On Tuesday, The House of Representatives discussed the Trump proposal for the institution of step-therapy process into medicare plans. Read more
by Victoria | May 1, 2019 | News | 0 comments
On Tuesday, The House of Representatives discussed the Trump proposal for the institution of step-therapy process into medicare plans. Read more
Organization: M Health Fairview
Location: Maple Grove
Dr. Hanna is board certified by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties in Oncology Pharmacy and Pharmacotherapy. He received his doctorate of pharmacy from Florida A&M University, completed his general residency at St. Thomas Hospital, Nashville, TN and his oncology residency at St. Luke’s Mountain States Tumor Institute, Boise, ID.
He is currently the Director of Pharmacy at Minnesota Oncology and an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. Dr. Hanna serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO).
Dr. Hanna’s research interests are focused on B-cell malignancies and genitourinary cancers. He has published over a dozen peer-reviewed manuscripts in various journals including Pharmacotherapy, AJHP, Drugs, JOPP, AJMC and JHOP.
Dr. Hanna is a Board member of NCODA. He is also an active member of the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association, Association of Community Cancer Centers, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, and the Advanced Practitioner Society For Hematology and Oncology.
Organization: Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Location: Gainesville, FL
Dr. Lucio Gordan earned his medical degree from the State University of Londrina College of Medicine in Londrina, Brazil, and later completed his internship and residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. After finishing his residency, Dr. Gordan was awarded a fellowship in Medical Oncology/Hematology at the University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. He is Board-certified in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Internal Medicine.
Currently, Dr. Gordan serves as President and Managing Physician at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and practices at the FCS Gainesville Cancer Center. Having served in his previous role as Chief Medical Officer for Therapeutics and Analytics, Dr. Gordan continues to drive precision oncology efforts within the practice through analysis of real-world data, innovative technology, and research. This is Dr. Gordan’s second term as President and Managing Physician, having previously served the statewide practice from 2018-2021.
He also serves as a member of the Executive Council for the National Cancer Oral Dispensing Association (NCODA) and the FCS Executive Board.
As a cancer researcher and the recipient of research grants, Dr. Lucio Gordan is actively engaged in early and late clinical trials. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. He serves on the editorial board of several oncology journals. Dr. Gordan is currently in charge of the development of Digital FCS, real-world evidence division at FCS (PRECISE), therapeutics decisions, and dynamic decision-support tool among other tasks. In 2013, Dr. Gordan was awarded the prestigious FRIST Award from the Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) in recognition of his service in the Gainesville community. He is the co-chair of Humanitarian Initiatives at COA supporting national and international crises and received the 2022 FCS Humanitarian Award, recognizing his efforts on global, national and local scales.
Frequently, he participates in national and international meetings as a speaker and key thought leader. Married and the father of one child, Dr. Gordan enjoys traveling, reading, working in his horse farm and photography.
Organization: Clearview Cancer Institute
Location: Huntsville, AL
Meg is currently the Assistant Director of Pharmacy Operations at Clearview Cancer Institute (CCI) in Huntsville, AL. CCI is Alabama’s largest community oncology practice with 23 Hematology/Oncology doctors, over 35 advanced practice providers, and 12 locations across north and central Alabama. Meg graduated from Auburn University with a BS in Biomedical Science and a minor in Italian. Meg then received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Harrison School of Pharmacy in 2011. After graduation, Meg worked as a CVS for 5 years. In 2015 she joined the CCI team as a staff pharmacist and in 2019 she was promoted to Ambulatory Pharmacy Manager at CCI. As the Ambulatory Pharmacy Manager, Meg managed the medically integrated pharmacy (MIP) at CCI. Meg has guided the pharmacy through ACHC, URAC and NCODAs pharmacy accreditations. Meg also controls the business side of the MIP by overseeing/handling the payments from insurers and managing drug contracts through the GPO. in January of 2023 she took over as Assistant Director of Pharmacy Operations at CCI. She still manages the MIP and serves as the supervisor of the prior authorization department, patient advocate team, patient assistance coordinators, and manages the IV pharmacies at all locations. An integral part of her job is building and managing regimens within the EHR at CCI, managing the internal pathways for CCI, and answering clinical questions.
Organization: University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System | UIC College of Pharmacy
Location: Chicago, IL
Dr. Latha Radhakrishnan is a clinical oncology pharmacist at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System and a clinical assistant professor at the University of Illinois College of Pharmacy. She is board certified in both oncology pharmacy and pharmacotherapy.
