Ted Okon is a nationally recognized expert on the policy and politics of cancer care. He is quoted extensively in the press, including guest appearances on TV and radio news shows. Ted has testified before Congress on cancer issues and is frequently on Capitol Hill discussing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. Ted’s target areas of expertise include the cost of cancer treatment, health care reform, Medicare reimbursement, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), drug shortages, and the changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States.
Ted has dedicated his career to healthcare business and policy. He has worked for several pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Warner-Lambert, now part of Pfizer, and IMS Health. He co-founded and took public the health care information business Medical Marketing Group. He also founded two oncology companies (an oncology clinical research network and an information network) and has traveled extensively to China, India, Singapore, the U.K., and the Middle East, analyzing and discussing cancer care delivery.
As executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Ted oversees the strategic direction of this non-profit organization dedicated to patients and providers in the community cancer care setting, under the direction of a dedicated board of oncologists and practice administrators. Ted also travels the country speaking to state oncology societies, professional organizations, and companies about the challenges facing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. He has authored numerous articles and studies relating to cancer care policy and politics, reimbursement, and clinical issues.
Ted holds a BS degree from Fairfield University and an MBA from the Carnegie-Mellon University Tepper School of Business. His wife, Susan, practiced as a certified oncology nurse.
Sarah Walter has spent the last 20 years working on a variety of issues across the health care spectrum.
From 1994 to 2003, Ms. Walter worked in the Washington office of United States Senator John Breaux (D-LA). Ms. Walter handled a broad range of issues, with a focus on health care policy, while serving as the Senator’s Legislative Director and Chief Counsel beginning in 1999.
In her role as Chief Counsel, Ms. Walter advised Senator Breaux in his capacity as Chief Deputy Whip and as a member of three influential Senate committees (Finance; Commerce, Science and Transportation; and Rules). She served as Senator Breaux’s principal advisor in his role as the Chairman of the National Bipartisan Commission on the Future of Medicare and played a key role in the passage of the landmark Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003.
Ms. Walter was also involved in passage of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the Balanced Budget Refinement Act of 1999, and the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000. Ms. Walter advised Senator Breaux on several other critical pieces of legislation including the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Act of 2001, the Trade Promotion Authority Act of 2002, and the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
As the key Democratic staffer for the Senate Centrist Coalition, co-chaired by Senator Breaux and Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine, Ms. Walter has built a strong network of associates and policymakers on both sides of the political aisle. In 2007, Ms. Walter was named by National Journal as one of the top Democratic health care lobbyists in Washington, D.C.
Ms. Walter joined Senator Breaux’s office after earning her Master’s Degree from the LBJ School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas and working at an Austin-based public affairs firm, Public Strategies, Inc. She worked in the firm’s Washington, D.C. office for a year and a half before becoming projects correspondent in Senator Breaux’s D.C. office in 1994. In 1999, she earned her J.D. with honors from the George Washington University School of Law while working for Senator Breaux.
Ms. Walter joined the firm as a Partner in 2016. She received a B.A. in Communications from Florida State University in Tallahassee, Florida. She lives in McLean, Virginia with her husband and three children.
Jeff Mortier brings over a decade of public policy expertise in the healthcare, energy, telecommunications, privacy, and data security arenas and is widely regarded as a trusted voice on Capitol Hill.
Jeff has extensive experience in providing strategic advice and lobbying and policy expertise to executives of fortune 500 companies, industry associations, and non-profit organizations.
Jeff also serves as the Executive Director of the 21st Century Privacy Coalition, where he represents major telecommunications and cable companies.
Prior to co-founding Farragut Partners, Jeff served as a Professional Staff Member on the House Energy & Commerce Committee under Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI). In that role, he helped organize the committee’s policy agenda and promoted the Chairman’s legislative priorities including work on online privacy and data security issues. He also served as a liaison to Republican Member offices on the committee and worked directly with Members and senior staff to help them further their policy goals.
Before serving on the Energy & Commerce Committee, Jeff spent five years working with senior Member of Congress Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-KY) where he handled the Congressman’s most important legislative priorities, including health care policy, and served as Rep. Whitfield’s top policy advisor. During his time with Rep. Whitfield, Jeff worked on a number of significant bills including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 and the Food Safety and Modernization Act.
Working with his founding partners, Jeff MacKinnon and Joe Vasapoli, Jeff has built Farragut Partners into a premier DC lobbying firm. A Louisiana native, Jeff resides in Washington, DC with his wife Nicole.
Drew Lovejoy is the Senior Communications Manager at the Community Oncology Alliance. With a background in health policy, Mr. Lovejoy supports all of COA’s communications activities, including media relations, member news, social media, and advocacy outreach.
Prior to joining COA, Mr. Lovejoy worked at the National Council for Behavioral Health, a national advocacy organization for behavioral health providers, and Finn Partners, an international public affairs firm. He received a Master’s in Public Relations from Syracuse University, and a B.A. in English and B.A. in Sociology from West Virginia University.
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 the president & managing physician of Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute (FCS) and practices at the FCS Gainesville Cancer Center. He also serves a member of the board of directors for Community Oncology Alliance (COA) and Florida Association of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO).
As a cancer researcher and the recipient of research grants, Dr. Lucio Gordan is actively engaged in clinical studies. His work has been published in several peer-reviewed journals. He serves in the editorial board of several oncology journals. 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 and at North Florida Regional Medical Center. 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, horseback riding and photography.
