American physician-scientist (born 1962)
Paul S. Mischel (born July 13, 1962) is a physician-scientist whose laboratory has made pioneering discoveries in the pathogenesis of human cancer. He is the Fortinet Founders Professor, and Vice Chair for Research for the Department of Pathology, Stanford Medicine, an Institute Scholar in Sarafan ChEM-H. He is also a Faculty Advisor for Experimental Biology at the Innovative Medicines Accelerator at Stanford University. Mischel’s research published in a series of papers in "Nature" and "Science", has catalyzed a paradigm shift in precision oncology that promises to transform the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from some of the most aggressive forms of cancer.
Career.
Mischel was born on July 13, 1962. After losing his father to cancer, he became committed to a career in cancer research. He attended the University of Pennsylvania and received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1991, graduating Alpha Omega Alpha. Mischel completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology and Neuropathology at UCLA, followed by post-doctoral research training with Louis Reichardt at HHMI-UCSF. Mischel joined the faculty of UCLA in 1998. In August 2012, he was recruited to the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, San Diego and UCSD. In 2021, he joined Stanford University School of Medicine, where he currently serves as a Professor and Vice Chair of Research for the Department of Pathology and Institute Scholar of ChEM-H. Mischel leads the team of eDyNAmiC project.
Research.
Mischel’s research has demonstrated a central role for ecDNA in cancer. Studies he has led, published in a series of papers in Nature and Science, has provided a mechanistic understanding of the molecular basis of intratumoral genetic heterogeneity, accelerated evolution and treatment resistance driven by ecDNA oncogene amplification. His team’s research has shown that ecDNA occurs in close to 20% of all solid cancers, of women and men, children and adults, that it is associated with poor outcome for patients. This research has revealed clinical implications and underlying molecular mechanisms of ecDNA in cancer development and progression, suggesting the potential for future ecDNA-directed cancer treatments.
Honors.
Mischel is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and recipient of the Ernst W. Bertner Memorial Award from MD Anderson for Distinguished Contributions to Cancer Research. Mischel is also an elected Fellow and Past-President of the American Society for Clinical Investigation, and an elected Fellow of the American Association of Physicians and The American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Personal life.
Mischel is married to Professor Deborah Kado, Chief of Geriatrics Research, co-director of the Stanford Longevity Center, and Director of the Palo Alto VA Geriatrics Research, Education, and Clinical Center. They have two daughters, Dr. Anna Mischel and Dr. Sarah Mischel.  Paul is the son of the cognitive philosopher Theodore Mischel and the nephew of the famed psychologist, Walter Mischel.
References.
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News articles and external links.
Team eDyNAmiC: Following the science and accelerating our understanding of ecDNA 
Cracking the code of DNA circles in cancer, Stanford Medicine-led team uncovers potential therapy 
Study raises hopes of treating aggressive cancers by zapping rogue DNA
The cartographer of cancer
Coming full circle with extrachromosomal DNA, cancer and Ptolemy 
Cancers cheat during mitosis to pass on their most malignant genes