Dr. Joseph S. Bailes is a medical oncologist with substantial experience in legislation, public policy and advocacy, as well as the business aspects of the practice of oncology and of medicine generally. For nearly two decades, Dr. Bailes served in various leadership capacities for the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). During his ten years as Chair of ASCO's Clinical Practice Committee, he led a number of legislative and regulatory initiatives that enhanced quality cancer care and access. He also oversaw the creation of ASCO's State/Regional Affiliates Program to enhance participation of community oncologists in the activities of the national organization. He served on the ASCO Board of Directors in the mid-1990's and was elected President of ASCO in 1999-2000. Subsequent to his Presidency, Dr. Bailes remained engaged in ASCO policy development.
For several years, he served as Chair of the ASCO Government Relations Council, a position that was responsible for ASCO's involvement in legislative, regulatory and public policy matters affecting cancer clinical research and treatment. During 2005 and 2006, Dr. Bailes was also involved in the day-to-day governance of ASCO as the Society's Interim Chief Executive Officer(CEO). During his tenure as Interim CEO, his responsibilities included budget and staffing oversight for both ASCO and the ASCO Foundation. Dr. Bailes served as Chair of the ASCO Foundation from 2007-2009.
Dr. Bailes also has many years of experience in the practice of oncology in the private sector as a former partner in Texas Oncology, P.A., the largest oncology practice group in the country, and was a founding member of Physician Reliance Network (PRN), one of the corporate predecessors to US Oncology, Inc. Dr. Bailes served as President of PRN Research, where he oversaw clinical trials and drug development activities for the physician network. Subsequently, he was Executive Vice President for Clinical Affairs with US Oncology. He served on the Board of Directors of Ilex Oncology. In 2007, Dr Bailes was appointed to the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Oversight Committee by Texas House of Representatives Speaker Tom Craddick, serving until 2013.
Dr. Bailes received his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas in 1981, followed by his internship and residency at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas. He completed his Medical Oncology/Hematology Fellowship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio in 1986. In 1994, the American Society of Internal Medicine named Dr. Bailes the Outstanding Young Internist of America. In addition to his private practice experience, Dr. Bailes has served as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center.