Rose Gerber is a nationally recognized cancer advocate and cancer survivor. Her experience includes appearing on national television (MSNBC) to speak about cancer care, meeting with legislators in Washington, DC on cancer policy issues, and developing cancer programs. Rose was brought to the COA team to develop its patient advocacy program. One of her first accomplishments was to add an advocacy track to the annual conference, making the meeting one of the few that brings together physicians, administrators, and advocates. She serves as an invited member on national patient advocate panels, steering committees, and cancer coalitions. Rose has also served as a consumer reviewer on the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs – Department of Defense Breast Cancer research panels.
Rose has been a featured cancer survivor for various cancer organizations media campaigns, including the 2015 About Clinical Trials initiative. She was recently featured on the cover of the national publication, Breast Cancer Wellness magazine, and honored as the National Breast Cancer Leader of the Year. In addition, she was a guest speaker for CURE magazine’s September 2018 podcast in the episode titled From Cancer to Capitol Hill. She has been the keynote speaker at multiple national conferences including the National Women’s Survivors Convention. Rose served for five years as a grant reviewer, speaker, and educator for Susan G. Komen and also co-founded and managed a breast cancer-mentoring program for Eastern Connecticut Hematology & Oncology in Connecticut. Working alongside community health workers and nurses, Rose also gained an understanding of disparities in health care. Rose taught breast health education to diverse populations including Muslims, Haitians, Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, and young mothers.
In addition to college degrees in advertising/public relations and psychology, Rose is a graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s esteemed Project Lead programs: Clinical Trials, Science Institute, and Quality Care. Prior to her advocacy work, Rose worked for NBC-TV in Los Angeles, CA.
Rose now applies her personal experience as a cancer survivor and three-time clinical trial participant, with her advocacy knowledge to educate and train cancer patients and cancer survivors on how various national cancer policy issues impact their local patient care.
Nicolas Ferreyros is Director of Communications at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the only national organization dedicated solely to preserving and protecting local, affordable, and accessible cancer care. He is responsible for all internal and external communications at COA, including media relations, policy communications, and digital strategy.
A seasoned advocacy and communications strategist with more than 15 years of experience in health care, Nick specializes in developing successful campaigns to address complex issues. He has a deep understanding of the people and processes that affect America’s health care system and has a knack for translating the “wonkery” of health policy into language and concepts that resonate with policymakers, providers, patients, and voters.
Nick has engaged in nearly every major recent health policy issue before Congress and regulatory agencies, including the Affordable Care Act, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, Medicare reimbursement policy, and more. He has worked closely with policymakers on Capitol Hill, the White House, the Department of Health & Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and National Institutes of Health. Nick’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBS Evening News, National Public Radio, and other leading national news outlets.
Prior to joining COA, Nick was a Managing Supervisor at GYMR Public Relations, a boutique Washington, DC communications firm specializing in health care, science, and social issues. While there, he oversaw high-profile, award-winning campaigns for clients including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Board of Internal Medicine, Consumer Reports, and numerous federal agencies.
A native of Houston, Texas, Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He currently resides in New York City.
At AbbVie, we strive to discover and develop medicines that deliver transformational improvements in cancer treatment by uniquely combining our deep knowledge in core areas of biology with cutting-edge technologies, and by working together with our partners – scientists, clinical experts, industry peers, advocates, and patients. We remain focused on delivering these transformative advances in treatment across some of the most debilitating and widespread cancers. We are also committed to exploring solutions to help patients obtain access to our cancer medicines. AbbVie’s oncology portfolio now consists of marketed medicines and a pipeline containing multiple new molecules being evaluated worldwide in more than 300 clinical trials and more than 20 different tumor types. For more information, please visit http://www.abbvie.com/oncology.
Amy Niles is Executive Vice President at the Patient Access Network (PAN) Foundation. The PAN Foundation is a national nonprofit that helps under-insured people with life-threatening, chronic and rare diseases get the medications and treatment they need by paying for their out-of-pocket costs and advocating for improved access and affordability. Amy leads PAN’s advocacy, policy and government relations initiatives, forges alliances with patient groups, and enjoys bringing the patient voice to meetings and conferences convened by other organizations.
Prior to joining PAN, Amy led outreach programs for Together Rx Access, a prescription savings program for the uninsured. Prior to Together Rx Access, Amy was President and CEO of the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC), now known as HealthyWomen, for well over a decade. Serving as an independent clearinghouse for women’s health information, Amy grew the organization from an idea to a national resource.
Amy began her career in health care administration in hospitals in New York and Washington, DC. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Baruch College, City University of New York. She graduated the University of Rochester with an undergraduate degree in biology.
Bobby Green is Flatiron’s chief medical officer and a practicing medical oncologist. At Flatiron, Bobby oversees the team responsible for clinical development of OncoEMR®, the industry’s leading electronic medical record software for medical oncology, and Flatiron’s other provider-facing software products. The team is also responsible for all clinical content development and is supporting the development of Flatiron’s novel clinical trials offerings.
Prior to joining Flatiron Health, Bobby was a managing partner at Palm Beach Cancer Institute and helped lead its merger with Florida Cancer Specialists (FCS) in 2013. Bobby continues to see patients in West Palm Beach Florida at FCS on a part time basis.
He served two years as Chief Medical Officer of Cancer Clinics of Excellence where he led initiatives in molecularly based clinical trials, integrating genomic testing into community practices, alternative payment models, and data analytics. Bobby currently serves on the board of the Community Oncology Alliance and is a former executive board member at FCS.
Bobby received his undergraduate and medical degrees at Duke University and a Masters of Science in clinical epidemiology and biostatistics at the University of Pennsylvania. He also completed his internship, residency, and fellowship in medical oncology at the University of Pennsylvania.
