The PQI Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ginger Blackmon & Guests
The PQI Podcast is presented by NCODA, Inc. This podcast will provide an overview of new Positive Quality Intervention (PQI) documents as well as PQI in Action articles and other oncology topics. Hear from clinical and administrative experts who are utilizing these documents at their cancer centers nationwide. Hosted by NCODA's Manager of Patient-Centered Communications, Ginger Blackmon, PharmD.
In the Season 10 finale of the PQI Podcast, host Ginger Blackmon is joined by NCODA Fellow Shawnny Eugene, PharmD, as co-host for a special conversation focused on pharmacy fellowships and professional development. Together, they welcome three former fellows who have taken unique career paths following their fellowship experiences: Cooper Bailey, PharmD, Rahil Dixit, PharmD, and Utoy Wong, PharmD.
Together, they share their journeys from pharmacy school to fellowship training and beyond, offering practical advice for students, residents, and pharmacists exploring both traditional and nontraditional career pathways. The conversation examines what pharmacy fellowships are, how they differ from residency programs, and the many opportunities available across oncology, nonprofit organizations, advocacy, and the pharmaceutical industry.
The guests discuss the skills they developed during their training and the importance of mentorship and professional growth. They also reflect on how their fellowship experiences helped shape their careers and prepared them for leadership opportunities within their respective fields.
Whether you are a student considering your next step, a graduate exploring career options, or a pharmacist looking to expand your professional horizons, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of pharmacy fellowships and the impact they can have on career development.
Learn more about NCODA and available professional development opportunities at ncoda.org
Season 10, Episode 14: Optimizing Access Through OOLD
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, we explore Oncology Optimized Limited Distribution (OOLD) and its growing importance within patient-centered oncology care. Guests Jonas Congelli, RPh, and Ken Komorny, PharmD, BCPS, discuss how distribution models impact oncology practices, care coordination, and the patient experience, while highlighting the critical role of medically integrated pharmacy services in supporting timely therapy initiation, education, adherence, and adverse event management.
Jonas shares the vision behind OOLD and how medically integrated oncology teams help streamline care for patients receiving oral anticancer therapies. Ken provides insight into Moffitt Cancer Center’s experience navigating operational, financial, and policy challenges related to specialty pharmacy access, including advocacy efforts.
The conversation also highlights how oncology practices, manufacturers, and advocacy organizations can work together to preserve coordinated care models that prioritize patient safety, communication, and continuity of care. Throughout the episode, the discussion reinforces the value of multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of oncology pharmacy practice and improving outcomes for patients nationwide.
Learn more about NCODA and NCODA’s OOLD initiatives here.
View the poster Ken discussed here.
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, we are joined by Chadi Nabhan, MD, MBA, FACP, nationally recognized oncology leader, physician-executive, author, and host of the Healthcare Unfiltered podcast.
Dr. Nabhan discusses his career journey across academic medicine, clinical oncology, healthcare leadership, precision medicine, and artificial intelligence innovation. The conversation explores how AI is beginning to reshape oncology research and cancer care, including opportunities to improve clinical trial operations, optimize protocols, enhance site selection, support real-world evidence generation, and ultimately accelerate patient access to novel therapies.
The episode also highlights the growing importance of data quality, traceability, and diversity within AI-driven healthcare models. Dr. Nabhan shares perspectives on balancing innovation with human oversight, addressing skepticism surrounding AI adoption, and ensuring technology remains focused on improving patient care while supporting physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and the broader oncology care team.
In addition to discussing the future of AI in oncology, Dr. Nabhan reflects on his experiences as an author and storyteller, including his books Toxic Exposure and The Cancer Journey, as well as his upcoming book, AI and Cancer Care: When Machines Meet Modern Medicine. The conversation also explores his growing interest in fiction writing and the creative process behind developing characters and medical storylines.
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, we sit down with Brian I. Rini, MD, FASCO, Ingram Professor of Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and co-host of the popular GU oncology podcast Uromigos, for a conversation on the evolution of genitourinary oncology and GU cancer care.
Dr. Rini shares how mentorship and early exposure to GU oncology helped shape his career path and reflects on the rapid transformation of treatment over the years. The discussion explores his experience in clinical research and drug development, including involvement in therapies that have led to FDA approvals and changed the treatment landscape for patients with renal cell carcinoma.
The episode also highlights the complexity and diversity of GU cancers, the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration across oncology care teams, and the future of innovation in GU cancer research. Dr. Rini additionally discusses the value of education and communication within oncology through his work with Uromigos, helping bring meaningful and practical
Listen to Uromigos: https://www.uromigos.org/
Season 10, Episode 11: Your Best Meeting Ever with Rebecca Hinds, PhD
In this episode, we welcome Rebecca Hinds, PhD, to discuss her new book, Your Best Meeting Ever, and how teams can rethink the role of meetings in today’s evolving workplace.
Drawing on her background in organizational behavior and research at Asana and Glean, Rebecca shares how meetings can be treated as products—designed with intention, structure, and purpose.
The conversation explores practical strategies for busy, multidisciplinary oncology teams, including how to embrace meeting minimalism, create stronger starts, and ensure every participant is an active stakeholder rather than a passive attendee. Rebecca also introduces the concept of calm technology and discusses how AI can support more effective, focused collaboration across healthcare teams.
Learn more about Rebecca and her work at: https://www.rebeccahinds.com/
This episode offers actionable insights to help oncology professionals streamline communication, improve team engagement, and make meetings more meaningful in delivering patient-centered care.
Season 10, Episode 10: Clearing the Fog: A Clinical Look at Chemo Brain with Jorg Dietrich, MD, PhD
Cognitive changes during cancer treatment, often called “chemo brain,” can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. In this episode, Jorg Dietrich, MD, PhD, Clinical Director of the Cancer & Neurotoxicity Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, shares his expertise on the neurologic effects of cancer therapies.
Dr. Dietrich discusses the biology behind treatment-related cognitive changes, including the impact of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy on the brain’s cellular environment. He provides insight into how these symptoms present in clinical practice and how they can vary across patients.
The conversation also focuses on practical strategies for the multidisciplinary oncology team. From early recognition and patient education to supportive care approaches, this episode highlights how pharmacists, providers, and the broader care team can work together to address cognitive side effects and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Dietrich brings a unique perspective through his leadership in cancer neuroscience and brain repair research, with over 200 publications advancing the understanding of neurotoxicity and recovery in cancer care.
This episode offers valuable insight for oncology professionals looking to better support patients experiencing cognitive changes throughout their treatment journey.
In this episode of The PQI Podcast, John Burke, MD (Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers), shares his perspective on bringing clinical trials into the community oncology setting—where most patients are treated, but research isn’t always built in.
He walks through why expanding research beyond academic centers matters, especially when it comes to improving access, increasing diversity in trial participation, and ensuring results better reflect real-world care.
Dr. Burke also gets into what it takes to build and sustain a research program in practice, including the time, staffing, and infrastructure required, as well as the day-to-day challenges of patient eligibility, scheduling, and trial logistics. He also touches on common barriers, from time commitment and travel to patient trust.
The conversation offers a grounded look at how practices are working through these challenges, along with the role of multidisciplinary care—physicians, APPs, nurses, pharmacists, and research staff—in supporting and sustaining these programs over time.
Artificial intelligence is rapidly shaping the future of oncology, but for many clinicians, the question remains: how can it be applied in a meaningful and practical way?
In this episode, we are joined by Sanjay Juneja, MD, Vice President of AI and Medical Informatics at Tempus AI and a practicing hematologist and medical oncologist, to explore the evolving role of AI in oncology care. Known to many as “TheOncDoc,” Dr. Juneja has built a global platform dedicated to translating complex AI and oncology topics into accessible, actionable insights for healthcare professionals.
Together, we discuss how AI is currently being used across oncology practices and where it is already making an impact. Dr. Juneja shares how AI can be thoughtfully integrated into clinical workflows across the multidisciplinary care team without adding burden, along with ways it can enhance patient education and support in an increasingly complex treatment landscape. He also addresses common misconceptions and myths surrounding AI in healthcare, offers perspective on where the field is headed, and provides practical, actionable tips for clinicians looking to get started or build upon their use of AI in everyday practice.
This conversation offers a thoughtful and approachable look at how innovation and patient-centered care can come together to shape the future of oncology.
Season 10, Episode 7: Scaling Hope: The Future of Cell Therapy Access
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Fabian Gerlinghaus, Co-founder and CEO of Cellares, shares insights into the evolving landscape of cell therapy manufacturing and its impact on patient access.
Fabian discusses his background as an aerospace engineer turned biotech innovator and the inspiration behind founding Cellares, a company focused on transforming how cell therapies are developed and manufactured.
The conversation walks through how CAR T therapies are created, from cell collection to reinfusion, and highlights the operational and logistical challenges that continue to limit scalability and access today. A central theme is the complexity of current manufacturing processes, many of which remain highly manual, contributing to delays, variability, and cost.
Fabian shares how automation and new manufacturing models, including the Cell Shuttle platform, aim to address these barriers by improving consistency, reducing turnaround times, and supporting broader access to these therapies. The discussion also connects these advancements back to the oncology care team, exploring what more efficient manufacturing could mean in practice for pharmacists, nurses, physicians, and ultimately, for patients waiting on therapy.
Looking ahead, the episode offers a forward-thinking perspective on how cell therapy may evolve over the next five years, with a focus on scalability, innovation, and the opportunity to reach more patients in need.