Dr. Radhakrishnan has been an invited lecturer and presenter at numerous international and national events. She has served on several committees for various regional and national pharmacy organizations, including the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) and the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA). She has been an active member of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. since 2007, where she has served as international president from 2015-2017. Currently, she holds the position of chairperson of the international past presidents advisory committee.
Organization: Texas Oncology
Location: Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
Lance is an Executive Director at Texas Oncology. He has oversight over the entire state which encompasses over 200 sites of service and almost 2,000 clinical professionals, which includes advanced practice providers, dietitians, genetic counselors, nurses, and social workers. He possess over a decade of oncology experience, and his dedication to bettering patient care while increasing staff engagement & satisfaction leads him in all of his pursuits.
Organization: Southern Oncology Specialists
Location: Charlotte, NC
Dr. Mitchell received his undergraduate degree Magna Cum Laude at Marshall University. Furthering his education at the University of Louisville School of Medicine and completing both his internal medicine residency and fellowship at Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine. From 1994 to 1995, he was Chief Fellow of Oncology. He previously was the Chairman of Oncology for Novant Health Huntersville and assisted the Internal Medicine Residency Program for Oncology Rotation for Carolina’s Medical Center. William Mitchell founded Southern Oncology Specialists in 2010. With the opening of that first location, he has grown his practice into a vertically integrated private practice serving patients in five locations. He enjoys spending time with his family and has a passion for live music.
Organization: American Oncology Network
Location: Gettysburg, PA
Sara has been a pharmacy technician for 15 years. She has worked several years in retail, hospital, and in a medically integrated dispensing pharmacy before becoming part of the Patient Assistance Team with AON Pharmacy. She has a personal connection to oncology and patient assistance due to her late uncle’s battle with cancer. Sara states that it is incredibly rewarding to help patients obtain their medication for little to no out of pocket cost.
Sara has been a member of NCODA and OPTA since 2018. She has served on the NCODA Spring Forum Planning Committee, she is currently on the OPTA Leadership Committee, and sits on the editorial board of the OPTA Review. She has a fiancé and is a mom of two boys. In her free time, you can find her cooking/baking or archery hunting.
Organization: Utah Cancer Specialists (UCS)
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Dr. Xylina Gregg is a physician partner of Utah Cancer Specialists (UCS), Salt Lake City, Utah, and is Medical Director for UCS’ Laboratory and Imaging Services. She is the current President of the Society of Utah Medical Oncologists (SUMO) and is the 2022-23 Chair of the ASCO State Affiliate Council. She graduated Summa Cum Laude at Baylor University and with High Honors at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. After completing a fellowship in Hematology Oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), where she was a recipient of an American Society of Hematology (ASH) Travel Award, Dr. Gregg was an Assistant Professor at UAB and a member of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center. She subsequently joined Kelsey-Seybold Clinic, a multi-specialty clinic in Houston, Texas, where she was Hematology/Oncology Section Chief, Cancer Liaison Physician for the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and was a Clinical Assistant Professor at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Gregg has served on the ASH Committee on Practice, as the Utah Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee Hematology Representative, and as a Blood reviewer. She was Co-Chair of the NCODA Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 meetings. She has published in peer-reviewed journals and major Hematology texts, including multiple editions of Williams’ Hematology and Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice.
Organization: Texas Oncology
Location: Houston, Texas
Dr. Doshi treats various cancers including breast cancer, lung and colon cancer as well as other cancers. In addition, she treats benign and malignant blood disorders. Prior to joining Texas Oncology in 2010, Dr. Doshi was an assistant professor in the Division of Oncology at The University of Texas in the Texas Medical Center.
Dr. Gury Doshi is associate chair of the genitourinary committee of US Oncology Research. She joined the genitourinary committee program in 2012 and has quickly risen as a leader serving as US Oncology Research principal investigator for multiple studies and as a top enroller to clinical trials year after year. Her special interest is in treatment of genitourinary tumors; prostate, kidney and bladder cancers. She conducts clinical research trials at her Memorial City office. Her research publications include a review on sequencing therapies in metastatic renal cell carcinoma, and the use of morphoproteomic analysis to determine selection of therapy in kidney cancer.
Organization: Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
Location: Florida
Austin Cox provides leadership and oversight for the development of strong relationships with pharmaceutical companies and other trade partners to meet the needs of FCS physicians and patients now and into the future.