Patricia J. Goldsmith joined CancerCare in 2014 as Chief Executive Officer, overseeing the vision and direction of the organization. Ms. Goldsmith brings more than 20 years of nonprofit management and strategic planning experience to the role, and has a proven track record of success in hospital and physician academic organizations, as well as nongovernmental health care organizations.
She previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). In this role, Ms. Goldsmith was responsible for the overall operations of NCCN. She reported directly to the Chief Executive Officer and provided oversight of the functions of NCCN Oncology Outcomes Database, NCCN Oncology Research Program, Finance, U.S. & Global Business Development, Marketing and Communications, Public Affairs, Professional Publications, Best Practices, Analytics, Research & Consulting, Conferences and Meeting Planning, Media Programs, Continuing Medical Education and Grants and Information Technology. In addition, she was responsible for public policy initiatives at the Federal level and national initiatives related to payors and employers including the education related to these constituencies. Ms. Goldsmith was also responsible for the NCCN Foundation, established as the philanthropic affiliate of NCCN to embrace the NCCN mission of improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer.
Ms. Goldsmith formerly served as Vice President for Institutional Development, Public Affairs and Marketing at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida – an NCCN Member Institution. There she oversaw the Moffitt Cancer Center’s Foundation, Public Relations, Marketing, and Business Development functions in addition to fundraising initiatives. Before joining Moffitt, she developed and directed all managed care activities for the University of South Florida College of Medicine.
A frequent speaker at national meetings and symposia, Ms. Goldsmith was chosen by U.S. Representative Bill McCollum (R-Fl.) in 2003 to join a panel of 100 thought leaders representing every stakeholder interest in health care. This unique effort focused on building consensus about what structural changes could be made in our nation’s health care delivery system to assure quality health care for future generations. Recently, Ms. Goldsmith participated as a faculty panel member at Bristol-Myers Squibb’s 2015 Market Access Summit focusing on the patient experience from diagnosis, through treatment, and beyond, and at the Fifth Annual Association for Value Based Cancer Care (AVBCC) Conference where her session focused on patient engagement and patient assistance. Prior to these conferences, Ms. Goldsmith participated as a speaker at the 16th Annual Patient Assistance & Access Programs (PAP) Meeting, her session entitled, “Cross-Functional Strategies for Advocacy Relationship Development,” and as a panel participant at the Turning the Tide Against Cancer Through Sustained Medical Innovation Conference, her session entitled, “Addressing the Value and Cost of Cancer Care.”
Ms. Goldsmith has studied at the Pennsylvania State University, the University of Missouri Bloch School of Business and the Harvard School of Public Health. She was a winner of the 1999 Distinguished Women in Business Award sponsored by the Business Journal of Tampa Bay and also was named the 1999 Leukemia Society Woman of the Year, an award based on her philanthropic efforts on behalf of the Leukemia Society.
Dr. Balch has over twenty years of executive leadership in the non-profit sector with an emphasis on consensus-building and collaboration. He has led numerous federal advocacy efforts on a range of issues both at the legislative and regulatory level. He became the CEO of both PAF and NPAF in 2013. From 2006-2013, he served as Vice President of the Preventive Health Partnership — a national health promotion collaboration between the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, and American Heart Association. Prior to his work with the Preventive Health Partnership, Dr. Balch was the Executive Director of Friends of Cancer Research.
Dr. Balch has served on the Executive Board of Patient Advocate Foundation and National Patient Advocate Foundation since 2007. He also serves as a board member for Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT), Innovation and Value Initiative (IVI), Pharmacy Quality Alliance (PQA), Specialty Pharmacy Certification Board (SPCB), and Council for Affordable Health Coverage (CAHC). In recognition of his long-term contribution to Fight Colorectal Cancer, Alan Balch was made an emeritus member of Fight CRC’s board when he stepped down in September 2016. Dr. Balch also serves on numerous advisory boards and committees including the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Consumer Advisory Council, Duke-Margolis Value-Based Payment Advisory Board, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Quality and Outcomes Committee, Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research (HICOR) Advisory Board, Core Quality Measure Collaborative (CQMC) Steering Committee, Journal of Clinical Pathways Editorial Advisory Board and contributing editor. Dr. Balch also serves on the Finance Committee and the Membership Committee for the National Health Council (NHC) in Washington, DC and is a Core member of the International Headache Society (IHS) Global Patient Advocacy Coalition.
He earned his PhD in 2003 from the University of California, Santa Cruz; his master’s degree in 1997 from the University of Texas, San Antonio; and his bachelor’s degree (cum laude) in 1994 from Trinity University in San Antonio.
Dr. Atkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hampton University, Hampton, VA and her Doctor of Medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine (1993) and her Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology (1996) at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. While serving in the Army, she attained the rank of Major. Dr. Atkins worked at Texas Oncology for two years prior to moving to Augusta, GA. She joined, Augusta Oncology, the only privately-owned Oncology practice in the Augusta, GA area in 2000. She is board certified in Medical Oncology.
Dr. Atkins is the Associate Medical Director for Pruitt Hospice, Assistant Clinical Professor for the American University of Antigua and the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts. She holds leadership positions at the hospitals in Augusta, GA. Dr. Atkins is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Medical Executive Committee and the Chairperson of the University HealthLink Credentials Committee at University Hospital. She is a member of the Cancer Committee at Doctors Hospital and University Hospital.
Dr. Atkins has been an active member of the Community Oncology Alliance since its inception. She is currently the CPAN Medical Co-chair and the Secretary of the organization.
In her spare time, Dr. Atkins enjoys traveling and competitive Ballroom Dancing.