In this episode, we welcome Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, a recognized leader in oncology pharmacy practice and research. Dr. Hanna shares insights into the evolving landscape of antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) and the unique challenges they present in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
As ADC use expands, oncology teams are observing new and sometimes underrecognized patterns of nausea and vomiting, particularly with HER2-directed therapies and delayed-phase symptoms that extend beyond the traditional monitoring window. This discussion highlights how these patterns differ from conventional chemotherapy and what that means for clinical practice.
Dr. Hanna also reviews emerging pharmacokinetic data and clinical trial evidence supporting the use of NK1 receptor antagonist–based antiemetic strategies. The conversation emphasizes practical, actionable approaches for optimizing supportive care, improving patient quality of life, and ensuring proactive symptom management within the medically integrated oncology team.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe emerging patterns of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) associated with antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), with emphasis on HER2-directed ADCs and delayed-phase nausea beyond day 5
- Discuss pharmacokinetic and clinical trial evidence on NK1 receptor antagonist–based antiemetic strategies when optimizing CINV prevention for patients receiving ADC therapy.
This episode offers 0.5 CE credit hours to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Claim CE credit here.
Guest: Kirollos Hanna, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, Director of Pharmacy, Minnesota Oncology, Assistant Professor of Pharmacy, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Associate Editor, Journal of the Advanced Practitioner in Oncology (JADPRO)
Disclosures: Speaker: BeOne, BMS, Exelixis, Pfizer Consulting Fees: BeOne, BMS, Exelixis, Pfizer, Astrazeneca
PQI Podcast | Season 10, Episode 5 Subcutaneous Anticancer Biologics: Best Practices for Safe Administration
0.5 hours of CE for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and Nurses
Guests:
Tonya Bauer, MSN, RN, OCN
Karlee De Voss, MSN, RN
Sylvia Sabala, RN, OCN
As oncology care continues to evolve, subcutaneous administration of anticancer therapies is becoming an increasingly important strategy to improve patient convenience, reduce chair time, and enhance clinic workflow. However, these therapies often involve high volume injections and unique administration considerations that require careful planning, coordination, and technique.
In this continuing education episode of the PQI Podcast, we explore how oncology teams are implementing subcutaneous anticancer therapies in practice. The discussion highlights the clinical rationale for subcutaneous delivery, operational considerations for oncology clinics, and practical techniques that support safe and effective administration. Pharmacists, nurses, and pharmacy technicians play a key role in ensuring appropriate preparation, administration technique, workflow coordination, and patient education.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the clinical, operational, and patient-centered benefits and challenges of subcutaneous (SubQ) administration for anticancer biologics.
- Identify best practices and technique considerations for the safe and effective delivery of high-volume SubQ anticancer therapies, including equipment selection, site preparation, and workflow integration.
Continuing Education Credit
This activity provides 0.5 hours of CE credit for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and nurses.
Claim credit here.
Disclosures:
The following relevant financial relationships within the past 24 months have been identified and disclosed for the speakers of this CE presentation:
Tonya Bauer, MSN, RN, CPON, OCN – Consultant: Accord BioPharma
No relevant financial relationships for the following reviewers:
Ginger Blackmon, PharmD
Tahsin Imam, PharmD
Mary K. Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN
PQI Podcast | Season 10, Episode 4
Blood Clots and Cancer: What Every Oncology Team Should Know
March is Blood Clot Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to spotlight an often overlooked but life-threatening complication in cancer care: blood clots.
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, we speak with Leslie Lake, Voluntary President and Board Chair of the National Blood Clot Alliance (NBCA). After surviving a bilateral pulmonary embolism in 2018, Leslie became a passionate advocate for improving patient education, awareness, and prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Her personal experience with limited information after discharge from the hospital inspired her to help ensure that other patients receive the knowledge and support they need.
Leslie shares insights into the mission of the National Blood Clot Alliance and their national education initiative, Stop the Clot®, which works to increase awareness of blood clot risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies. The conversation also highlights why oncology teams should pay close attention to blood clot risk in patients with cancer, how healthcare professionals can better educate patients, and the role of advocacy and policy in improving outcomes.
Listeners will learn practical strategies for patient education, key risk factors oncology teams should recognize, and how organizations like NBCA are working to improve awareness and prevention nationwide.
Learn more at: www.stoptheclot.org
In Season 10, Episode 3 of the PQI Podcast, we are joined by Laura Bray, MBA, founder and Chief Change Maker of Angels for Change, to explore one of the most urgent challenges in oncology today: drug shortages.
Laura shares the powerful personal story that led to the creation of Angels for Change after her daughter faced multiple life-saving drug shortages during cancer treatment. She provides a patient-centered perspective on what drug shortages truly look like in real time and why they have such a profound impact on care.
The conversation highlights the current state of drug shortages across the United States and globally, along with the innovative work being done through Angels for Change to build a more resilient and transparent supply chain. Laura discusses key initiatives such as Project PROTECT and Project GOLD, which are helping ensure patients can access essential medications when they need them most.
This episode also focuses on the role of pharmacists and the medically integrated oncology team in addressing shortages. From improving visibility to taking action within their own practices, listeners will walk away with practical ways to engage, advocate, and support patients during supply disruptions.
Laura closes by sharing what gives her hope for the future and how collective action can move us closer to ending drug shortages for good.
Bhavana (Tina) Bhatnagar, DO—Associate Professor of Medicine at the WVU Cancer Institute—shares her journey from academic centers to rural West Virginia, where she’s working to expand access and improve outcomes for underserved communities.
We talk about what high-quality rural cancer care really takes: overcoming transportation and financial barriers, navigating limited specialty resources, building community-based clinical trials, and expanding access to innovations like CAR T—powered by strong multidisciplinary teams.
Key takeaway: the best care starts with understanding the person behind the patient.
Season 10, Episode 1 of the PQI Podcast kicks off with a global perspective on cancer care, featuring Eoin Tabb, a leading oncology and haematology pharmacist in Ireland.Eoin serves as Chief 2 Pharmacist for Clinical Cancer Services at University Hospital Waterford, hosts the Irish Haematology Oncology Podcast, and is the Chairperson of the Irish Pharmacy Haematology Oncology Society. In this episode, he shares insights into:•How oncology and haematology pharmacy practice is structured in Ireland•The role of pharmacists within multidisciplinary cancer care teams•How digital health and artificial intelligence are being applied in real-world oncology settings•Opportunities for shared learning and collaboration across oncology systems🎧 Listen to the Irish Haematology Oncology Podcast:https://linktr.ee/irishhaemoncpodThis episode also introduces the 2026 NCODA Global Oncology & Haematology Congress, an international gathering designed to foster collaboration and shared best practices in cancer care. Event Details:2026 NCODA Global Oncology & Haematology Congress🗓 March 11–12, 2026📌 The Shelbourne Autograph Collection Hotel | Dublin, Ireland📝 Register for the Congress:https://www.ncoda.org/events/2026-global-congress/
Bill Wimbiscus is a longtime journalist and NCODA collaborator—and in this bonus episode, he shares what it felt like to go from reporter to patient after a multiple myeloma diagnosis. He talks candidly about the realities that show up outside the clinic: oral oncolytic logistics, specialty deliveries, dose changes, and the financial uncertainty that can derail care.
Bill’s connection to NCODA started as a patient, when an NCODA member pharmacist helped secure urgent financial assistance in minutes after his support fell through mid-year. That experience later shaped his work on the updated NCODA-ASCO Updated Standards for Medically Integrated Dispensing.
In this episode:
- What patients experience between visits (delivery, cost, adherence stress)
- Why cycle-to-cycle changes create real medication waste and confusion
- What medically integrated pharmacy support looks like from the patient side
- How patient voice can shape standards that improve access and care
Nuclear pharmacy is rapidly moving from the background to the forefront of oncology care.
In this season finale episode, Nic Mastiscusa, PharmD, Chief Nuclear Pharmacist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, breaks down how theranostics and radiopharmaceutical therapies are changing the way certain cancers are diagnosed and treated. Nick explains how targeted radioactive drugs can both locate tumors and deliver therapy, what this means for diseases like neuroendocrine tumors and prostate cancer, and why concepts such as alpha vs. beta emitters and dosimetry matter clinically.
This episode is ACPE-accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians and is worth 0.5 credit.
Learning Objectives
- Describe the role of nuclear pharmacy and theranostics in oncology care
- Differentiate between diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals
- Explain clinical differences between alpha- and beta-emitting radiopharmaceuticals
- Identify the role of dosimetry in personalized radiopharmaceutical treatment
- Recognize key patient counseling and safety considerations related to radiopharmaceutical therapies
CE Information
This activity is ACPE accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
CE credit is available upon successful completion of the post-activity requirements.
Access the CE activity here:
https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/PQIPodcastTheranostics
CE Disclosures
Nic Mastascusa, PharmD, R.Ph., BCNP discloses affiliations with NMTCB and NANP.
Melanoma used to have almost no effective treatment options. Now? Immunotherapy is changing lives — and Oxford’s Dr. Mark Middleton joins us to unpack the science, the turning points, and the innovations reshaping melanoma care.
In this episode, he reflects on decades of research — from the early trials that taught researchers what not to do, to the breakthroughs in checkpoint inhibition and precision approaches that dramatically improved outcomes. We also dive into MyMelanoma, a nationwide effort gathering real-world patient data to answer questions traditional trials often leave behind.