Integrating his pharmacy and medical drug experience, he focuses strategic decision making to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of contracting programs. Austin also provides leadership to ensure compliance with pharmacy and medical boards as well as OSHA and other regulatory standards for safe, efficient and cost-effective medication use across the statewide practice.
Austin received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Auburn University’s Harrison School of Pharmacy in Auburn, AL and began his career as a staff pharmacist with Walgreens Pharmacy in Birmingham, AL. Prior to joining Florida Cancer Specialists in 2022, he served as Medically Integrated Pharmacy Manager with Alabama Oncology in Birmingham. In that role, he assisted in the establishment of an in-house pharmacy dedicated to meeting the specialized needs of cancer patients as well as those on blood disorder medications. He spearheaded business development and helped to achieve URAC accreditation and ACHC with Oncology Distinction certification within two years.
Actively involved in NCODA, he is the current Co-Chairman of the Corporate Council and a member of the Executive Council. He is a frequent presenter and panelist at industry summits and conferences.
Organization: NCODA
Location: Cazenovia, NY
Michael Reff, RPh, MBA, is the Founder & Executive Director of NCODA. NCODA is the first patient-centered organization dedicated to shaping the value proposition for medically integrated oncology practices. NCODA supports a membership of over 5,000 healthcare practitioners employed at over 900 practice settings. Michael established The Patient Rx Center at Hematology/Oncology Associates of Central New York, a medically integrated oncology pharmacy service focused on positive patient experiences with oral oncolytics.
Michael serves on the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s (ASCO) Oncology Medical Home Certification Program Task Force and served on their Quality Oncology Practice Initiative Steering Committee. He also served on the Association of Community Cancer Centers’ Editorial Board, Government Affairs Committee, National Renal Cell Cancer Advisory Committee, and Dispensing Pharmacy Project Committee. He shares his passion for patients through delivering presentations and publishing articles addressing the importance of the continuity of care for oral oncolytics. Michael has extensive pharmaceutical industry experience, spanning many disciplines including oncology research, corporate compliance, international supply chain and biologics manufacturing.
Organization: Georgia Cancer Specialists
Location: Atlanta, GA
James Gilmore, PharmD is the Chief Pharmacy and Procurement Officer with American Oncology Network. Dr. Gilmore’s responsibilities include overseeing all pharmacy and procurement functions for the network. After earning his PharmD degree from Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, Dr. Gilmore received advanced clinical training in neonatal, pediatric and adult pharmacokinetics from Georgia Baptist Medical Center in Atlanta. Dr. Gilmore is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology, the Atlanta Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a reviewer for Community Oncology and Advances in Therapy, and has co-authored over 65 published articles, abstracts and book chapters.
Organization: Florida Cancer Specialists
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Ray has been Senior Vice President of Pharmacy Services of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute since 2010. He is responsible for overseeing the operations of Florida Cancer Specialists’ Oncology Specialty Pharmacy, Rx To Go, including financial management, business development, new drug access, purchasing contracts, and overall formulary management. He served as a Staff Pharmacist at Naples Community Hospital, owner of a pharmacy in Pine Island, FL, and President/Chief Executive Office/Owner of OptionCare of Southwest Florida. Ray joined FCS as Pharmacy Manager. From 2005 to 2007, he served as General Manager of Walgreens/OptionCare of Southwest Florida. Ray serves as a member of Advisory Board at RT Oncology Services Corporation. Licensed in the state of Florida since 1981, he is active in numerous professional organizations, including the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists, the national Community Pharmacist Association and the Florida Pharmacy Association. Ray earned his bachelor and graduate degrees from the University of Georgia.
Organization: Oncology Consultants
Location: Houston, TX
Yen obtained a BS from Texas A&M University in College Station and her PharmD from the University of Texas in Austin. Being a pharmacist for 20+ years, her pharmacy background consist of PBMs, hospital, mail-order, retail chain, and community oncology. As a pharmacy manager at Kroger, she was awarded three years straight as the fastest growing pharmacy in sales for the Southwest Region of over 140+ stores. She then followed her passion of oncology by joining Oncology Consultants 16 years ago as their in-office dispensing pharmacist. Fast forward, Oncology Consultants is now the largest independent physician private practice in Houston with 14 clinical sites. Since then, she has started 2 additional specialty pharmacies and has obtain dual specialty accreditation with URAC and ACHC designation. The pharmacy has been the top producing pharmacy of the Oncology Circle Organization from across the country. Yen is one of the original Advisory Members and speaker for Specialty Oncology Network for ION and currently serves on the Executive National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA). She initiated the NCODA’s Cost Avoidance Waste Tracker and Financial Assistance Tool. Yen has extensive knowledge on GPOs, payer process, PBM contracts, pathways, etc. With her extensive experience, she is a currently a referral source for difficult cases throughout her practice.