Dr. Aggarwal is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and oncology with particular focus on breast and gynecological malignancies. Currently, she is one of the physician leaders for our practice spearheading our efforts in the Oncology Care Model (OCM) with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. She has been a guiding force thru this value-based care model towards high quality care while attempting to lower the overall cost of care. Dr. Aggarwal served her residency through the Medical Center of Central Massachusetts and her fellowship at Brown University School of Medicine. She has been with Fort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology for over 20 years and also serves on the board for Community Oncology Alliance (COA). Her passion for her patients has fostered the start of Indiana’s first COA Patient Advocacy Network chapter which recently launched in July of 2018.
Dr. Debra Patt is a practicing oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and a vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives. She is an active leader in breast cancer research, serves on the US Oncology Research breast cancer committee, and chairs the breast cancer subsection of the pathways task force for The US Oncology Network as well as the leader locally for breast cancer research. She has expertise in healthcare policy and has testified before Congress to protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. She is a leader in clinical cancer informatics, and is involved in system innovations to enhance care delivery. She is the Editor In Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology- Clinical Cancer Informatics.
She led healthcare informatics for The US Oncology Network from 2008-2015 and continues to lead analytics as a medical director for McKesson Specialty Health. In addition to a substantial background in informatics and health economics and outcomes research, she directs public policy for Texas Oncology. Nationally, she is the past-chair of ASCO’s clinical practice committee and serves on ASCO’s nominating committee as well as the health IT work group and guidelines committees.
Dr. Patt serves on the national board for the Community Oncology Alliance and local board of The Shivers Cancer Foundation. She serves on the Texas Medical Association’s Council on Legislation and frequently speaks on healthcare policy at the state and federal level. She is a past chair for the Texas Medical Association’s committee on cancer and has served on the council on science and public health. She is a former board member of Komen Austin and the breast cancer resource center. Dr. Patt is a nationally recognized leader in cancer research, has published many articles, and leads the service line for breast health services for the Dell Medical School in addition to leading multidisciplinary breast cancer conferences and directing breast cancer services for the Seton Family of Hospitals.
Dr. Patt completed her training in hematology and medical oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, in July 2006. She completed her masters of public health at The University of Texas Health Science Center’s School of Public Health in Houston, Texas, in May 2006, where she focused on cancer health policy. She completed the Cancer Prevention Program as well at the National Cancer Institute in August 2005.
She received her medical degree in May 1999 from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. She completed her residency training in internal medicine and pediatrics from the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, in July 2003. She completed her bachelor of science in zoology in May 1995 at The University of Texas in Austin where she graduated with special honors in the Plan I honors program. She also received her MBA from The University of Texas in Austin, Texas, in 2014. She is completing her PhD in health economics and health services research at The University of Texas School of Public Health.
Dr. Patt is married to Hanoch Patt, M.D., a pediatric cardiologist in Austin. They have three children.
Alti Rahman is the Practice Administrator for Oncology Consultants in Houston, Texas. He holds a dual Masters degree in Healthcare and Business Administration from the University of Houston and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
Oncology Consultants has 17 physicians, 4 advanced practitioners operating out of 9 full-service Medical Oncology offices including a large International Cancer Center located in the Texas Medical Center. Ancillary services include 2 Radiation Oncology office, 2 Diagnostic Imaging centers, 3 Retail Pharmacy’s, and Clinical Research programs all supported by a central administrative office.
Alti’s business strategies focus on continuous quality and risk assessment of the patient/physician relationship and the advancement of value-based payment models to align quality and economic objectives. Alti holds additional supplementary roles including Six Sigma course instructor for Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), Steering Committee Member for McKesson Specialty Health, Treasurer for the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA), Board Member of the Oncology Circle Advisory, Board Member of Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP), and Co-Chair of COA (Community Oncology Alliance)-Administrator Network.
Barry Russo, MBA, has been with The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, a private community practice based in Fort Worth, Texas, since 2002. Barry has over 25 years of healthcare experience – he has worked in academic and community practices as well as academic and community hospitals. The Center has 30 providers & over 200 employees at 11 facilities in the DFW area. The Center offers medical oncology, radiation oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology, breast oncology surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, integrative medicine, imaging, laboratory services and retail pharmacy.
Barry is a current board member of QCCA & Advisory Board for the Cancer Center Business Summit (CCBS) and current member of ACCC, current member and past board member of COA and TXMGMA.
Barry has an MBA from the University of Dallas and resides in Southlake, Texas.
Dr. Anthony Scalzo is the president of Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York. He received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his medical degree from Upstate Medical University. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine and fellowship training in Hematology and Oncology at Upstate Medical University. His areas of clinical interest include malignancies of the breast, prostate, and colon.
Dr. Scalzo previously served as the Chief of Medicine at Crouse Hospital. During his tenure, he was a member of various committees focusing on clinical quality and research. Dr. Scalzo was also a member of the board of Hospice of Central New York. He is the physician spearheading the development of the local COA Patient Advocacy Program at HOACNY.
As a nonprofit executive, thought leader, and author, Kim Thiboldeaux continues to make her mark on the global stage by ensuring that the patient’s voice is at the center of every conversation about cancer.
As CEO of CSC, Thiboldeaux leads a global nonprofit network that operates at 175 locations, including CSC and Gilda’s Club centers, and in multiple hospitals and cancer clinics. Combined with a toll-free Helpline, educational materials, and digital platforms, this network of professionally-led services provides more than $50 million each year in free support and navigation services to patients and families.
In 2019, Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, appointed Thiboldeaux to the Novel and Exceptional Technology and Research Advisory Committee. This panel is focused on providing advice and serving as a transparent forum for discussion of the scientific, safety, and ethical issues associated with emerging biotechnologies.
