About Me
I am a board-certified surgeon and formally trained surgical oncologist who has been engaged in the study of the immune response to cancer for the past two decades. My laboratory began in 1995 at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute when I was appointed as an assistant professor of surgical oncology at the State University of New York (SUNY) in Buffalo. The Carson Lab moved to The Ohio State University in June of 1997.
I am a professor of surgery in Ohio State’s Department of Surgery and maintain a clinical practice in breast cancer and melanoma surgery at the OSUCCC – James. I am also the associate director for clinical research at the OSUCCC – James and the interim medical director of its clinical trials office. I hold the John B. and Jane T. McCoy Chair in Cancer Research and was named to the Castle Connolly list of “Regional Top Doctors” from 2012-2019.
Clinically, I evaluate women with breast problems in my clinic at the Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center and perform surgery on women with breast cancer at The James. I work closely with specialists in radiology, pathology, radiation oncology and medical oncology to provide integrated and innovative care to my patients.
In addition to my surgical work, I develop phase one and two clinical trials for patients with advanced breast cancer and melanoma based on my lab findings. I conduct these studies in collaboration with Drs. Jeter, Olencki and Kendra in the Division of Medical Oncology. These studies use immune-based treatments and targeted agents to destroy cancer cells in a more specific manner than standard chemotherapy. I have a number of active cancer research grants that look at novel immunological approaches to the treatment of advanced malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
I am the Ohio State institutional PI for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), a group of 24 cancer centers that have joined together to develop guidelines for the care of cancer patients. I also serve on the NCCN Melanoma Guidelines Panel for Ohio State and am currently vice-chair of the SWOG Melanoma Committee for Translational Medicine. SWOG, formerly known as the Southwest Oncology Group, is an important cancer clinical trials cooperative group. In this role, I work to develop and implement novel correlative laboratory studies for investigational studies.
In my role as an immunotherapy translational leader in the Translational Therapeutics Program, I encourage and facilitate the development of novel immunotherapeutic clinical studies. I have a basic immunology laboratory and extensive experience in the design, conduct and analysis of clinical trials that employ strategies to harness the immune response to cancer.
Highlights
- Named to Castle Connolly's Regional Top Doctors list
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2017
- Best Doctor in America, 2017
Procedures and Conditions I Treat
- Breast Cancer
- Melanoma
- Triple Negative Breast Cancer
Education and Training
Education History
Medical School
University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, NM
7/1/1982 - 6/30/1986
Internship
University of California Irvine-College of Medicine, Irvine, CA
7/1/1986 - 7/1/1987
Residency
University of California Irvine-College of Medicine, Irvine, CA
7/1/1987 - 7/1/1991
Fellowship
Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY
7/1/1991 - 7/1/1995
Academic Information
My Department
Surgery
My Division
Surgical Oncology
Reviews
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
126 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
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Overall
4.8 out of 5
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Kept you informed about your condition and treatment
4.8 out of 5
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Amount of time spent with you
4.6 out of 5
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Concern for your questions and issues
4.8 out of 5
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Skill and knowledge
4.9 out of 5
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Overall quality of care
4.8 out of 5
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 09/30/2022, Dr. Carson has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
I didn't get to ask questions or express my concern. I was only informed of his plan. I did not feel that they looked at my chart, medical or family history or social history. I've been there many times before.
Too much to say in a few words. This whole experience has been horrible
Dr Carson is very good
Dr. Carson had printout of test results. Reviewed and hand wrote understandable summary for me to take. Excellent
My appointment was a follow up - mammogram scans this year clean so appointment was quick - but did answer any questions I had
DR. Carson is an amazing surgeon .
I saw Dr. Frarrer. I will need to get used to Dr. Carson -- he is swift. Does not look at the films in the room to point anything out. A female nurse, doctor, PA??? - came in with him and did not introduce herself but gave advice to set up biopsy.
Dr. Carson & Ann Mangino CNP have both been excellent care providers.
Always gave me time to express how I felt and answer my questions. Very friendly. I just love Dr. Carson and his nurse that is always with him.
Good experience.
Dr. Carson and his staff are the best! I am so thankful to have him as my surgeon and part of my treatment team. Thank you Dr. Carson!
Dr. Carson was so very sweet he held my hand in the operating room until I went to sleep. And personally texted me after I got home to check in to see if I was alright!
I came in for a second opinion and I decided to have my treatment with Dr. Carson.
Dr. Carson was very thourough and explained everything. He even gave me his business card and said here how you can reach me by email, how to contact the Nurse for questions and on the back is my personal cell number in case of an emergency! I was impressed.
Correct diagnosis of the extent of my breast cancer required a second biopsy - Just to be sure nothing was missed. I am grateful for the care taken pre-op. I have full confidence in the recommendations made for treatment.
Dr. William Carson has been excellent throughout my treatment!