In Memoriam: William Stanton, MD

William Stanton, MD, died peacefully on June 16, 2021. Dr. Stanton was a distinguished oncologist who served as a member of Scripps Mercy Hospital medical staff for more than 40 years. During this time, he contributed significantly to improving cancer care, both as Medical Director for Scripps Mercy Cancer Center and most recently, as a physician advisor for Scripps Cancer Center.

Scripps and Scripps Clinic oncology leader, Marin Xavier, MD, reflected: “When I think about what the right thing to do is, I think: what would Dr. Stanton do? He was always my role model, guide, and mentor in work and life. He touched the lives of everyone he took care of and worked with. There was no man more honorable and just than Bill Stanton; I sought his advice on any big programmatic decisions. He gave his heart to Mercy and his community of colleagues and patients. His life dream was to build a cancer center at Scripps Mercy, and he knew his dreams were coming true. He was a cornerstone of the cancer and palliative/hospice community in San Diego for nearly five decades and mentored most of our local oncology leaders and multiple others at UCSD and Scripps. He was also transformational, not just for Scripps Mercy, but for the San Diego Hospice, the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, and the many years he spent as the Scripps systemwide oncology care line director.”

Dr. Stanton was also a member of the Scripps Mercy Hospital Advisory Council for more than 15 years. His tireless fundraising and advocacy were instrumental in making Prebys Cancer Center a reality. Scripps Mercy Hospital Chief Executive Tom Gammiere reflected, “While Bill did not attend the cancer center opening in September, it will forever stand as his legacy; a lasting testimony to his indomitable will, and his caring and gentle spirit.”