In June 2017, former Vice President Joe Biden appointed Thiboldeaux to serve on the Biden Cancer Initiative’s (BCI) Board of Directors. Thiboldeaux’s service on BCI’s board facilitated CSC’s ground-breaking partnership with Airbnb. To date, as a result of grants from Airbnb’s Open Homes Initiative, CSC has secured free housing valued at nearly two million dollars for thousands of individuals in financial need who must travel for cancer treatment.
As part of Thiboldeaux’s commitment to reach underserved communities, in May 2019, she joined Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Dr. Jill Biden, and leaders of the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation in Arizona to mark the opening of the first-ever full-time cancer care and support center on an American Indian Reservation. After securing a generous gift from the Barbara Bradley Baekgaard Family Foundation, Thiboldeaux helped convene key Navajo Nation leaders, private sector supporters, and other officials to establish this culturally-adapted program located in an area larger than the state of West Virginia.
Recently, Stand Up To Cancer appointed Thiboldeaux to its Health Equity Breakthrough Research Team, focusing on cancers affecting underrepresented populations. In 2019, the International Psycho-Oncology Society presented her with its President’s Community Award for Distinguished Contributions at its global Congress in Canada.
Thiboldeaux’s insights are highly sought after, with interviews including the Wall Street Journal, PBS, Philadelphia Inquirer, WebMD, and speaking engagements, including a TEDx Talk and White House convenings. She is the author of Reclaiming Your Life After Diagnosis. Her writing is featured on Medium and also in the Huffington Post.
A native of Philadelphia, Thiboldeaux grew up in a close-knit family of five children. Two years ago, Thiboldeaux drove her father, a retired Philadelphia city bus driver and lifelong Eagles fan, to Minneapolis where, together, they watched their beloved home team win its first Super Bowl title.
Thiboldeaux graduated from American University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and a minor in Spanish. While at American, Thiboldeaux studied abroad in London and Buenos Aires, experiences that spurred her lifelong zest for travel. She has visited all seven continents, all 50 states, and 50-plus countries around the world, and has no intention of slowing down her exploration of new countries and cultures.
A science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose to help people do more, feel better, live longer. GSK in Oncology: GSK is focused on maximizing patient survival through transformational medicines. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, cancer epigenetics and synthetic lethality. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilizing modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, antibody drug conjugates and cells, either alone or in combination.
Coherus BioSciences is a leading global biologics platform company focused on delivering high-quality biosimilar therapeutics that can expand patient access to life-changing medicines in regulated markets worldwide. In 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Coherus’ biosimilar UDENYCA® (pegfilgrastim-cbqv). For additional information, please visit www.coherus.com.
At Janssen Oncology, we’re shaping the future of cancer treatment. And in the process, we’re striving to change expectations of what a cancer diagnosis means. Our purpose is driven by an urgency and commitment to bringing transformational cancer solutions to the people who need them.
Passionate about our work, we are driven by the personal connection many of us share with the disease. With our partners, we focus on delivering solutions that make a positive impact on human health. We are part of Janssen Biotech, Inc., and the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson. Follow us on Twitter.
Foundation Medicine is a molecular information company dedicated to a transformation in cancer care in which treatment is informed by a deep understanding of the genomic changes that contribute to each patient’s unique cancer. The company offers a full suite of comprehensive genomic profiling assays to identify the molecular alterations in a patient’s cancer and match them with relevant targeted therapies, immunotherapies and clinical trials.
Foundation Medicine’s molecular information platform aims to improve day-to-day care for patients by serving the needs of clinicians, academic researchers and drug developers to help advance the science of molecular medicine in cancer.
At Eisai Inc., human health care (hhc) is our goal. We give our first thoughts to patients and their families, and helping to increase the benefits health care provides. As the U.S. pharmaceutical subsidiary of Tokyo-based Eisai Co., Ltd., we have a passionate commitment to patient care that is the driving force behind our efforts to discover and develop innovative therapies to help address unmet medical needs.
Eisai is a fully integrated pharmaceutical business that operates in two global business groups: oncology and neurology (dementia-related diseases and neurodegenerative diseases). Our U.S. headquarters, commercial and clinical development organizations are located in New Jersey; our discovery labs are in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania; and our global demand chain organization resides in Maryland and North Carolina.
At Pfizer Oncology, we are committed to advancing medicines wherever we believe we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.
Today, Pfizer Oncology has an industry-leading portfolio of 22 approved innovative cancer medicines and biosimilars across more than 30 indications, including breast, prostate, kidney and lung cancers, as well as leukemia and melanoma.
Amgen Oncology is searching for and finding answers to incredibly complex questions that will advance care and improve lives for cancer patients and their families. Our research drives us to understand the disease in the context of the patient’s life – not just their cancer journey – so they can take control of their lives.
For the last four decades, we have been dedicated to discovering the firsts that matter in oncology and to finding ways to reduce the burden of cancer. Building on our heritage, Amgen continues to advance the largest pipeline in the Company’s history, moving with great speed to advance those innovations for the patients who need them.
At Amgen, we are driven by our commitment to transform the lives of cancer patients and keep them at the center of everything we do.
To learn more about Amgen’s innovative pipeline with diverse modalities and genetically validated targets. For more information, follow us on www.twitter.com/amgenoncology.
Community-based oncologists rely on ION Solutions for creative GPO contracting, integrated dispensing solutions, and the expertise practices need to improve clinical and operational management. Pharmaceutical manufacturers rely on us as a trusted preferred partner for achieving product exposure and driving growth with existing products. Managed care companies depend on us to develop innovative programs to reduce overall costs and variability of care among our practices.
With our extensive industry network experience, we have the knowledge, consulting guidance, and contracting programs to help oncology practices succeed.