Takeaways:
- What researchers learned from early immunotherapy trial failures — and how those lessons shaped today’s strategies
- The evolving science behind checkpoint inhibitors and why certain patients respond more durably than others
- How MyMelanoma is uncovering insights on risk, survivorship, lifestyle factors, and real-world outcomes at scale
- The future of melanoma treatment, including biomarkers, combinatorial approaches, and better trial designs
In this special Giving Tuesday episode, Ginger talks with Chuck Akanegbu, PharmD, a PGY1 resident and longtime NCODA PSO leader, whose involvement in the student community led to something bigger than he ever expected: donating stem cells through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).
Chuck reflects on how the PSO shaped his interest in oncology, what leadership taught him, and how he went from supporting donor drives as a student to becoming a donor himself. He breaks down the donation process in a straightforward way and shares how the experience is shaping his approach as a future oncology pharmacist.
It’s a timely reminder of what Giving Tuesday represents at NCODA: showing up for others, supporting patients and peers, and taking action when you have the chance to make an impact.
Learn more about NMDP here.
What happens when a group of breast cancer survivors climb into a 40-foot boat and start paddling together?
You get the Mammoglams — a Jacksonville dragon boat team turning survivorship into strength, resilience, and community!
In this episode, we’re joined by Pam Reckner, breast cancer survivor, Team USA paddler, and Team Captain of the Mammoglams, along with Jeri Millard, breast cancer survivor, longtime patient advocate, and Founder/CEO of In the Pink, a nonprofit boutique supporting cancer patients in Jacksonville. Together, they share how dragon boating has become a powerful part of recovery — improving mobility, supporting lymphedema management, and offering survivors a place to rebuild confidence and connection.
They also take us inside the global breast cancer paddling community, talk about what it’s like to compete internationally, and describe how the Mammoglams support survivors at every fitness level with a truly “no paddler left behind” approach.
In this episode:
- How dragon boating supports strength, mobility, and physical healing after breast cancer
- Why survivors describe the Mammoglams as a genuine “floating support group”
- Pam’s path from treatment to Team USA paddler and team captain
- Jeri’s advocacy journey and the origins of dragon boating in Jacksonville
- Insight into the international breast cancer paddling movement and upcoming world competitions
Learn More:
Mammoglams Website: www.mammoglams.com
Jacksonville Dragon Boat Club: www.jacksonvilledragonboatclub.com
In the Pink nonprofit: https://inthepinkboutique.com
This Veterans Day, we’re shining a light on care for those who’ve served.
Dr. Elizabeth (Betsy) O’Donnell, Director of the Multi-Cancer Early Detection Clinic at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, joins the PQI Podcast to discuss the Sentinel Study—a Department of Defense–sponsored clinical trial offering multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing to U.S. veterans.
Through a single blood draw, the test can screen for more than 50 types of cancer, addressing the urgent need for improved screening among veterans, who face a cancer risk nearly 20% higher than the general population.
Dr. O’Donnell shares how this innovative study combines science, service, and compassion to bring life-saving research to those who’ve served—and what it could mean for the future of oncology care.
Listen to learn more about:
- How early detection technology is transforming the future of cancer care
- Why veterans face unique cancer risks linked to their service
- What makes the Sentinel Study a model for accessible, equitable screening
- The personal motivation that drives Dr. O’Donnell’s work
For more information on the Sentinel study or to determine eligibility, visit redcap.link/VeteransScreeningStudy or contact the Sentinel Team at dfciprevention@mgb.org
Before every breakthrough in oncology, there’s phase I research — where innovation, teamwork, and patient trust come together.
In this episode, Dr. R. Donald Harvey, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, FASCO, Vice President of Clinical Research and Executive Director of the Emory Clinical Research Office, joins hosts Ginger Blackmon, PharmD, and Maddy Floysand, PharmD, for an inside look at how early-phase clinical trials lay the groundwork for new cancer therapies.
Dr. Harvey, also Professor of Hematology/Medical Oncology and Pharmacology and Associate Dean for Clinical Research at Emory University, shares how phase I studies are evolving to balance discovery, safety, and patient care while expanding access beyond academic centers.
He talks about:
- How early-phase trials shape the future of oncology treatments
- Collaboration between academic and community sites to improve access and equity
- The vital role of pharmacists in study design, safety, and education
- How AI and data are changing trial design and patient matching
- Advice for clinicians and students interested in research careers
Dr. Harvey also reflects on the teamwork that drives meaningful progress and what continues to inspire him after decades of leading research that connects science to patient impact.
In cancer care, ethical challenges rarely come with easy answers.
When should treatment stop? How do teams manage moral distress? And what happens when AI begins to shape clinical decisions?
In this episode, Dr. Nico Nortjé, Executive Director for the Center for Clinical Ethics in Cancer Care at MD Anderson Cancer Center, joins host Ginger to explore how oncology professionals navigate those moments when medical facts and human emotions collide.
Dr. Nortjé shares what he’s learned from leading ethics consultations, guiding care teams through end-of-life discussions, moral distress, and the new ethical questions raised by technology.
You’ll learn:
- How to recognize and address moral distress before it leads to burnout
- How ethics consults can turn uncertainty into team alignment
- How to approach treatment-limiting conversations with empathy
- What to consider when AI starts influencing care decisions
Listen for a grounded, thoughtful look at what ethics really means in oncology today.
We talk a lot about caring for patients — but what about caring for ourselves?
This week, Ginger sits down with Amy Morin, LCSW, for an honest conversation about what mental strength really looks like in oncology practice. From navigating grief and burnout to finding balance between empathy and endurance, Amy shares real strategies to stay steady when the work feels heavy.
A psychotherapist and bestselling author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, Amy brings both research and personal experience to the table. She and Ginger dig into how to manage compassion fatigue, reframe negative thoughts, and use practical tools, like taking out the mental trash, pleasant activity scheduling, and the two-minute gratitude flash, to build strength day to day.
Amy also shares how her own story of loss led to her work helping others, plus a peek into her upcoming Mentally Strong app and The Mental Strength Playbook.
When Dr. Rupa Gupta set out to open Lotus Oncology & Hematology, she wanted more than a clinic — she wanted a sanctuary.
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Dr. Gupta shares how she built a practice that blends evidence-based treatment with compassion, mindfulness, and community connection. She discusses designing a healing environment filled with light and art, integrating therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and art therapy, and building a culture where staff well-being and patient dignity go hand in hand.
Tune in to hear:
- How thoughtful design and empathy transform the patient experience
- Integrative therapies that support quality of life
- Ways to strengthen team connection and reduce burnout
- Why accessibility and trust are key to meaningful, patient-centered care
Life didn’t pause when Ashley Cartun was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer in 2023. She was teaching college full-time, raising two kids under six, and traveling to support her husband’s NCAA basketball season. Then came five months of chemotherapy and multiple surgeries — and the work of staying whole while everything changed.
In this episode, Ashley shares what truly helped: friends who sat with her during infusions, care teams who explained what each step would feel like, and the surprising calm she found in sound baths. That healing experience led her to create Heal with Ashley, offering sound therapy and support to other survivors.
She also talks about catching her cancer early, her advocacy with the American Cancer Society and TNBC Thrivers, and what it means when healthcare teams connect beyond test results.
This episode opens Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a powerful reminder of the small things that change a patient’s journey — and the hope that follows.
What do pharmacy, the United Nations, and a love of art have in common? For Dr. Ornesha Watson, Associate Director at Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation, global health advocate, and cancer survivor, each step has shaped her passion for equity and patient-centered care.
In this episode, she talks about growing up in Jamaica, working in international health, and how both her father’s cancer diagnosis and her own shaped her passion for advocacy and equity. Ornesha shares what healthcare teams can do to move beyond “transactional care,” why hope is a critical part of treatment, and her vision for expanding cancer services across Jamaica and the Caribbean.
In this conversation, you’ll hear:
- How her experiences in pharmacy and public health come together in her patient advocacy
- Why hope matters just as much as medicine in cancer care
- Practical ways healthcare teams can better support patients
- Her mission to reduce disparities and expand cancer services in the Caribbean
How can genetic insights change the way we treat cancer?
In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Dr. Soni Tuteja, Director of Pharmacogenomics at Penn Medicine, shares how her team put pharmacogenomic testing into practice — and the impact it’s had on patients. She highlights findings from her Journal of Clinical Oncology article on DPYD and UGT1A1 testing in GI cancers, showing how pre-treatment testing helped reduce toxicities, guide dose adjustments, and support safer therapy.
Listeners will also hear about:
- Practical strategies to expand and sustain pharmacogenetic testing in real-world settings
- How pharmacists can lead patient counseling and program implementation
- The role of NCODA’s Positive Quality Interventions (PQIs), like DPYD testing before fluoropyrimidine treatment, in helping teams deliver safer, more personalized care
Cancer now accounts for nearly two-thirds of firefighter line-of-duty deaths — a risk that extends long after the sirens fade. After 25 years with the Georgetown, Kentucky Fire Department, retired Chief Tim Thompson has made it his mission to change the way fire service approaches cancer prevention.
On this episode of The PQI Podcast, Chief Thompson shares how his department integrated advanced cancer screenings into firefighter health programs, gained city support to secure sustainable funding, and launched a nonprofit to cover screenings for retirees. He also reflects on the leadership lessons that shaped his career and why prevention must be built into the culture of service.
Now in retirement, he’s focused on helping departments nationwide establish lasting cancer screening programs that protect firefighters throughout their careers and beyond.
Listen for a conversation on leadership, prevention, and building programs that save lives.
