SHERIDAN, WYOMING -- August 28, 2026 -- Virginia Cancer Specialists announced Aug. 28 that Kai-Li Liang, MD, has joined the Fairfax, Virginia practice as a medical oncologist and clinical investigator. The hire adds capacity to the largest community-based oncology clinical trials portfolio in the Mid-Atlantic region. Dr. Liang trained at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Stony Brook University School of Medicine before arriving at the 10-location practice, which Castle Connolly has ranked the No. 1 physician practice in Virginia in cancer care and across all medical specialties for three straight years, from 2024 through 2026.
Liang Trained At Johns Hopkins And Stony Brook
Dr. Liang completed his fellowship in medical oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine after serving as chief resident and finishing his internal medicine residency at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. He earned his medical degree at Stony Brook University School of Medicine and a bachelor's degree in microbiology from the University of Maryland.
Practice Runs The Region's Largest Trial Portfolio
Virginia Cancer Specialists operates the largest community-based oncology clinical trials portfolio in the Mid-Atlantic, giving patients access to experimental therapies without leaving Northern Virginia. The practice runs a dedicated Phase I research facility and extends into later-stage trials through a joint venture with Fairfax-based NEXT Oncology. Dr. Liang's arrival adds another investigator to a program that already works with pharmaceutical companies, cooperative research groups and academic institutions across a broad range of cancer types.
That's treatment closer to home for patients who once had to travel out of state for early-phase care.
Spira Says Liang Fits The Practice's Research Mission
Alex Spira, MD, PhD, Co-Director of the Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, welcomed the new hire. "His passion for advancing cancer treatment through clinical research aligns perfectly with our mission to bring the most innovative therapies directly to patients," Spira said, adding that Liang will help accelerate access to new treatment opportunities across the region.
Liang Says Early-Phase Research Offers New Options
Liang said he is eager to help bring next-generation cancer therapies to patients, describing early-phase clinical research as a driver of how cancer is treated today. He said he looks forward to providing meaningful new options for patients facing a cancer diagnosis.
Nine locations already existed before this hire. Now there are ten across Northern Virginia.
Beyond research, Liang will provide comprehensive cancer care and help design and run clinical studies aimed at improving outcomes and quality of life for patients.