Organization: AON
Location: Spokane, WA
Alicia Barnes, CPhT – Alicia has been a pharmacy technician for 7 years. She worked several years in retail before moving to Summit Cancer Centers in Spokane, WA as their Oral Chemotherapy Technician in their Medically Integrated Dispensary in 2018. In May of 2021, Summit Cancer Centers merged and became part of the American Oncology Network. With that merger, she came onto the Patient Assistance Team with AON Pharmacy. She has taken a huge liking to oncology as it is always changing and challenges her in new ways with every patient. In the past she has worked on prior authorizations, dispensing, patient assistance, IV Chemo preparation, as well as many of the IOD administrative duties. Currently, her main priority is to obtaining medications for patients at no cost. Alicia states that it is truly one of the most gratifying positions she has ever held and there is nothing better than those tears of joy when telling a patient that they will be able to receive their medication at no out-of-pocket cost to them.
Alicia has been a member of NCODA since 2018 and has participated on several committees, written articles for Oncolytics today, and participated in several PQI’s. She is also a mom of two human boys and two fur babies. You can often find her on the sidelines of some sporting event for her boys or camping somewhere in the mountains with my husband.
Organization: Executive Director of Oncology Pharmacy Services, Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New
Haven Health
Location: New Haven, CT
Sam Abdelghany is the Executive Director of Oncology Pharmacy Services at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale-New Haven Health. Prior to his current role, he was the Coordinator of the Investigational Drug Service, where he supported Yale investigators conducting NIH, pharmaceutical, or Yale-sponsored clinical studies. Sam received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University Of Connecticut School Of Pharmacy and completed a residency in Oncology at Yale-New Haven in 2001. He also completed a Masters of Health Care Administration degree from Ohio University School of Management. He currently serves on various committees including the Yale Cancer Center Protocol Review committee, Yale University Science and Safety Committee, and the Yale University Institutional Review Board, as the Chair of the oncology board. Sam’s current research interest areas are real-world data with cancer therapies and oncology health economic and outcomes research.
Organization: Lancaster Cancer Center
Location: Reading, PA
Bob has over forty years of increasing responsibility and varied experience in the hi-tech defense industry and health care. For the past twenty-nine years, Bob has worked in all aspects of medical practice management and consulting for various private groups, primarily as Chief Operating Officer for private hematology & medical oncology practices. Currently, he is COO for Lancaster Cancer Center, Ltd. He has authored numerous articles and presented to audiences nationally and internationally on business, HR, and management topics. He is on the Executive Council for the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association and various professional editorial and advisory boards.
He is a member of the International Society for Human Resource Management and the local SHRM affiliated Berks County Chapter #179 for over 33 years. For Chapter 179, he’s held all officer positions multiple times, including President twice, held several committee Chairs, and leads the Chapter’s professional certification study groups. He is also a subject matter expert for the SHRM Learning System. Bob was an Adjunct Instructor at local colleges for over 20 years, teaching business, management, and HR college credit courses. He produces and hosts a live 1-hour cable television show covering HR and business management topics.
He is a decorated combat veteran, having served three tours of duty in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps as a machine gunner and infantry squad leader. Upon his Honorable discharge, he received his BS degree from The Pennsylvania State University and his MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University. He also earned a Paralegal certificate and is a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).
Organization: Utah Cancer Specialists
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Randy is currently the chief executive officer of Utah Cancer Specialists, leading Utah’s largest community oncology practice, consisting of 16 medical oncologists, 3 radiation oncologists, 17 advanced practitioners, and 1 supportive care physician. The practice continues to grow and has over 250 employees spanning 11 locations. It also offers medically integrated dispensing and has a robust research program: community-focused, research-driven.
Prior to Utah Cancer Specialists, Randy worked for 18 years at UPS (United Parcel Service) in operations, health, and safety and ultimately as the Region Occupational Health Manager in Louisville, Kentucky, directing a department responsible for the occupational health of over 20,000 employees.
Randy is a Registered Nurse and earned his BSN in 1995 from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, Utah, and his MBA from Regis University in Denver, Colorado, in 2009. Randy is married to his wife of 29 years, has four daughters and five grandchildren, and lives in Riverton, Utah.