We introduced the Community Counts advocacy campaign in 2012. Through this, practices are encouraged to take charge and enact change to shape healthcare delivery.
In 1998, we partnered with Oncology Supply as our exclusive distributor. For over 35 years, they have distributed chemotherapy and supportive care products to independent oncology practices nationwide.
Considered the founder of the industry, Genentech, now a member of the Roche Group, has been delivering on the promise of biotechnology for more than 40 years.
Genentech is a biotechnology company dedicated to pursuing groundbreaking science to discover and develop medicines for people with serious and lifethreatening diseases. Our transformational discoveries include the first targeted antibody for cancer and the first medicine for primary progressive multiple sclerosis.
A Member of the Roche Group
Genentech became a member of the Roche Group in March of 2009. As part of their merger agreement, Roche and Genentech combined their pharmaceutical operations in the United States. Genentech’s South San Francisco campus now serves as the headquarters for Roche pharmaceutical operations in the United States. Genentech Research and Early Development operates as an independent center within Roche.
Sanofi Genzyme, the specialty care global business unit of Sanofi, focuses on rare diseases, multiple sclerosis, oncology, and immunology. We help people with debilitating and complex conditions that are often difficult to diagnose and treat.
Our approach is shaped by our experience developing highly specialized treatments and forging close relationships with physician and patient communities. We are dedicated to discovering and advancing new therapies, providing hope to patients and their families around the world. Learn more at www.sanofigenzyme.com.
For more than 125 years, Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases in pursuit of our mission to save and improve lives. We demonstrate our commitment to patients and population health by increasing access to health care through far-reaching policies, programs and partnerships.
Today, Merck continues to be at the forefront of research to prevent and treat diseases that threaten people and animals — including cancer, infectious diseases such as HIV and Ebola, and emerging animal diseases — as we aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.
For more information on Pharmacyclics LLC, an AbbVie Company please visit Pharmacyclics.com
Benchmarking is a powerful way to understand how your practice is doing compared to other oncology practices nationwide. You will see where you are succeeding and also where there may be opportunities for improvement. Is your staffing level higher than most other practices? Are there ways you can improve revenue cycle management ? Can you see more patients? How do your operating expenses compare with others?
These questions can be answered by utilizing the power of COAnalyzer and the continual stream of learning and information sharing. Throughout the year, COA will provide newsletters and webinars to supplement the information contained in COAnalyzer and give you more indepth insights for running your practice.
CPAN was created in recognition of the vital role patients should play in advocating for access to local affordable care for all cancer patients. CPAN complements the work of COA, which has established a record of unprecedented success in mobilizing community oncology to raise awareness of the issues facing cancer care delivery and to become politically active.
AstraZeneca has a deep-rooted heritage in oncology and offers a quickly growing portfolio of new medicines that has the potential to transform patients’ lives. By harnessing the power of four scientific platforms – Immuno-Oncology, Tumor Drivers and Resistance, DNA Damage Response and Antibody Drug Conjugates – and by championing the development of personalized combinations, AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer treatment and one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.
Adaptive Biotechnologies is a commercial-stage biotech company focused on harnessing the inherent biology of the adaptive immune system to transform the diagnosis and treatment of disease. We believe the adaptive immune system is nature’s most finely tuned diagnostic and therapeutic for most diseases, but the inability to decode it has prevented the medical community from fully leveraging its capabilities. Our proprietary immune medicine platform reveals and translates the massive genetics of the adaptive immune system with scale, precision and speed to develop products in life sciences research, clinical diagnostics, and drug discovery. We have two commercial products, and a robust clinical pipeline to diagnose, monitor and enable the treatment of diseases such as cancer, autoimmune conditions and infectious diseases. Our goal is to develop and commercialize immune-driven clinical products tailored to each individual patient.
Seattle Genetics is a global biotechnology company that discovers, develops and commercializes transformative cancer-targeting therapies. ADCETRIS® (brentuximab vedotin) and PADCEVTM (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) use the company’s industry-leading antibody-drug conjugate technology designed to bring a powerful medicine directly to cancer cells. ADCETRIS is approved for the treatment of several types of CD30-expressing lymphomas, and PADCEV is approved to treat adults with metastatic urothelial cancer. For more information, visit www.seattlegenetics.com and follow @SeattleGenetics on Twitter
NeoGenomics is leading cancer reference laboratory serving oncologists and pathologists. A Lab Collaboration with NeoGenomics is a business collaboration working with a dedicated team to help customize a long-term, multi-phase laboratory internalization strategy. We provide extensive turn-key services to evaluate and identify the appropriate lab methodologies for internalization, assist in the unification of your reference lab solutions and aid in your ability to optimize patient care.
Incyte is a global biopharmaceutical company founded on the premise that investment in strong science and the relentless pursuit of R&D excellence can translate into new solutions that can positively affect patients’ lives.
Our drug discovery and development efforts were founded in 2002 in Wilmington, Delaware, by a team of research scientists, chemists and biologists working in immunology. Today, we employ more than 1,400 people and have operations in the U.S., Europe and Japan.
Our unique expertise in medicinal chemistry and biology have enabled us to create a diversified portfolio of marketed products and clinical candidates, the majority of which were discovered by Incyte scientists. We are advancing a growing pipeline of medicines across two franchises: Oncology and Inflammation & Autoimmunity.
The commitment of our talented team of world-class scientists to continued scientific excellence has enabled us to identify new molecules, decipher new pathways and develop first-in-class and best-in-class medicines.
Daiichi Sankyo Group is dedicated to the creation and supply of innovative pharmaceutical therapies to improve standards of care and address diversified, unmet medical needs of people globally by leveraging our world-class science and technology.