On this episode of the PQI Podcast, we sit down with Jenny Hoang, PharmD, a 2024 graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and pharmacist at Texas Oncology. Jenny shares how her uncle’s cancer diagnosis inspired her career — and how she’s already making an impact through an innovative pilot program that brings the Five Love Languages into oncology care.
This 6-week program, developed in collaboration with social workers, helps patients and their partners strengthen communication during treatment. The results have been powerful: reduced anxiety, greater emotional support, and even one couple saying it “saved their marriage.”
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- How love languages can be adapted into cancer care.
- Why pharmacists are uniquely positioned to support patients beyond medications.
- The measurable benefits patients and caregivers experienced from this pilot.
- How programs like this connect to NCODA’s PQI mission of improving quality of life.
We are thrilled to open Season 9 of the PQI Podcast with a powerful episode featuring Deborah Wong, MD, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor at UCLA and Director of the Head and Neck Medical Oncology Program.
This conversation spans the full spectrum of oncology care — from groundbreaking trial data to the everyday realities of supporting patients, families, and care teams. Dr. Wong offers a timely look at what’s new in head and neck cancer while also sharing her thoughtful approach to compassionate care.
In this episode, Dr. Wong discusses:
- The Keynote-689 trial and FDA approval of pembrolizumab for resectable head and neck cancer.
- Tailoring treatment for HPV-positive vs. HPV-negative disease.
- Emerging therapies such as antibody-drug conjugates.
- Quality of life challenges, including speech, swallowing, and survivorship.
- Supporting caregivers as the “unsung heroes” of cancer care.
- Strategies for preventing burnout and fostering resilience in oncology practice.
What does the future of cancer care look like? From replacing IV chemo with oral agents to game-changing advances in bispecific and trispecific therapies, this special bonus episode dives deep into the most exciting—and practice-changing—developments from the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting.
NCODA’s Kelly Brunk, PharmD, BCOP, returns from ASCO energized and ready to share his top takeaways in a candid conversation about where oncology is headed. Whether you're a clinician, pharmacist, or anyone in the cancer care ecosystem, this episode is packed with insight you don't want to miss.
Bonus: Kelly also shares updates on NCODA’s new Immunotherapy Hub and offers a forward-looking take on where the field is headed.
"The rate of change in oncology care is accelerating—and it's time for practices to be ready, not reactive." — Kelly Brunk
Inside the Episode:
- How oral therapies are reshaping breast cancer treatment
- The evolving role of bispecifics, trispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates
- Practical considerations for implementation: protocols, access, and infrastructure
- The importance of quality of life in treatment decisions
- Early use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in multiple disease states
- How AI and equity are shaping the next decade of oncology
Listen now and explore what these developments mean for clinical practice—and for the patients at the center of it all.
Resources mentioned:
NCODA’s Immunotherapy Hub – A central resource offering clinical tools, SOP examples, and support for implementing therapies like bispecifics and antibody-drug conjugates.
Questions or looking to connect? Email the NCODA Clinical Team at clinical@ncoda.org
What happens when cancer becomes part of your life—but work doesn’t stop?
In the Season 8 finale of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Rebecca Nellis, MPP, Executive Director of Cancer and Careers, for an eye-opening conversation about a part of survivorship that often gets overlooked: navigating work during and after treatment.
From the stress of disclosing a diagnosis to managing side effects on the job, cancer survivors face tough questions—often without clear answers. Rebecca shares how Cancer and Careers is changing that by equipping patients, employers, and healthcare providers with tools, empathy, and support.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
- The mission and evolution of Cancer and Careers
- Why work can be both a lifeline and a burden for cancer survivors
- The power of identity and purpose throughout the work journey—during and after treatment
- Real programs that make a difference—like resume reviews, tech grants, and workplace training
- What healthcare providers can do to spot red flags and offer the right kind of help
- How COVID, remote work, and cultural shifts are reshaping survivorship in the workforce
Explore more at: www.cancerandcareers.org
With more adults living longer, oncology is facing a critical challenge: how to provide cancer care that reflects the realities of aging. In this episode, Dr. Dale walks us through the creation of SOCARE (Specialized Oncology Care and Research in Elders), a clinic that evaluates patients’ physical function, cognitive health, and social environment before treatment begins. This kind of assessment leads to better decisions, fewer complications, and care that aligns with each person’s capacity and goals.
We also talk about the OASIS program, which extends this approach across disciplines, bringing in nurses, pharmacists, and social workers to create a more coordinated experience for patients. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Dale shares real examples and lessons from the field, showing how geriatric oncology can improve not just outcomes, but the entire care process.
Episode Highlights:
- A fresh look at what defines “fitness” for cancer treatment — and why age alone isn’t enough
- How SoCare creates space for longer, more thoughtful patient conversations
- Practical examples of tailoring chemotherapy, transplant, and CAR T plans for older adults
- Insights into building trust with patients and providers through individualized care
Resources & Links
City of Hope – Center for Cancer and Aging: cityofhope.org
ASCO Geriatric Oncology Guidelines: asco.org
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Heimall, President and CEO of the HealthWell Foundation, to talk about the growing importance of financial assistance in oncology and chronic illness care.
Michael shares his journey from leading some of the nation’s top military and veterans’ medical centers to helping patients access critical treatment through HealthWell’s innovative funding programs. He reflects on how his personal experience as a caregiver continues to shape his approach to patient-centered leadership.
We discuss HealthWell’s mission, how their programs are easing financial toxicity, and why care teams—especially in oncology—play such an important role in connecting patients with real support.
In this episode:
- How financial assistance programs are supporting patients beyond the pharmacy counter
- Expanding access for caregivers and patients managing home-based care
- What oncology teams should know about referrals and fund alerts
- The connection between cost, care quality, and treatment outcomes
Melanoma treatment has advanced significantly over the past decade, and it continues to evolve. In this special Melanoma Monday episode, we are joined by Kendra Rodriguez, PharmD, PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Resident at UW Medical Center / Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, to explore where we are now in the treatment landscape—and what’s on the horizon.
Kendra walks through recent data from the NADINA and SWOG S1801 trials, and shares how care teams can start preparing for the shift in management to the neoadjuvant setting. You'll hear what it takes to manage complex therapies for resectable cutaneous melanoma, and how to engage patients through thoughtful communication and collaboration.
CE Activity Description:
The purpose of this CE activity is to describe the pathophysiology and literature behind the shift of pharmacotherapeutic management to the neoadjuvant setting in resectable cutaneous melanoma. As novel mechanisms have been sought after and approved within this disease state, attention will be given to assess the clinical utility of the first-in-class tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, lifileucel, in addition to its logistical considerations requiring multidisciplinary coordination.
Learning Objectives:
- Summarize the pathophysiology behind neoadjuvant treatment in cutaneous melanoma and the literature supporting its use
- Discuss the novel agent lifileucel for its efficacy in cutaneous melanoma treatment and the logistics related to its use
Disclosures:
No relevant financial relationships for the following faculty and reviewers:
• Kendra Gee-Rodriguez, PharmD
• Ginger Blackmon, PharmD
• Daisy Doan, PharmD
Claim credit: https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/CutaneousMelanoma
Lorlatinib is reshaping first-line treatment for ALK-positive NSCLC—but its distinct side effect profile demands proactive, personalized management. In this episode, Stefanie Houseknecht, PharmD, BCOP (Johns Hopkins Medicine) and Monica Chintapenta, PharmD, BCOP (Parkland Health)share how they’re navigating real-world use of lorlatinib, from interpreting long-term data to counseling patients through CNS effects, weight gain, and metabolic challenges.
Highlights:
- Why lorlatinib is gaining traction in first-line ALK+ NSCLC
- What the long-term CROWN data really means for patient outcomes
- How to handle tricky side effects like cognitive changes, weight gain, and hyperlipidemia
- Real-world tips for patient counseling and supporting adherence
- The importance of catching drug interactions and staying ahead on labs
- How pharmacists are shaping care across the oncology team
Bonus: Hear how our guests find balance beyond the clinic, whether in the garden or on the Boston marathon course.
About Our Guests:
Monica completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and went on to complete PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies at Tufts Medical Center and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, respectively. At Parkland, she supports outpatient hematology/oncology care and leads quality initiatives.
Stefanie earned her PharmD from the University of the Pacific, followed by PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies at Palomar Medical Center and the University of California-San Diego. Her work focuses on thoracic malignancies, access to oral targeted therapies, and patient outcomes. She is active in the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer and serves as a preceptor to pharmacy trainees across the Mid-Atlantic.
When Madison Marsh stepped into the spotlight as Miss America 2024, she brought more than just a crown—she brought a mission. In this episode of the PQI Podcast, Madison shares the deeply personal story behind her advocacy for cancer awareness and early detection. A Harvard student, founder of the Whitney Marsh Foundation, and first active duty military member to be crowned Miss America, she is turning personal loss into powerful change—and inspiring others to do the same.
Following her keynote at the NCODA Spring Forum, Madison opens up about how losing her mother to pancreatic cancer at a young age became the catalyst for her work. She founded the Whitney Marsh Foundation to drive progress in early detection, research, and education. Now pursuing a Master in Public Policy at Harvard, her focus is on improving access to care and exploring the role of artificial intelligence in transforming cancer diagnostics.
Madison reflects on her journey through service, science, and pageantry—and how each part of her path fuels her mission to advocate for others. She reminds us that regardless of background or title, everyone has the power to lead, inspire, and work toward better healthcare outcomes.
