Byrl James "B.J." Kennedy (1921–2003) was an American physician who is considered to be the "Father of Medical Oncology." Born in Plainview, Minnesota, in 1921, B.J. Kennedy received his MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He served his residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and received further training at McGill University and Cornell Medical College. A leader throughout his career, Kennedy served as president of both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (1988) and (1982). He received the AMA Scientific Achievement Award in 1992.