Organization: Tennessee Oncology
Location: Murfreesboro, TN
Stacey McCullough, PharmD, is the Senior Vice President of Pharmacy for Tennessee Oncology, PLLC, one of the nation’s most prestigious community-based oncology practices. She works with executive and clinical leadership in synchronizing business acuity to clinical excellence and developing strategy for system implementation across multiple clinical sites. A passion for patients and collaboration with payers, pharma, and technology has catalyzed her successful and innovative approach to the development of Park Pharmacy, a medically integrated URAC and ACHC accredited pharmacy.
Dr. McCullough is a member of the Pharmacy advisory board (COPA) for Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the executive council for National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA), ASCO, and Tennessee Pharmacy Association (TPA). She serves on the editorial board for Pharmacy Time’s Directions in Oncology Pharmacy and has presented at national COA, NCODA, PCOC, AVBCC, AJMC, ASCO Quality, and numerous GPO and pharma conferences. She is published in Direction in Oncology, AJMC, and JOP, has been interviewed for NPR, presented posters and abstracts at NCCN and ASCO Quality, and is actively engaged in numerous advocacy and advancement efforts and integration of pharmacy practice.
She received her BS and Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Auburn University and completed pharmacy practice residency at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville.
Organization: Florida Cancer Specialists
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Paul is the CPO for Florida Cancer Specialists with responsibilities and oversight for the in-clinic IV drugs and our Medically Integrated Oral Specialty Pharmacy. Prior to joining FCS he worked for ION Solutions in may roles for the GOP including Account Manager, East Coast Director, and Director of Sales and Corporate Services, acting in many different capacities as the liaison between industry and clinical practices. Formerly, Paul was a published pathology researcher and previously a Financial Analyst for an oncology practice in New York City. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of California, San Diego and is currently working on his Masters in Applied Mathematics at Hunter College in New York City.
Organization: Retail Pharmacy Manager, Alabama Oncology
Location: Birmingham, AL
Austin has been a pharmacist since 2006, when he received his PharmD at Auburn University. He has over eleven years of experience in retail pharmacy. In 2016 he assisted in the establishment and currently manages Alabama Rx, a retail dispensing pharmacy for Alabama Oncology. Alabama Oncology is a privately owned practice consisting of 22 oncologists across 7 sites in Birmingham, Alabama. Austin is responsible for the clinical aspects as well as the business side of the pharmacy operations, where he is in charge of the development of pharmacy protocols and daily operation procedures. Payer contracts, oral oncolytic education, and drug access are the primary focus of his job.
Organization: Norton Cancer Institute
Location: Louisville, KY
Oral Oncology Nurse Mary is a graduate of the University Of Kentucky College Of Nursing. She has over 30 years’ experience in oncology at Norton Healthcare in Louisville, KY. She started her career in pediatric oncology and bone marrow transplant before caring for the adult oncology population in the outpatient sector. In her current role, Mary serves as the oral oncology nurse navigator for the Norton Cancer Institute. Mary collaborates with the Norton Specialty Pharmacy and the interdisciplinary staff in the institute’s 8 outpatient clinics. She co-developed and oversees the nursing oral chemotherapy process, educates staff and provides ongoing support and education to patients taking oral oncolytics. Mary is past- President of the Greater Louisville Chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society. She authored chapters for the 2018 edition the of Oncology Nursing Society’s Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Guidelines and Recommendations for Practice, including the chapter on oral adherence. Mary is a community champion in the ONS Oral Adherence virtual community. She also has a strong interest in advocating for patients and her profession, having participated in the first ONS Capitol Hill Days in September 2016.
Organization: Memorial Cancer Institute
Location: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Luis E. Raez is the Chief Scientific Officer & Medical Director at Memorial Cancer Institute (MCI)/Memorial Health Care System. He is also the Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program. He is the immediate past President of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO) and CoDirector of the MCI/FAU Florida Cancer Center of Excellence designated by the Florida governor, one of the five cancer centers in Florida. He is also a Clinical Professor of Medicine at Florida International University (FIU), Visiting Professor of Medicine at Cayetano Heredia University in Peru, and Research Professor at Florida Atlantic University (FAU). He was an Associate Professor of Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health, and a Co-Director of Thoracic Oncology at Sylvester Cancer Center/University of Miami for 10 years (2001-2011). He has expertise in medical oncology in lung cancer and head and neck cancer. He designs phase I-III clinical trials with new chemotherapeutic agents and combinations. In addition, Dr. Raez does translational research and clinical research. He has been funded by NCI and the pharma industry. He has given oral presentations and lectures in national and international meetings in the US, Europe, Latin America, Africa, and Asia. He has been the Chairman of the IASLC Latin American Group (LATAM) since 2018; Chair of the IASLC Membership Committee from 2015-2018; International Chair of the IASLC-Latin-American Meeting (LALCA) since 2014; Chairman for the “Miami Best of ASCO” since 2014, Chair and Founder of the “Miami Cancer Meeting (MCM)” since 2002, Co-Chairman at the “Puerto Rico Fall Cancer Symposia (FCS)” since 2010.