As bispecific therapies become more available in the outpatient setting, community oncology practices are adapting to support safe and effective treatment.
In this CE episode, we sit down with Nick Bouchard, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy Services at Hematology Oncology Associates of Central New York (HOACNY), to explore how his team built a successful outpatient bispecific therapy program from the ground up.
Nick offers real-world insight into how his community oncology practice is proactively managing side effects like CRS and ICANS, improving patient experiences, and reducing hospital admissions. From navigating flexible dosing schedules to coordinating across the care team, this episode highlights the strategies that are making a meaningful difference in patient-centered care.
📌 CE Credit Available (0.5 hours)
This episode is accredited for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. Use the code provided in the episode to claim your CE credit here.
Learning Objectives:
- Discuss the basic principles and mechanisms of bispecific therapies.
- Identify the challenges and benefits of integrating bispecifics into community oncology practice.
- Review the key operational features of various bispecific therapies.
- Describe the toxicities experienced by patients on bispecific therapies in the clinic and methods of prevention.
About the Guest:
Nick Bouchard, PharmD, is the Director of Pharmacy Services at HOACNY, an independent community oncology practice based in Syracuse, NY. He earned his PharmD from Albany College of Pharmacy in 2008 and has experience in retail, hospital, and oncology pharmacy. His career began at Walgreens before he spent a decade at St. Joseph’s Hospital in various clinical and administrative roles, including as the Epic EMR coordinator for pharmacy. He joined HOACNY in 2020, where he helped grow the Medically Integrated Pharmacy and now oversees infusion and MIP operations, accreditations, credentialing, drug contracts, and more—while remaining actively involved in clinical pharmacy practice.
Disclaimer: There are no relevant financial relationships for the following faculty and reviewers of this CE presentation:
- Nick Bouchard, PharmD
- Ginger Blackmon, PharmD
- Daisy Doan, PharmD
In this episode, we’re joined by Dave Hughes, PharmD, BCOP, MPH, Senior Medical Director at Pfizer, who shares his expertise on the clinical trial landscape. With years of experience in oncology research and clinical pharmacy, Dave breaks down the key phases of clinical trials—from early-stage safety assessments to confirming effectiveness in large populations. Understanding these phases is essential for anyone involved in the drug development process.
Dave also delves into the growing role of real-world evidence, which offers valuable insights into how therapies perform in everyday clinical settings, complementing traditional clinical trial data. He discusses how FDA approval pathways, such as fast track, breakthrough therapy, and accelerated approval, are designed to expedite access to life-saving therapies.
We also explore the future of clinical trials, from AI and machine learning’s transformative impact on research to the evolving strategies that will shape patient care. Finally, Dave addresses the common misconception that clinical trials are only available as a last resort, emphasizing that they offer early access to cutting-edge treatments throughout a patient’s journey.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of our guest, Dave, and do not represent the official stance, policies, or views of Pfizer, NCODA, or any other organization. This discussion is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or regulatory advice. Always consult with regulatory authorities for official guidance.
Effective oncology care thrives on collaboration, and in this episode, we’re joined by two trailblazing oncology nurses, Elizabeth Bettencourt, MSN, RN, OCN, and Mary Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN, who share their wealth of experience and passion for improving cancer care. Together, they introduce a newly developed Positive Quality Intervention (PQI) within the Oral Anticancer Medication (OAM) Care Compass—a collaborative resource created with the Oncology Nursing Society to enhance interprofessional teamwork and streamline oral anticancer medication workflows.
Elizabeth and Mary take us inside the process of mapping oral oncolytic workflows, breaking down how this PQI can improve team-based care, patient adherence, and overall safety. More than just a structured approach, this initiative represents a commitment to ensuring that every patient receiving oral anticancer therapy is fully supported by a well-coordinated healthcare team.
This episode goes beyond workflows and best practices—it’s about the people behind the care. Elizabeth and Mary bring their deep understanding of oncology nursing to the conversation, shedding light on how interprofessional collaboration can truly transform patient outcomes. Whether you’re a nurse, pharmacist, or part of the oncology care team, you’ll walk away with both practical insights and a renewed appreciation for the dedication that fuels high-quality cancer care.
Explore the Resources:
Oral Anticancer Medication Patient Management Workflow Evaluation and Process Mapping PQI
OAM Care Compass
About the Guests:
Elizabeth Bettencourt, MSN, RN, OCN
With more than 30 years in oncology, Elizabeth has dedicated the last 13 years to creating a comprehensive oral oncolytic program at Palo Alto Medical Foundation/Sutter Health. Her program, which has touched countless lives, weaves together prescription processing, education, and ongoing patient monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients battling cancer. Elizabeth's approach is a testament to the power of creating systems that truly support both patients and the oncology care team.
Mary Anderson, BSN, RN, OCN
Mary’s 36 years in oncology nursing are defined by her commitment to improving patient care and safety. Her journey, shaped by the struggles she saw patients face with oral anticancer medications, led her to develop critical interprofessional processes to enhance adherence and care. Now serving as the Senior Manager of Nursing Initiatives at NCODA, Mary’s mission is to equip oncology nurses with the tools and confidence they need to provide exceptional, compassionate care. Her passion for empowering others shines through in everything she does.
How can we truly deliver patient-centered care without understanding our patients’ cultural backgrounds?
In this episode of The PQI Podcast, Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, BCPA, nurse practitioner, and Founder of FIDES Health Advocates, shares powerful insights on culturally competent care in oncology. Drawing from her personal journey and over 15 years of experience, she provides valuable insights on how healthcare professionals can bridge communication gaps and enhance care coordination, ultimately making a meaningful impact on the lives of patients from diverse backgrounds.
Kafilat highlights the role of multidisciplinary teams, health literacy, and patient advocacy in delivering more inclusive care. She also discusses how addressing implicit bias and strengthening communication can lead to better treatment experiences and outcomes for diverse patient populations.
Continuing Education (CE) Information
This episode is accredited for 0.5 CE credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians.
Learning Objectives:
- Define culturally competent care and its impact on oncology
- Recognize barriers to equitable care and strategies to overcome them
- Discuss the role of implicit bias in healthcare and approaches to mitigate its effects
- Explore how multidisciplinary teams and patient advocacy improve treatment outcomes
To claim CE credit, use the access code: 3S D2H H and submit here.
About the Guest
Dr. Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-BC, is a board-certified family nurse practitioner and founder of FIDES Health Advocates, dedicated to improving health equity through patient advocacy and education. With over 15 years in hematology and oncology, she is a leading voice in culturally competent care, empowering patients and providers to create more inclusive treatment experiences.
Disclosures:
The following relevant financial relationships within the past 24 months have been identified and disclosed for the reviewers of this CE presentation:
Dr. Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, BCPA – Consultant for BeiGene, with honoraria received.
No relevant financial relationships for the following reviewers:
Ginger Blackmon, PharmD
Tahsin Imam, PharmD
Daisy Doan, PharmD
In this episode of The PQI Podcast, we’re excited to welcome Samira Daswani, founder and CEO of Manta Cares. As a cancer survivor, Samira knows firsthand the challenges of navigating the cancer journey. Driven by her own experience, she created Manta Cares to provide survivors and caregivers with tools that offer both practical support and peace of mind.
We'll talk about how her personal story shaped the mission behind Manta Cares, including innovative resources like the Manta Planner and the unique subway-style maps that guide patients through the often-overwhelming process of cancer care.
Samira is also the host of Patient from Hell, a top-ranked podcast on Spotify, where she shares powerful stories from the frontlines of patient advocacy, reminding us of all of the strength it takes to face the challenges of healthcare.
Join us as we explore the intersection of personal experience, healthcare innovation, and the emotional challenges of cancer care
Learn more at: MantaCares.com
For many cancer patients, the journey to treatment can be just as challenging as the treatment itself. What if that journey could be shortened—by bringing care directly to their homes?
In this episode of the podcast, we’re joined by Jennifer Hunsey, BSN, RN, Nursing Program Coordinator at Mayo Clinic Florida, to explore the innovative Cancer Care Beyond Walls initiative. This groundbreaking program is bringing oncology treatments directly to patients, minimizing barriers to care, and reducing the burden of travel. Jennifer discusses how the Mayo Clinic uses technology and a patient-centered approach to deliver chemotherapy and supportive care in the comfort of patients' homes.
We learn the inspiration behind this initiative, the role of virtual oversight and home health nursing, as well as the challenges faced and the patient experiences that have shaped the program. Jennifer also shares exciting insights into future expansion plans that could reshape how cancer care is delivered.
This episode offers a powerful look at the future of oncology care—listen now to discover the Cancer Care Beyond Walls program’s impact on patients and the importance of expanding care beyond traditional settings.
Jennifer Hunze, BSN, RN, the RN Program Coordinator for Mayo Clinic’s Cancer Care Beyond Walls program. With over 20 years of nursing experience—17 of those in oncology—Jen has worked in various roles, including inpatient hematology, infusion nursing, and cancer treatment management. She now leads efforts to develop innovative cancer care delivery models aimed at improving access and the overall patient experience.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, we’re joined by Chara Reed, Senior Director of National Sales, who has spent over 30 years making an impact in pharmacy and healthcare. From her start as a pharmacy technician to leading in the specialty medication space, Chara has built a career centered on leadership, mentorship, and advocating for women in the field. As the founder of the Pharmacist Women Networking Association, she’s dedicated to fostering connections and empowering the next generation of female leaders. Listen in as Chara shares insights on career growth, leadership, and the value of building a supportive professional network.
