Children’s Mercy Names Dr. Yong Li To Lead Molecular Oncology, Cell Therapy Program

Posted June 17, 2026

Children’s Mercy has announced it has appointed its inaugural division director of Molecular Oncology & Cellular Therapeutics.

Dr. Yong Li will now lead the new program dedicated to turning scientific discoveries into real‑world care for kids. Li will help expand Children’s Mercy’s ability to offer innovative cellular and immunotherapy treatments and strengthen its partnership with the University of Kansas Cancer Center.

He most recently served as a professor and Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas Scholar at Baylor College of Medicine, where he also led the Molecular Epidemiology program. He has also held several leadership roles at Baylor College of Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Louisville.

“Children’s Mercy offers world-class clinical care and a strong research foundation,” Li said in the release. “I look forward to leveraging these strengths to advance innovative therapies and bring new hope to children and families facing cancer.”

The Molecular Oncology & Cellular Therapeutics division focuses on advancing treatment options for children with cancer and exploring therapies to benefit children with autoimmune diseases and transplant-related complications.

Li will also serve as the inaugural holder of the Paul and Linda DeBruce Endowed Chair in Cancer Immunotherapy, according to a release.

“Breakthroughs in cancer treatment are advancing rapidly, particularly in immunotherapy and cellular therapeutics,” Dr. Steve Leeder, senior vice president and chief scientific officer at Children’s Mercy, said in the release. “Dr. Li’s leadership will help ensure children benefit from these innovations.”