He is one of the founder members of the Oncology Latin-American Association (OLA). He is American Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology. He is board eligible in Hematology. He is a member and serves in several committees at AACR, OLA, ESMO, ASCO, IASLC, ALLIANCE, NCCTG, ACCP, ACP, ACSG, SLACOM, FLASCO, among other institutions.
Organization: Geisinger Cancer Institute
Location: Bloomsburg, PA
Dr. Rajiv Panikkar is Chair of the Geisinger Cancer Institute, a multispecialty oncology practice serving the majority of central and northeast Pennsylvania. He leads several large clinical practice groups across 11 hematology/oncology, 6 radiation oncology, and 4 palliative medicine sites in the state. He also serves as the Principal Investigator of Geisinger Cancer Institute’s National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) award, a collaborative network designed to conduct oncology clinical trials and generate new knowledge through cancer care delivery research.
In 2016 he led the establishment of the Center for Oncology Research and Innovation (CORI) to align oncology research, innovation, analytics, and education. CORI maintains a broad and growing project portfolio that involves the conduct of clinical trials, cancer care delivery research, advanced data analytic programs, care redesign implementations, and a focus on patient and family engagement. In addition, he leads the clinical oncology programs, which leverage Geisinger’s high-quality patient care, fully-integrated healthcare system, large, stable patient population, advanced electronic health record, and clinical data warehouse to advance cancer care while developing novel value-based delivery models.
Organization: Chesapeake Urology Associates
Location: Towson, MD
Benjamin Lowentritt, MD, serves as Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery and Robotics and Director of the Prostate Cancer Care Program at Chesapeake Urology. Dr. Lowentritt has been selected as a “Super Doctor” by his peers in The Washington Post Magazine and a “Top Doctor” in Baltimore magazine numerous times. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Baltimore City Medical Society and is President of the AUA, Mid-Atlantic Region.
Organization: UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica Hospital
Location: Santa Monica, CA
Dallas is an oncology nurse by trade and by heart. She graduated from California State University Channel Islands with her BSN in 2014 and has worked at UCLA Medical Center in Santa Monica, CA since then. During this time, she has spearheaded quality improvement projects that have been presented across the country, she has published an article on chemotherapy desensitization, and has led groups of nurses overseas to volunteer in providing basic medical screenings to the Tibetan Buddhist refugee population in India.
Her nursing niche is oncology and palliative care, where she fiercely advocates for patients along the entire trajectory of cancer care, from diagnosis to survivorship or hospice. Her passions include symptom management, increasing access to care, and improving the death literacy of communities through end-of-life education.
Dallas is at the forefront of her career, recently graduating with her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Loyola University New Orleans (2021). She implemented a novel referral program to increase access to cancer support services for oncology patients in Southern California for her DNP project. She has received the Nurse Scientist of the Year (UCLA, 2018) and the Nightingale Award (Loyola University New Orleans) for her commitment to the profession of nursing. She hopes to work in either palliative care or oncology as she embraces her new role as a nurse practitioner. She lives in her hometown of Ventura, CA, where she is surrounded by family.
Organization: Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Stuart Genschaw is the Chief Executive Officer for Cancer & Hematology Centers of Western Michigan (CHCWM). The practice has numerous locations throughout West Michigan. He serves on numerous local, state, and national boards, such as Community Oncology Alliance (COA). He is an active consultant and advisor to physician practices and pharmaceutical companies. Stuart received his MHA from Western Michigan University and MBA for the University of Colorado.