Disclaimer: The views expressed by Chara Reed in this episode are her own and do not necessarily reflect those of her employer.
Staying connected during a health journey is essential for both patients and their loved ones. In this episode, we welcome Jay Drayer, founder of CareFlash, and Steven Paulson, MD, President and Chairman of Texas Oncology, to discuss how CareFlash communities provide a unique space for sharing updates, offering support, and easing the emotional challenges of caregiving.
Jay founded CareFlash in 2005, inspired by his personal caregiving experiences. He brings a unique blend of financial expertise, strategic vision, and a deep passion for innovation to his work. Through platforms like Careopolis, Kiddopolis, and Petopolis, CareFlash helps families and loved ones navigate caregiving with empathy and connection.
Dr. Paulson, a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist, leads Texas Oncology, one of the largest cancer treatment organizations in the country. With a distinguished career spanning decades, he has been instrumental in advancing oncology care and ensuring patients receive cutting-edge treatments in a compassionate, community-based setting.
Together, Jay and Dr. Paulson share insights into the role of connection in patient care, how CareFlash enhances communication among caregivers, and what excites Dr. Paulson about the future of oncology.
For more information on CareFlash, visit CareFlash.com.
Ilana Graetz, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health and leader of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program at the Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Graetz’s research centers on leveraging health information technology to transform care delivery and improve patient outcomes. As the principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous federally and institutionally funded studies, her work encompasses a wide range of topics, including data analytics, the use of electronic health records and patient portals to enhance care quality and coordination, telehealth innovations, remote monitoring, and patient-reported outcomes. She also leads efforts to design and evaluate mobile health interventions that strengthen patient-provider communication, support treatment adherence, and improve health outcomes.
In this premiere episode, Jessica White, PharmD, VP of Speciality Portfolio & Programs at McKesson, brings over 20 years of experience to the table. From managing oncology’s generics portfolio to fostering manufacturer relationships, Jessica shares her unique insights into the strategies that can help navigate drug shortages and ensure continuity in patient care.
Tune in as Jessica emphasizes the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to maintain supply chain stability and deliver exceptional care.
Check out Jessica’s article, Stakeholders Collaborate to Ensure Supply Chain Continuity, where she discusses how effective collaboration can help prevent drug shortages and maintain continuous patient care.
In this special bonus episode of the PQI Podcast, we’re celebrating NCODA’s own Sharita Howe, Associate Director of Partner Development and Strategy, and a 2025 MM+M 40 Under 40 honoree.
Sharita takes us through her career journey, from her early days as a retail pharmacist to her current leadership role at NCODA, where she’s driving meaningful changes in oncology care through collaboration and patient-centered initiatives. She reflects on how her experiences have shaped her path, the significance of her recent recognition, and the growing role of pharmacists in oncology.
Sharita’s career is a powerful example of the impact pharmacists can have, not just behind the counter but as leaders in transforming patient care.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how collaboration, leadership, and education are driving change in oncology care. Plus, we couldn’t resist asking—what’s Sharita planning to wear on the red carpet?
In this special holiday episode, they’re looking back on 2024’s highlights, sharing their personal journeys that led to NCODA, and looking ahead to all the exciting possibilities in 2025. Get ready for some holiday cheer with Christmas trivia, spirited cookie debates, and heartwarming stories about why NCODA’s mission continues to inspire.
Cindy and John explore the unique challenges veterans face, especially in rural areas, and explore innovative solutions like telehealth, coordinated care, and public-private partnerships aimed at improving care quality and access for this deserving population.
Tune in for this impactful conclusion to Season 7, where we honor the service of our veterans and those who dedicate their lives to their care. Thank you for joining us this season, and stay tuned for more inspiring conversations in Season 8!
Additional Resources:
Veteran Patient Cancer Care
In this episode, you’ll hear from veterans who have carried invaluable life lessons from their military service into healthcare, where they’re now transforming patient care in oncology. From time in uniform to impactful roles in clinical pharmacy, nursing, and healthcare management, these incredible guests share how their experiences have shaped their personal and professional journeys.
Join us for an uplifting conversation that honors our heroes in healthcare as they continue their mission of service in communities across the country.
Featured Guests:
- Chris Saenz, PharmD | Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Memorial Hermann Health System
- Ryan Blackmon, RN | Chemo Infusion Nurse, Mayo Clinic Florida
- Jay Moore | Director, Market Access Southeast Region, Taiho Oncology, Inc.
- Victoria Eno | Marketing Manager, NCODA
- Gayle Thompson, PharmD, MBA | Director of Pharmacy Operations, Duly Health and Care
- Robert D. Orzechowski, MBA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP | Chief Operating Officer, Lancaster Cancer Center, Ltd. (retired)
On this week’s episode of the PQI Podcast, we dive into the transformative world of stem cell transplantation with David Samuel, PharmD, a dedicated Stem Cell Transplant Clinical Pharmacist at Texas Oncology in Dallas.
David shares his inspiring journey through oncology pharmacy and offers a unique glimpse into his pivotal role in supporting outpatient stem cell transplant recipients and CAR-T cell therapy patients. He also highlights the vital patient education initiatives at Texas Oncology’s Bone Marrow Transplant program, emphasizing the human connection that underpins effective oncology care.
Tune in for an insightful conversation that highlights the vital role clinical pharmacists play in not just delivering care but also in empowering patients through their oncology journeys.
Chaunte is a four-time Olympian, world champion, and the American record-holder in the high jump, known for her groundbreaking achievements in track and field. Chaunte's journey took a life-altering turn in 2019 with a breast cancer diagnosis. Refusing to let this define her, Chaunte continued training throughout surgeries and chemotherapy, determined to maintain her strength and focus. Her story became more than an athletic legacy—it transformed into a mission to raise awareness for breast cancer and emphasize the importance of early detection.
He shares insights into the power of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) reports and the crucial data points that drive personalized therapies.
We also dive into the growing role of pharmacists in precision medicine, including Dr. Knepper’s contributions to the molecular tumor board.
Links Mentioned:
OncoKB
cBioPortal
ClinVar
With a special focus on desmoid tumors, he dives into the latest treatment advancements and their implications for patient outcomes. Dr. Philip brings a wealth of expertise, having served with organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Connective Tissue Oncology Society, and the American College of Physicians.
As an Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Dr. Philip has a solid foundation in hematology and oncology, having completed his fellowship at North Shore-LIJ. His robust background in sarcoma management positions him to provide valuable perspectives on improving patient care in this complex field.
In this episode, Nancy highlights the emotional and mental toll of her cancer journey, emphasizing how the psychological impact often outweighed the physical challenges. She discusses her role as a Peer Support Volunteer with NMDP (Be the Match), where she guides other AML patients through their treatment experiences and shares her insights as both a patient and an advocate.
Nancy also previews her upcoming presentation at NCODA’s Fall Summit, where she will delve into the importance of integrating mental health care into oncology support systems. She offers practical resources and discusses her upcoming blog for the Target Cancer Foundation, which further explores these critical themes.
Tune in to hear Nancy’s powerful story and insights on improving the mental health experience for cancer patients. This special episode is available on all major streaming platforms.
The episode kicks off with a playful game called “Drug or Gibberish,” where Ginger tests her skills in identifying real medications versus made-up names, with each correct guess leading to a donation to the National Marrow Donor Program.
Together, Pat and Ginger explore how the show has transformed into a vital resource for sharing knowledge and experiences within the oncology community, celebrating its recent nomination for the MM+M Award in the Use of Podcasting category. They discuss the importance of diverse topics, consistent content, and the connections fostered through interviews with industry experts.
Tune in to discover insights from Ginger's journey, the evolution of the podcast, and how you can leverage its resources to enhance your understanding of oncology practice.
In addition to her academic role, Dr. Ononogbu serves as a Board-Certified Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at a Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, where she provides specialized care and treatment for complex patient cases. Her clinical practice informs her research and offers practical solutions to improve patient outcomes in SCD care.
Dr. Ononogbu is also deeply committed to mentoring future pharmacy leaders. She co-founded Pharmacy Initiative Leaders (PILs), a non-profit organization that helps pharmacy students secure post-doctoral residencies and fellowships, with a special emphasis on promoting diversity within the pharmacy workforce. A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in healthcare, Dr. Ononogbu is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to quality care, improving patient-provider communication, and fostering cultural competency in clinical settings. Her work continues to shape the future of pharmacy and improve care for those affected by sickle cell disease.
Today’s podcast is available to pharmacists and pharmacy technicians for CE credit and is worth 0.5 credits.
To register for CE credit, please visit:
https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/SCDOnDemand
The objectives of today’s podcast are:
- Discuss Sickle Cell Disease including pathophysiology as well as the history and timeline of SCD treatment.
- Interpret current challenges in SCD management and practical strategies to help improve care.
Onye has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
In this heartfelt episode, we talk with Alyssa Wakeley, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of Warriors That Pray. Diagnosed with breast cancer at just 27, Alyssa's powerful story is one of resilience, faith, and a deep sense of purpose. Her journey led to the creation of Warriors That Pray, a community centered on hope and support, where individuals navigating their own battles are uplifted and celebrated through meaningful jewelry.
Alyssa shares her personal cancer experience, how she turned her adversity into a mission, and the role Warriors That Pray play in empowering others. This conversation dives into the impact of finding community, embracing your story, and holding on to hope through tangible reminders. You’ll be inspired by Alyssa’s unwavering strength and the beautiful message behind her organization.
