Joannie M. Ivory,

Internal Medicine - St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO

Hematology and Oncology - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC

Master of Science in Public Health – Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN
Master in Health Science – Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN

Joannie M. Ivory, MD, MSPH, MHS, is a Breast Medical Oncologist at City of Hope^® Cancer Center Atlanta. Double board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, Dr. Ivory specializes in providing innovative breast cancer care, including advances in endocrine therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy, with a focus on removing barriers to care and ensuring health equity.

Dr. Ivory, who was inspired to pursue a career in medicine after the death of a young family member and her grandmother's cancer diagnosis, is dedicated to a compassionate, educational approach to clinical work.

“I want to ensure my patients feel heard and empowered throughout the treatment process,” she says. “I chose to pursue medical oncology due to my admiration for the intricacies of immunology and my grandmother's battle with cancer. I also enjoy the multidisciplinary aspect of the field and have a passion to serve and uplift individuals during times of adversity.”

Dr. Ivory earned her medical degree at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, where she also completed a Master of Science in public health and a master's in health science. She went on to complete a residency in internal medicine at St. Louis University School of Medicine in Missouri, a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill and a post-doctoral fellowship in health disparities at the Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, also at UNC.

Dr. Ivory's research focuses on topics related to breast cancer care and health equity. She's pursued multiple projects related to the impact of race and age on the effectiveness of hormone and immunotherapies for metastatic breast cancer and barriers to care for Black patients who wish to enroll in clinical trials. At City of Hope, she's expanded her research to further explore health disparities in breast cancer care and offer access to more leading-edge treatments in the Atlanta area.

“I chose City of Hope with the hope of increasing clinical trial availability in the region to ensure our patients have access to groundbreaking treatments, as well as its supportive leadership and national track record of providing excellent cancer care and clinical research opportunities,” Dr. Ivory says.

Over the course of her career, Dr. Ivory has been recognized with awards including the Pope Clinical Trainee Award at Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, a 10 Under 10 Alumni Award from Meharry Medical College and the Young Investigator Award in Diversity and Inclusion in Breast Cancer Research, presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conquer Cancer Foundation.

In her free time, Dr. Ivory enjoys reading, traveling and attending sporting events with family and friends, as well as spending time with her Cavapoo dog, Noah.