Organization: New York Oncology Hematology
Location: Albany, NY
Dr. Egerton earned a BS from Niagara University and a BS and PharmD from the Albany College of Pharmacy. She attained her Board Certification in Oncology Pharmacy in 2006. Dr. Egerton is currently employed as Area Manager of Pharmacy Services for New York Oncology Hematology (NYOH) in Albany, NY. She is responsible for managing the practice’s chemotherapy infusion program, stem cell transplant, investigational products for research/clinical trials, and in-office dispensing of oral therapies. Dr. Egerton has extensive experience in collaborative discussions with managed care organizations related to clinical pathways, therapeutic interchange, and contracting for the dispensing of oral oncolytics at the practice level. Dr. Egerton has authored several articles and presented at various meetings on topics related to cancer therapeutics and patient management in the outpatient setting. She also serves on the US Oncology Pharmacy and Therapeutics and Collaborative Care subcommittees.
Organization: Texas Oncology
Location: Dallas, TX
Neal Dave is the Executive Director of Pharmacy for Texas Oncology which
oversees both oral and IV medications. Neal joined Texas Oncology in 2005
and has previously held roles as a Pharmacy Manager and Area Pharmacy
Manager. In addition, he is currently on the US Oncology’s P&T Exec Committee
and has been a member since 2018. Neal earned his PharmD degree from the
University of Texas.
Organization: HOACNY
Location: Syracuse, NY
Jonas graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy in 1989 and has practiced as an oncology pharmacist for almost all that time. He has a broad range of oncology experience ranging from hospital inpatient, outpatient, and community oncology practice. He currently serves as the Director of Pharmacy Services for Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY), a large multi-specialty community oncology practice with four practice locations, 17 physicians, and 260 employees. Pharmacy services at HOACNY include clinical drug information management by oncology pharmacists, infusion chemotherapy delivered from USP 797 certified clean rooms, oral chemotherapy and supportive medications dispensed from The Patient Rx Center, our physician dispensing department, and clinical research support with protocols provided through the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology.
Organization: Medical Director of Oral Oncolytics, Texas Oncology
Location: Dallas, TX
Barry Brooks is a physician shareholder who specializes in medical oncology and hematology, working in Texas Oncology, the world’s largest community oncology practice with 430 oncologists. Dr. Brooks is a founding member of Texas Oncology and currently serves as chairman of P&T for TOPA. Texas Oncology is part of the US Oncology Network and Dr. Brooks has served as its physician lead on the US Oncology drug contracting committee since 2005. He has been a member of the executive committee of P&T for US Oncology since 2005 and served as chairman of P&T from 2011 until 2019. He currently serves as Medical Director for Oral Oncolytics for McKesson Specialty Health and the US Oncology Network. Dr. Brooks was a founding member of the US Oncology’s Pathways Task Force which was the originator of putting clinical pathways into everyday use in oncology practice. He is a member of the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA) executive committee and is an active member of the US Oncology and Texas Oncology legislative political action committees where he advocates for the interests of community oncology. He is also a member of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). Dr. Brooks still sees patients about half time and spends the rest of his time talking to drug manufacturers, providers, and pharmacists about all aspects of oncology medications. When he is not working, Dr. Brooks can be found on his golf course or in the water with a fly rod in his hand.
Organization: Karmanos Specialty Pharmacy
Location: Troy, MI/p>
Lucius Daniel, PharmD, ACE, has been a member of the Karmanos Cancer Center since March 2018, and has diverse pharmacy background with experience in medical affairs/market development in the pharmaceutical industry. Lucius earned his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Wayne State University and completed his Doctor of Pharmacy studies at the University of Florida-Gainesville. He began his career in the pharmaceutical industry with Eli Lilly and Company, and later transitioned Merck and Company as the Regional Health Science Associate covering a large geography in Michigan. Lucius also has experience in retail pharmacy and before joining, the team at Karmanos Cancer Center held a position at McLaren Oakland as the 340(b) Program Manager. Since joining the specialty pharmacy team at Karmanos, Lucius has been involved in establishing the initial activities with specialty pharmacy. These activities range from oral oncolytic product procurement within limited distribution networks, to involvement with all planning activities associated with bringing KSP online. Additionally, he has been able to forge strong collaborative relationships with all the MDT teams at Karmanos Cancer Center Network. He has also been instrumental in helping the KSP team manage oral chemotherapy with a focus side effect management, improving medication adherence, and aiding care teams by documenting clinical information back to MDT care teams. Lucius has spearheaded development of policies/procedures, established clinical pharmacy protocols with physicians that have been useful in prior authorization processes and aided in reducing treatment gaps for inpatient hematology cases. He has compiled documentation for URAC accreditation, streamlined processes related to workflow and prescription order processing, created a protocol to identifying oral oncolytic copay funding mechanisms and developed the current KSP workforce.