With more than 100 years of scientific expertise and a presence in more than 20 countries, Daiichi Sankyo and its 15,000 employees around the world draw upon a rich legacy of innovation and a robust pipeline of promising new medicines to help people.
Flatiron Health is a healthcare technology and services company focused on accelerating cancer research and improving patient care. Our platform enables cancer researchers and care providers to learn from the experience of every patient. Currently, Flatiron partners with over 280 community cancer practices, seven major academic research centers and over 15 of the top therapeutic oncology companies. For more information, please visit www.flatiron.com or follow us @FlatironHealth
Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions and VitalSource™ GPO empower community oncology practices to navigate the future of oncology care. Working in close collaboration with each practice, we develop and implement a clear roadmap to meet pressing challenges in a new era. With expert insights, responsive tools and committed support, we enable our customers to deliver high-quality, cost-efficient care and future-proof their practices.
Bristol Myers Squibb is a leading global biopharma company focused on discovering, developing and delivering innovative medicines for patients with serious diseases. Our people are focused on helping millions of patients around the world in disease areas such as oncology, hematology, immunology, cardiovascular and neuroscience.
Through the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) charitable organization, we promote health equity and seek to improve health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases and conditions, giving new hope to some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Our employees around the world work every day to transform patients’ lives through science.
Astellas Pharma US, Inc is an affiliate of Tokyo-based Astellas Pharma Inc., a top 20 global pharmaceutical research company. Astellas is committed to turning innovative science into medical solutions that bring value and hope to patients and their families. Keeping our focus on addressing unmet medical needs and conducting our business with ethics and integrity enables us to improve the health of people throughout the Americas and around the world.
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals is a leading biotechnology company that invents life-transforming medicines for people with serious diseases. Sanofi is dedicated to supporting people through their health challenges. We are a global biopharmaceutical company focused on human health. Since 2007, Sanofi & Regeneron have collaborated to develop & commercialize fully human monoclonal antibodies utilizing proprietary technologies.
Walgreens is focused on expert cancer care. Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, who have advanced cancer training and expertise, go beyond filling prescriptions. Whether it’s taking the lead on prior authorizations, making limited-distribution drugs accessible, helping to ease copay costs or providing adherence services, our team understands cancer patient needs and works with providers to support the prescribed regimen. You and your patients are at the heart of what we do. Our passion is personal.
VCurePrecision (VCP) is a comprehensive real-time decision-support system that combines clinical knowledge and patient data to aid oncologists in ordering diagnostics and then generating optimal patient-specific treatment plans. VCP includes an A.I. inference engine, a clinical knowledge-base containing world-leading precision oncology and standard of care guidance, a fully integrated oncology-specific EMR and a tethered mobile app to capture and action patient compliance and related toxicities.
About GSK: a science-led global healthcare company with a special purpose to help people do more, feel better, live longer. GSK in Oncology: GSK is focused on maximizing patient survival through transformational medicines. GSK’s pipeline is focused on immuno-oncology, cell therapy, cancer epigenetics and synthetic lethality. Our goal is to achieve a sustainable flow of new treatments based on a diversified portfolio of investigational medicines utilizing modalities such as small molecules, antibodies, antibody drug conjugates and cells, either alone or in combination.
Unlimited Systems equips cancer specialist providers with the industry-leading g4-Centricity revenue cycle platform. Our software simplifies management of complex financial transactions, delivers features valued by Institutional service lines and Freestanding centers, and guides effective and efficient financial workflow at the point of service as well as across the business office.
Walgreens is focused on expert cancer care. Our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, who have advanced cancer training and expertise, go beyond filling prescriptions. Whether it’s taking the lead on prior authorizations, making limited-distribution drugs accessible, helping to ease copay costs or providing adherence services, our team understands cancer patient needs and works with providers to support the prescribed regimen. You and your patients are at the heart of what we do. Our passion is personal.
Bayer is committed to delivering science for a better life by advancing a portfolio of innovative treatments. The oncology franchise at Bayer now expands to six marketed products and several other assets in various stages of clinical development. Together, these products reflect the company’s approach to research, which prioritizes targets and pathways with the potential to impact the way that cancer is treated.
For more than a century, Merck has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases.
Today, Merck continues be at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions and advance the prevention and treatment of diseases that threaten people and animals around the world.
From our start in Beijing with a handful of scientists and developers, each committed to discovering new oncology treatments, improving access focused on helping patients in China… To today, with a global team, a rich pipeline, strong partnerships, and commercial products. We have no borders. Vision Transform the biopharmaceutical industry, creating impactful medicines that will be affordable and accessible to far more cancer patients around the world. Mission Build the first next-generation biopharmaceutical company — one that expands the highest quality therapies to billions more people — through courage, persistent innovation, and challenging the status quo. Values All Patients First. Striving to improve the health and well-being of all patients, regardless of location or income Transformational Mindset — Challenging the Status Quo. Embracing innovative ways of doing things at all levels, and stretching our minds to accomplish things that others thought were impossible Sense of Urgency, With Commitment to Quality and Compliance. Maintaining our sense of urgency and agility with a relentless dedication to quality and compliance, with a commitment to continuous improvement Regional and Functional Teamwork. Creating superior teamwork through open, authentic communication and respect for individual differences to enable excellence cross-functionally and around the world Global Capabilities, Local Expertise. Operating at the highest global standards, while understanding and respecting the value and importance of local expertise Effective Non-Hierarchical Decision-Making. Involving inclusively the appropriate people; communicating openly and transparently, listening actively, considering all options; articulating a scientific/logic-based decision; and aligning to support decisions made Individual Growth. Creating an environment, built on diversity and inclusion, in which all employees have an opportunity to grow professionally, affect the world meaningfully, and build lifelong friendships with exceptional people Behavior How we get things done is just as important as what we accomplish — we operate with an unwavering commitment to compliance, ethics, and integrity, and always treat fellow colleagues with respect and dignity
At Heron Therapeutics, our mission is to improve the lives of patients by developing innovative treatments that address important unmet patient needs. We strive to accomplish our goal by applying innovative science and technologies, such as our proprietary Biochronomer® drug delivery technology, to approved pharmacological agents. Our portfolio includes SUSTOL® (granisetron) extended-release injection, CINVANTI® (aprepitant) injectable emulsion, and a drug candidate under evaluation for non-opioid postoperative pain relief.