Discover more about Warriors That Pray at warriorsthatpray.com and connect with Alyssa on Instagram @warriorsthatpray.
Dr. Toby Campbell is a Professor of Medicine, a Thoracic Oncologist, and Chief of Palliative Care. He holds the Ellen and Peter O. Johnson Chair in Palliative Care at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Renowned for his expertise in handling complex conversations—such as delivering bad news, conducting family meetings, and managing high-risk decisions—he shares valuable insights from his extensive research and clinical practice. His multidisciplinary work has been published in top medical, surgical, and communication journals. Dr. Campbell’s compassionate patient care has earned him several prestigious humanism awards from institutions, including the University of Virginia, the University of Wisconsin, and Northwestern University.
In this episode, Jordan Scott, PharmD, from Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, shares insights into the latest advancements in CAR T-cell therapy for Multiple Myeloma.
This week's episode offers pharmacists the opportunity to earn 0.5 CE credit hours while exploring the newly expanded scope of CAR T-cell therapy and novel toxicities associated with specific CAR-T products. Learn effective management strategies for these toxicities and enhance patient outcomes in your practice.
Jordan earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from D’Youville University in 2021. He completed his PGY1 Pharmacy residency training at Buffalo General Medical Center and PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy residency training at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer. His areas of practice include lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and transplant/cellular therapies. He is involved in direct patient care, collaborative practice, precepting, teaching, and research. Jordan is an avid football fan, cheering on the home team in Buffalo. Go Bills!
To register for CE credit, please visit: https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/CARTOnDemand
Jordan has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Oluwadamilola "Lola" Fayanju, a leader in breast cancer care and health equity. With a remarkable background that spans clinical excellence and innovative research, Dr. Fayanju holds the Helen O. Dickens Presidential Associate Professorship at the University of Pennsylvania (PENN) and serves as Chief of Breast Surgery at Penn Medicine. She also leads as the Surgical Director of the Rena Rowan Breast Center, directs Health Equity Innovation at the Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, and is a Senior Fellow at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics.
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in cancer care, impacting treatment outcomes, recovery, and overall quality of life. In this episode, we explore this essential connection with Maggie Green, RDN, LD—a culinary dietitian, cookbook author, and host of the Cookbook Love Podcast. Maggie discusses how a proper diet can support cancer treatment and enhance patient well-being. She also shares insights from her experiences as a cookbook author and coach, offering valuable advice on bringing culinary ideas to life. Tune in to discover how nutrition and food can profoundly influence health and healing.
You can find information on The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics here.
Learn more about Maggie here.
Find her cookbooks at the links below:
Kentucky Fresh Cookbook
Tasting Kentucky: Favorite Recipes from the Bluegrass State
Essential Pantry: Streamline Your Ingredients, Simplify Your Meals
Essential Plant-Based Pantry: Streamline Your Ingredients, Simplify Your Meals
New treatments and managing side effects are key challenges in kidney cancer care. In our latest episode of The PQI Podcast, we team up with the Kidney Cancer Association, Emily Wang, PharmD, BCOP, from MD Anderson, and Julia Stevens, PharmD, BCOP, from Beth Israel Deaconess, to share valuable insights into the newest advancements in kidney cancer therapies and practical strategies for managing side effects from TKI and IO treatments.
Listen now to gain valuable knowledge that can transform your patient care approach.
Learn more about the Kidney Cancer Association here.
Welcome to the Season 7 premiere of The PQI Podcast! We’re thrilled to kick off this new season by exploring the evolving role of the medically integrated team.
In this episode, field experts Ben Harkness (Director of IT, Utah Cancer Specialists) and Mark Moch (CIO, American Oncology Network) share how cutting-edge cybersecurity strategies reshape healthcare. Gain valuable insights into proactive measures to safeguard patient data and the vital collaboration between IT and healthcare professionals. Don’t miss these essential tips to keep your practice ahead of emerging challenges and enhance your security systems.
Welcome to The PQI Podcast season 6 finale! As we close out this chapter, we reflect on the survivor stories shared, the clinical insights gained, and the impactful conversations we’ve had over the last few months. We are thrilled to end this season with special guest Hardeep Phull, MD, to discuss various oncology hot topics, including burnout, financial toxicity, AI, and remaining current with literature.
Dr. Phull is the Director of Oncology at Palomar Health, the Alumni Specialty Director at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, and a Clinical Instructor at the University of California San Diego. He views his ongoing journey in medicine as a series of experiences that have enabled him to appreciate different values, cultures, and viewpoints, keeping him grounded and highly involved in education, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy in the community.
You can find articles from Dr. Phull in NCODA’s Oncolytics Today here:
• The Mental Health Epidemic in Oncologists
• Effect of Prior Authorization Rule Remains to be Seen
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Jerad Rex Davis. Despite his battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Jerad, an attorney and musician from Western North Carolina, found solace in his music. His album "The Chemo Tapes," blends Americana, bluegrass, and folk, reflecting his resilience and unwavering spirit. Listen in as we explore Jerad's uplifting story, a testament to the healing power of music and the human spirit.
You can find more information and Jerad’s music here.
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we put a spotlight on the recent 2024 NCODA International Spring Forum. The meeting brought together hundreds of NCODA members and partners with the shared goal of improving patient care.
Listen in as we hear from several clinical and industry experts who participated in the Forum, sharing their insights and highlights from this inspiring gathering of oncology professionals.
Thank you to all Spring Forum participants for your dedication and support! Save the date for the 2024 NCODA International Fall Summit, which will be held in Orlando, FL, on October 23 - 25.
Testimonials:
John Zieger, Bristol Myers Squibb
Todd Knepper, PharmD, Moffitt Cancer Center
Jordan Scott, PharmD, Roswell Park
April Hallatt, BSN, RN, OCN, Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital
Emily Zimdars, CPhT and Jean Meyer, CPhT, M Health Fairview
This week, we sit down with Layla Van Doren, MD, MBA, and Kristen Boykin, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS, to discuss IV iron therapy. Dr. Van Doren is a hematologist with Yale New Haven Health and Director of Education in the Adult Sickle Cell Program. Kristen is the Director of Pharmacy Operations at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute.
This podcast episode is sponsored by Pharmacosmos Therapeutics Inc.
Pharmacosmos Therapeutics Inc. is a U.S. specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to providing patient care through the commercialization of Monoferric® (ferric derisomaltose) injection and through exceptional resources to support this treatment. We are the U.S. affiliate of the Denmark-based Pharmacosmos Group. Please visit us at www.monoferric.com to learn more.
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Juline George, PharmD, and Sasha Watson, PharmD, to explore the significance of pharmacist collaboration in oncology and its impact on optimizing patient care.
Discover how their partnership benefits patients, hear real-life examples of its positive impact, and gain valuable insights for fostering effective collaboration between medically integrated and specialty pharmacies in oncology care.
Juline is a pharmacist specializing in complex drug therapy regimens within specialty disease states, including oncology, transplant, inflammatory conditions, and infectious disease with Walgreens Specialty Pharmacy.
Sasha is an Outpatient Medical Oncology Clinical Pharmacist at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. She currently works with the GI and Sarcoma clinics at Sylvester.
In this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we welcome Claire Kennedy, BSc (Hons), MAPharmT, and Chandra Maraj, BSc (Hons), MAPharmT, from Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Joined by guest co-host Taryn Newsome, CPhT, Associate Manager of OPTA at NCODA, we dive into an engaging discussion on the evolving role of oncology pharmacy technicians in England.
Claire, an Advanced Clinical Cancer Pharmacy Technician and Operational Manager, and Chandra, also an Advanced Clinical Cancer Pharmacy Technician and Cancer Pharmacy Manager at the same trust, are dedicated professionals passionate about advancing the career path and clinical role of Pharmacy Technicians in oncology.
Chandra Maraj has devoted 14 years to the Cancer Pharmacy Team at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. From being the sole full-time technician among three, the team has now grown to nearly 20 members.
Throughout her tenure, Chandra has shaped technician roles and spearheaded the establishment of a new pharmacy service for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Passionate about fostering learning and development, she aims to create a happier and healthier workplace for all pharmacy technicians.
This week, in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, we engage in a conversation with Dr. Robert Zaiden, MD, FACP, focusing on ctDNA testing in GI cancers and his team's contributions.
Dr. Zaiden, a seasoned medical oncologist in Jacksonville, FL, specializing in GI/GU tumors, stands as one of the founding members of Baptist MD Anderson. His active participation and leadership in various committees, including the role of Physician-in-Chief and Head of Cancer Medicine ad interim, underscore his commitment to optimizing patient care. Serving as the current director of the GI Tumor board, he has been instrumental in the rapid growth of Baptist MD Anderson.
With a wealth of experience, Dr. Zaiden has been a Principal Investigator or Sub-Investigator in over 20 clinical trials. Recognized with prestigious awards such as Physician of the Year and Teaching and Excellence awards, he is also the Medical Director of Infusion Centers at BMDA.
Before joining Baptist Medical Center in 2015, Dr. Zaiden contributed to the Hematology/Oncology faculty at the University of Florida in Jacksonville. During his tenure at UF, he received the Outstanding Resident Teacher award and was consistently voted Exemplary Faculty Teacher for five consecutive years. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Zaiden actively promoted Colorectal and Prostate Cancer Screening awareness to underserved communities, delivering cancer awareness talks at the YMCA. He proudly received the WeCare Patient’s Choice award in 2023.