Organization: Alabama Oncology
Location: Birmingham, AL
Brandi Gudwien, CPhT (Member-at-Large) – Brandi is a patient advocate and a nationally certified pharmacy technician with a master’s in public health. She has three years’ experience in an oncology practice setting, as well as three years’ experience in specialty pharmacy. As someone who has lost a loved one to cancer, Brandi understands how important it is to have a multidisciplinary team willing to help navigate what can sometimes feel like the unknown. She loves being a part of that caring system for her patients.
Organization: Arizona Oncology
Location: Prescott, AZ
Teri is an Oncology Pharmacy Technician, Admixture and Oral Medications at Arizona Oncology. She has been there for 14 years. Teri has her Certified Pharmacy Technician Certificate from Yavapai College & a Medical Records Specialist Degree from Arizona Institute of Business and Technology.
Organization: Virginia Cancer Specialists
Location: Fairfax, VA
Linda Grimsley is a Certified Pharmacy Technician working as a Retail Pharmacy Supervisor who works with patients to provide quality, ethical and lasting care. Linda assisted in the development and success of the In-Office Dispensary (IOD), now Retail Pharmacy, at Virginia Cancer Specialists. Her current focus has been cost effective medication management programs, therefore, creating and implementing work processes to ensure patients are able to expeditiously start treatment with the minimal out-of-pocket medication expense. Linda believes that we are not here just to treat a person’s cancer but the entire person which often includes financial support. Linda has worked in a pharmacy setting for 15 years and is licensed in Virginia and Maryland along with being Nationally Certified by PTCB. Linda holds an Associate degree in Pre-Pharmacy and a Bachelor of Business Administration.
Organization: Kelsey-Seybold Cancer Clinic
Location: Houston, TX
Joel Sanchez is the designated person of Kelsey-Seybold Clinic Cancer Services, Joel received his bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of San Carlos in 1993 and since then he started working as retail pharmacist in 3 different countries, (Philippines, Qatar, Bahrain), he had worked as procurement pharmacist in London, UK for 13 years, since moving to the United States, he had been working as pharmacy technician. Joel is involved in the implementation of USP 800 by writing new SOPs and maintaining USP 797 standards, training, audits, and competencies for all staff.
Organization: M Health Fairview
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Emily is a Business Operations Coordinator at M Health Fairview for the Ambulatory/Oncology Infusion Pharmacies in Minneapolis, MN. Emily provides support for four hospital and academic based outpatient infusion pharmacies/clinics, and an oncology infusion finance team. Emily has been with M Health Fairview for 4 years and has previous experience with compounding and preparing intravenous and injectable medications, as well as managing compounding pharmacy technicians. She received her bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Benedict and completed a post – baccalaureate Public Health Certificate at the University of Minnesota.
Organization: Clearview Cancer Institute
Location: Huntsville, AL
Christine Robinson is a Clinical Data Analyst at Clearview Cancer Institute, where she performs data mining, analysis, and interpretation of results. Christine has experience working as a Lead Pharmacy Technician for over 10 years. In her spare time she loves to be outdoors with her two children and golden retriever, Ruby.
Organization: The Ghosh Center IOD
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA
Becki Tinder, CPhT (Chair) – Becki has been a pharmacy tech for over 25 years in just about every possible setting. Currently, she serves as the Director of Dispensing Services at The Ghosh Center IOD in Cedar Rapids Iowa. Her role includes managing all operations of the medication dispensary, prior authorizations, financial assistance, and all mixing of the chemotherapy for their infusion center.
She has a passion for being able to help others, especially during difficult times in their lives. “If I can help to relieve the stress of one patient, for even one moment of this journey, then I have succeeded,” states Becki.
Organization: Sutter Health
Location: Lafayette, CA
Dr. Taymuree earned a BA from UC Berkeley and PharmD and MBA from the University of Maryland. Dr Taymuree is currently employed as Oncology Manager, Pharmacy Services for Sutter Health, system wide. Sutter Health, a not for profit organization, serves over 100 communities and provides coordinated care to 3 million lives in Northern California. Dr Taymuree is responsible for managing Clinical Pathways, authoring guidelines and policies and developing pharmacy initiatives. She serves as the liaison for pharmacy between Sutter Health’s medical oncology providers and nursing. Her previous experience includes community oncology, community pharmacy and pharmaceutical industry. At her previous community oncology medical group, Dr Taymuree developed and managed a MID as well as infusion services.