Petros G. Nikolinakos, MD (“Dr. Nik”), is a nationally respected oncologist, physician-scientist, and clinical research leader. He serves as Managing Partner of University Cancer & Blood Center (UCBC) and as Director and Principal Investigator of its clinical research program, overseeing numerous trials involving novel targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and breakthrough cancer treatments. A Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Georgia and Augusta University, he is also the recipient of the 2013 ASCO Clinical Trials Participation Award for advancing clinical research.

Board-certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine, Dr. Nik joined UCBC in 2009 after completing his Hematology and Oncology fellowship at the NCI-designated MD Anderson Cancer Center, where he conducted basic science, clinical, and translational research. He previously served as a resident and Chief Medical Resident at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, developing a strong foundation in complex patient care.

An accomplished author and researcher, Dr. Nik has published extensively in leading journals including The New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, American Journal of Hematology, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Oncogene, and Journal of Cancer Research, with abstracts presented at ASCO and AACR. He also holds leadership roles on the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology, the Georgia CORE Board, the Clinical Governance Council for Piedmont Healthcare, and the Medical Staff Quality Committee for Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center.

Dr. Nik brings this depth of clinical, research, and governance experience to Stage4Hope, where he will be instrumental in shaping patient services at the Stage4Hope Retreat & Wellness Center. His guidance will help ensure care, support, and healing programs are grounded in real patient needs, while advancing Stage4Hope’s mission to educate patients about clinical trials and increase participation in innovative treatment opportunities. Deeply driven by the relationships he builds with patients and families, Dr. Nik finds purpose in helping others navigate cancer with clarity and hope. Outside of medicine, he enjoys traveling to Greece and wildlife photography.