If ultrasound not certain, mri of liver is gold standard to diagnose primary liver cancer. Liver enzymes are mildly elevated. Primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma usually evolves from background of cirrhosis; given lack of cirrhosis, hcc is less likely but please follow up w ultrasound. Older scans if available is helpful too. READ MORE
Worried about red mark on breast. Is it IBC?
If not resolved, please have your primary care doctor take a look. READ MORE
Can a fetus be affected by chemo exposure
It’s very difficult to speculate based on above. Type of chemo and dose and frequency of exposure would be important to know. These details will not readily be available. In general, precautions during any receipt of chemo and those in the household are recommended. READ MORE
Primary thrombocytosis
Primary or essential thrombocytosis often occurrs with plts above 600k. Viral illnesses can result in fluctuations in lymphocytes; also iron deficiency anemia, which is quite common, can result in reactive thrombocytosis which improves with iron supplementation. Continue to monitor with your pcp and check iron levels and if persists request a referral. READ MORE
Do I have cancer?
Based on above, first see your primary care physician. They will likely do basic blood work and refer you to a specialist if required. READ MORE
What are the REAL risk factors of having chemo done?
The term chemotherapy is too general to give specifics. Risks are measured for each type. For example doxorubicin used to treat breast cancers, lymphomas among others can affect the heart function requiring thorough pre-assessment; there is a long list of other side effects. When used with other particular chemotherapy it can result in cure Hodgkins lymphoma. In addition, the best rates of cure using chemotherapy includes testicular cancer with rates well over 90%. I agree chemo in general should be safer; more research in understanding how each individual process particular chemotherapy’s would be helpful. During the consenting process, the oncologists should explain in detail the indication—is it palliative or curative,—and the risks and benefits. Choice will fall in the patient whether or not to proceed understanding above. On a side note, over the past decade immunotherapy has been placed a the forefront giving patients longer responses—but they too have side effects. READ MORE
Pain under breast
I would start with a physical exam with your primary care physician. READ MORE
Kidney Tumor
Thanks for your question. I agree with the biopsy given the tumor's rapid growth which makes malignancy suspicious. He would need to determine if surgery is feasible with a local urologist. In regards to cryoablation, often the procedure is reserved for renal much smaller, i.e., < 4 cm diameter. Further discussion based on the results of above with his healthcare team. READ MORE
Breast cancer
False positives do exist; however, if mammogram saw a suspicious area followed by an ultrasound, biopsy is warranted. Risk factors for breast cancer can further assess whether or not a true malignancy exists, i.e., age, family history of breast cancer. I think we have to wait for the results. Your following up with this is phenomenal and takes courage; so many are lost with cancer screening in general and sometimes subsequent follow up. READ MORE
Cancer
In some cases, chemotherapy can have effects on the children and therefore precautions should be taken; this question should be addressed promptly with your treating physicians including your oncologist. READ MORE
How many days can a cancerous lump stay in my penis without treatment?
I recommend an evaluation with a health care provider as possible. Your primary care physician can refer you to an expert for biopsy to determine if cancer is present. If present, he or she can then refer you to a local cancer doctor who would discuss your case with other experts. READ MORE
What is this
Given above, please start with a visit with your primary care physician or pediatrician asap. He or she can refer to the appropriate specialists to determine next steps. Ultimately, a biopsy must be considered. READ MORE
Night sweats with Non Hodgkin Lymphoma
The most effective relief is likely treatment. Night sweats are considered B symptoms and often resolve with treatment. You should discuss options with an oncologist. READ MORE
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Medical Director of Clinical Research Thompson Cancer Survival Center (Knoxville,TN) 2020 - Present
- Hematology/Oncology, Physician Thompson Cancer Survival Center (Knoxville, TN) 2019 - Present
- Hematology/Oncology Locum Tenens, Thompson Survival Cancer Center, Knoxville, TN 2019 - 2019
- Assistant Professor, Hematology/Oncology Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 2016 - 2019
- Medical oncologist Wesley Long Cancer Center, Greensboro, NC 2014 - 2015