Jazz Pharmaceuticals plc is a global biopharmaceutical company that develops life-changing medicines for people with limited or no options, so they can live their lives more fully. By transforming biopharmaceutical discoveries into novel medicines, we are working to give people around the world the opportunity to redefine what’s possible – to make the “small wins” big again.
As a leader in sleep medicine and with a growing hematology/oncology portfolio, we develop meaningful medicines and bring them to people with unaddressed needs around the world. We seek solutions for rare or complex diseases, and ensure those solutions are available for the often-overlooked patients who need them.
As the field of science has grown so have our R&D capabilities. We actively explore revolutionary drug options ranging from small molecule advancements to biologics, and we work to identify novel compounds within oncology and sleep medicine. This dynamic approach has allowed us to shepherd new medicines to market – from late-stage discovery through clinical development and regulatory approval. All of these advancements are a reflection of our continued investment in an evolving and growing research and development focus.
McKesson is a global leader in healthcare supply chain management, retail pharmacy, healthcare technology, community oncology and specialty care. Our specialty solutions and services help keep your oncology practice strong and independent, allowing you to focus on what matters most – delivering the best care and outcomes for your patients. Through our personalized approach, we deliver solutions that are tailored to the evolving needs of your practice. From practice performance analytics and value-based care resources to managed care contracting, we’ll partner with you to create a sustainable model for growth and profitability. The US Oncology Network helps more than 1,200 independent physicians deliver value-based, integrated care to patients — close to home. Through The Network, independent doctors come together to form a community of shared expertise and resources dedicated to advancing local cancer care and to delivering better patient outcomes. The Network provides practices with access to coordinated resources, best business practices, and the experience, infrastructure and support of McKesson. This collaboration allows providers to focus on the health of their patients, while McKesson focuses on the health of their practices. The Network is committed to the success of independent practices, everywhere.
Myriad Genetics, Inc. is a leading personalized medicine company dedicated to being a trusted advisor and transforming patient lives worldwide with molecular diagnostics. Myriad discovers and commercializes diagnostic tests that: determine the risk of developing disease, accurately diagnose disease, assess the risk of disease progression, and guide treatment decisions across six major medical specialties where molecular diagnostics can significantly improve patient care and lower healthcare costs. For more information on how Myriad is making a difference, please visit the Company’s website: www.myriad.com.
Immuno-oncology is a top priority for EMD Serono a business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc. The global strategic alliance between Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, and Pfizer Inc., New York, US, enables the companies to benefit from each other’s strengths and capabilities and further explore the therapeutic potential of avelumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody initially discovered and developed by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. The immuno-oncology alliance will jointly develop and commercialize avelumab and advance Pfizer’s PD-1 antibody. The alliance is focused on developing high-priority international clinical programs to investigate avelumab as a monotherapy, as well as in combination regimens, and is striving to find new ways to treat cancer.
Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. is a US affiliate of Ipsen SA, a global biotech company. At Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, we are focused on developing and providing access to therapies across our core therapeutic areas: oncology, neurology and rare diseases, because our mission is to offer options for patients who suffer from these extremely difficult-to-treat diseases. For more information on Ipsen in North America, please visit www.ipsenus.com.
For the past three decades, members of our team have been at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy. Today, we are a leader in engineered T cell therapy, transforming cancer treatment with what is potentially the biggest breakthrough since the introduction of combination chemotherapy more than 60 years ago.
Founded in 1992, MorphoSys is dedicated to bringing breakthrough medicines in oncology to the market to help address unmet needs for patients with B-cell malignancies. By applying our proprietary technologies, MorphoSys has become a world leader in the field of therapeutic antibodies. In 2019, the US headquarters were established in Boston. Connect with MorphoSys to learn more about our company.
Sun Pharma is the 4th largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company in the world, providing high-quality, affordable medicines in over 150 countries. Our mission is to enhance people’s lives with innovative and quality generic, branded, and over-the-counter medicines, providing exceptional value in our communities. In the US, Sun Pharma is focused on helping patients in Generics, Dermatology, Oncology, Ophthalmology, and Long-Term Care.
Taiho Oncology, Inc., a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., has established world-class clinical development and commercial organizations that work urgently to develop and market innovative cancer treatments in the U.S. Taiho Oncology Inc. has an oral oncology pipeline consisting of both novel antimetabolic agents and selectively targeted agents. Advanced technology, dedicated researchers, and state-of-the-art facilities are helping us to define the way the world treats cancer. It’s our work; it’s our passion; it’s our legacy.
Puma Biotechnology, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company that markets NERLYNX® (neratinib) tablets which is indicated as a single agent, for the extended adjuvant treatment of adult patients with early-stage HER2-positive breast cancer, to follow adjuvant trastuzumab-based therapy and; In combination with capecitabine, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 based regimens in the metastatic setting. NERLYNX is a registered trademark of Puma Biotechnology, Inc.
