CRX Program Welcomes Samantha Ruff, MD

The Cancer Center welcomes Samantha Ruff, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, to its Cancer Therapeutics Research Program.

Dr. Ruff is an academic surgeon-scientist specializing in treating gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary cancers. In the lab, her research focuses on the tumor microenvironment and the immune evasion mechanisms of metastatic colorectal cancer. She seeks to identify potential targets for treatment.

Recently, Dr. Ruff successfully conducted UVA’s first Cytoreduction Surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) to treat metastatic cancer to the peritoneum.

Dr. Ruff earned her BS in molecular and cellular biology from Johns Hopkins University. She earned her MD from Hofstra University’s Zucker School of Medicine before completing her residency in general surgery at Northwell Health. For two years during Dr. Ruff’s residency, she studied the tumor microenvironment and created novel pre-clinical tumor models at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). During her time at the NIH, she also served as administrative chief fellow and received an award for clinical excellence. Dr. Ruff then completed her fellowship in complex general surgical oncology and hepatopancreatobiliary surgery at The Ohio State University.

Outside of the operating room and her lab, she enjoys film, travel, quilting, reading, live theater, and modern art.

4-17-25