- Hospitalist (part-time during fellowship) University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 2012 - 2014
- Editor-elect ASCO national publication State of Cancer Care in America -
Awards
- Top Doctors for Medical Oncology 2023 Castle Connolly
- Top Doctors for Medical Oncology 2021 Castle Connolly
- Top Doctors for Medical Oncology 2022 Castle Connolly
- Cancer Center Star Award for accrual of patients to interventional clinical trials 2017 Vanderbilt-Ingram
- Fellow clinical/translational cancer research award 2014 John William Pope Clinical
- Clinical Oncology Merit Award 2014 American Society of Clinical
- Clinical/Translational Developmental Research award 2013 UNC Lineberger Cancer Center
- NIH-NMA Travel Awards 2013
- Award for Professionalism in Staff Relations 2011 Charles Ream Memorial
- Resident Travel Award 2009 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Professional Memberships
- Thompson Cancer Survival Center/Thompson Oncology Group
- Thompson Cancer Survival Center/Thompson Oncology Group West
- Thompson Oncology Group Oak Ridge
- Thompson Oncology Group Lenoir City
- Thompson Oncology Group Maryville
- Thompson Oncology Group Sevierville
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- NRG member
- Renal Cell Clinical trial consortium
Fellowships
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC Hematology-Oncology 2014
Dr. David Chism MD's Practice location
Practice At 101 Manning Dr
101 Manning Dr -Chapel Hill, NC 27514Get Direction
NASHVILLE, TN 37232Get Direction
Dr. David Chism MD's reviews
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Media Releases
Enhancing Cancer Patient Outcomes with Molecular Biology Advances and Novel Therapeutics
Knoxville, Tennessee - Dr. David Chism, a distinguished board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, is spearheading groundbreaking advancements in cancer research as the Medical Director of Clinical Research at Thompson Cancer Survival Center, a part of Covenant Health. With a strong focus on genitourinary malignancies, Dr. Chism leads a proficient team of professionals dedicated to designing, implementing, and evaluating clinical trials and correlative science studies for cancer patients.
Dr. Chism brings over four years of outstanding experience to his role as the Medical Director of Clinical Research, where he provides expert medical direction, strategic guidance, and meticulous oversight for the oncology clinical research program. His unwavering commitment ensures that the program maintains the highest standards of quality, safety, and compliance with regulatory and ethical protocols.
Having received comprehensive education and training from esteemed institutions such as Georgetown University, Tulane University, the University of North Carolina Hospitals, and Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Dr. Chism’s expertise is further validated by his board certification in medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
As a member of various prestigious organizations such as the Thompson Cancer Survival Center/Thompson Oncology Group, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and NRG Oncology, Dr. Chism actively engages in cutting-edge research and medical education initiatives. His passion for advancing oncology is evident through his extensive contributions to publications, presentations, and grants in the field. He currently serves as Editor-elect for the ASCO national publication State of Cancer Care in America.
Noteworthy accolades adorn Dr. Chism’s illustrious career, including Resident Travel Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Oncology Merit Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Leadership developmental program member from the American Society of Clinical Oncology and multiple recognitions as a Top Doctor for Medical Oncology by Castle Connolly, among other honors.
Dr. Chism’s mission is to leverage the latest developments in molecular biology and novel therapeutics to enhance the outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients. His innovative approach and dedication to excellence continue to inspire hope and transform the landscape of cancer care at Thompson Cancer Survival Center.
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Nearby Providers
- Dr. Jennifer Garst M.D.4101 N Roxboro St Durham NC 27704
- Dr. Ethan M Basch MD101 Manning Drive Chapel Hill NC 27514
- Dr. Matthew I Milowsky MD101 Manning Drive Chapel Hill NC 27514
- Dr. Stephanie Louise Gaillard MD, PHD40 Duke Medicine Cir Durham NC 27710
- Dr. Kalsoom Kausar Khan M.D.4506 S MIAMI BLVD STE 150 DURHAM NC 27703
- Dr. Nelson Jen an Chao MD4101 N Roxboro St Durham NC 27704
Nearest Hospitals
DUKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITALl
PO BOX 3814 DUMC ERWIN RD DURHAM NC 27710UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA HOSPITALl
101 MANNING DRIVE CHAPEL HILL NC 27514SAINT THOMAS MIDTOWN HOSPITALl
2000 CHURCH ST NASHVILLE TN 37236