This episode is sponsored by Walgreens. Our expert oncology-specialized pharmacy team is here for you. Our patients are at the heart of what we do and our pharmacists offer expert and compassionate support throughout each patient’s unique cancer journey. Let’s work together to care for the whole patient. Click here to find a Walgreens oncology-specialized pharmacist near you.
This week, in honor of International Women’s Day, we sit down with Shikha Jain, MD, FACP, to discuss Women in Medicine, an organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women professionals in the healthcare industry. Dr. Jain will not only enlighten us with insights into the inspiring work of Women in Medicine but also unveil some exciting developments in the realm of GI oncology. Plus, she shares her secrets to effective patient-doctor communication, ensuring every individual receives top-notch care.
Dr. Jain is a board-certified hematology and oncology physician. She is a tenured associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois in Chicago. She is the Director of Communications Strategies in Medicine and the Associate Director of Oncology Communication and Digital Innovation for the University of Illinois Cancer Center.
Dr. Jain is the Founder and Chair of the Women in Medicine Summit™ as well as the Founder and Board Member of the 501©(3) nonprofit Women in Medicine™. She is also the CEO and Co-Founder of the action, advocacy and amplification 501©(3) nonprofit IMPACT and was named one of Medscapes 25 Rising Stars in Medicine in 2020, one of Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Emerging Leaders in 2019 and was also awarded the Rising Star award by LEAD Oncology in 2019. She is also a member of the prestigious AOA society.
In her clinical practice as an oncologist, she tries to incorporate patient education and outreach as often as possible. With the proper tools and guidance, she works with her patients as a team to treat the disease and helps them move through an often difficult process together with as little stress as possible. She believes in personalized and individualized care and feels the more knowledge a patient has about their own disease, the more informed a decision they are able to make.
The email addresses discussed in the podcast are:
wimnfp@gmail.com
wimsummit2019@gmail.com
Twitter: @ShikhaJainMD
Instagram: @ShikhaJainMD
www.shikhajainmd.com
www.womeninmedicinesummit.org
www.impact4hc.com
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we welcome the dynamic duo from Central Ohio Urology Group, Melanie Boren MHA, RN, BSN, OCN, and Robin Carr. Join us as they delve into how their multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver top-tier patient care.
Melanie is the Director of Oncology Operations at Central Ohio Urology Group. She has worked in the oncology setting for 25 years. Robin is the Lead Pharmacy Tech at Central Ohio Urology Group. She oversees all dispensing of medications at two locations and has been a Pharmacy Technician for 35 years.
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Alex Shantiai, PharmD, to discuss the dynamic realm of pharmaceutical careers and highlights NCODA’s Professional Student Organization (PSO). As an oncology health and science representative and a leader within PSO, Alex shares insights on diverse pharmacist career paths in the industry, recounting his journey from pharmacy school to pharmaceutical sales.
Alex is a Palm Beach Atlantic University graduate who currently works as an oncology health and science representative for a pharmaceutical company. Alex continues engagement, communication, and philanthropy for the benefit of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and students. He works with national committees among the American Pharmacists Association and Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, as well regional affiliations. He also serves as a board of director member with the international Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.
You can find more information on NCODA’s PSO here:
https://www.ncoda.org/professional-student-organizations/
This week, we sit down with Julie Kennerly-Shah, PharmD, MS, MHA, BCPS, to discuss the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s Drug Repository Program.
Julie is an associate director in the Department of Pharmacy and is responsible for hematology/oncology, pain/palliative and ambulatory care clinical services in The James Cancer Hospital. She oversees our state-of-the-art specialty retail pharmacies. In addition to her clinical and operational responsibilities, she facilitates the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and has administrative responsibility for the PGY2 Hematology/Oncology Residency Program.
She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned dual master degrees from The Ohio State University in the areas of health system pharmacy administration and health care administration. She completed a combined PGY1 and PGY2 Health System Pharmacy Administration Residency at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and completed the Oncology Administration Fellowship at The James Cancer Hospital.
Julie and her husband founded the Summit and Julie Shah Foundation, where they are “On a mission to help the least fortunate in our world and to inspire others to join.” More information on their foundation can be found here: https://www.shahfound.org.
This week we sit down with Jennifer Young Pierce, MD, MPH, FACOG to discuss her role, disparities in cervical cancer, and exciting advancements in her space.
Dr. Jennifer Young Pierce is a Senior Staff Physician and Professor of Gynecologic Oncology at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Cancer Institute (MCI). She joined USA Health MCI in 2017 with national expertise in Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer, and cancer disparities. She currently serves as the Division Director of Cancer Prevention and Control and an Abraham A. Mitchell Clinical Cancer Research Scholar.
She is also the host of the podcast, The Cancering Show, seeking to demystify cancer with knowledge, hope, and humor for thousands of listeners. Most importantly, Dr. Pierce is deeply committed to the care of women with gynecologic cancers and spends the majority of her time seeing patients and performing radical surgeries for cancer treatment. Dr. Pierce lives with her husband and two daughters in Mobile, Alabama.
You can find more information on The Cancering Show here: https://cancering.com/
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Renee Alsarraf, DVM, DACVIM, to discuss her inspiring journey detailed in the acclaimed book Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well, where she intertwines her experiences as a veterinary oncologist and her personal battle with cancer.
Dr. Alsarraf received her veterinary degree from Michigan State University. She completed an internship and oncology residency at the Animal Medical Center in NYC. Currently, she is a Senior Veterinarian at the Animal Medical Center in NYC.
Sit, Stay, Heal is a moving and uplifting memoir of an esteemed veterinary oncologist fighting to save her four-legged patients while making sense of her own unexpected cancer diagnosis.
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Makenna Smack, PharmD, BCOP, from MD Anderson, to discuss molecular testing and targeted treatment in colorectal cancer.
Makenna obtained her bachelor’s in biochemistry from Brigham Young University and Doctor of Pharmacy from Roseman University in South Jordan, Utah. After graduation, she completed her PGY1 pharmacy residency at Memorial Hermann Hospital System in Houston, Texas, and a PGY2 oncology residency at Boston Medical Center in Massachusetts.
She is board-certified by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties in Oncology Pharmacy. Makenna currently works in the Gastrointestinal (GI) Medical Oncology Clinic at MD Anderson. In this role, she is part of the multidisciplinary team overseeing the care of patients with colon, rectal, hepatobiliary, neuroendocrine, pancreatic, hepatic, and upper GI cancers. Makenna is passionate about providing effective patient education, adverse event management, and supportive care for her oncology patients. Outside of work, Makenna enjoys the snowless winters in Houston, trying new restaurants, and going to the park with her husband and son.
The PQI Podcast is back, and season 6 is here to ignite your passion for patients! NCODA is thrilled to bring you another season that promises insights, inspiration, and a prescription for innovation in the field of oncology.
Our season premiere features Dr. Richard Safeer, Chief Medical Director of Employee Health and Well-Being for Johns Hopkins Medicine. A true expert in cultivating a healthy and resilient workforce, Dr. Safeer will guide us through his book, "A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce." Listeners will be empowered with practical tools to not only build a thriving workplace but one that flourishes.
In January 2023, with publisher Wiley, Dr. Safeer released A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce. Dr Safeer is the first author to provide a step-by-step roadmap for creating a well-being culture that integrates science with practical solutions as demonstrated by the numerous real stories from
successful companies. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine, the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. He serves on the New England Journal of Medicine Catalyst Insight Council and previously served on the board of directors for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine.
You can learn more about Richard’s work at RichardSafeer.com or follow him on LinkedIn.
If you’re looking for training on how to create a wellbeing culture on your team or organization, then go to CreatingAWellbeingCulture.com
A Cure for the Common Company: A Well-Being Prescription for a Happier, Healthier, and More Resilient Workforce is available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
This week, on The PQI Podcast season 5 finale, we sit down with Ellen J. Langer, Ph.D., to discuss her most recent book, THE MINDFUL BODY: Thinking Our Way to Chronic Health, and her mindfulness work in oncology.
Dr. Langer was the first woman to be tenured in psychology at Harvard, where she is still professor of psychology. The recipient of three Distinguished Scientists awards, the Arthur W. Staats Award for Unifying Psychology, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the Liberty Science Genius Award, Dr. Langer is the author of twelve other books, including the international bestseller Mindfulness, as well as The Power of Mindful Learning, Counterclockwise and On Becoming an Artist. Her trailblazing experiments in social psychology have earned her inclusion in The New York Times Magazine’s “Year in Ideas” issue. She is known worldwide as the “mother of mindfulness” and the “mother of positive psychology.”
This week, we sit down with Erica Kirschner and Jenn Perry to discuss Li-Fraumeni Syndrome and the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association.
Erica is a former educator who has been undergoing treatment for metastatic breast cancer for the past eleven years. After being diagnosed at 27, she was referred for genetic testing and found to have Li-Fraumeni Syndrome. LFS is a hereditary TP53 variant that predisposes children and adults to a wide array of cancers. She currently works with the nonprofit Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association as a patient advocate.
Jenn is a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed with Li-Fraumeni syndrome. She is the President of the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association. Through the association, Jenn knew she had finally found an avenue to make a difference and effect change in an area that has affected not only many members of her family but many families around the world. She envisions a world someday where her children, grandchildren, and future family won’t have to live in fear of the disease we know as cancer.
You can find more information on the Li-Fraumeni Syndrome Association here:
https://www.lfsassociation.org/
This week, we sit down with Natalie Kaufman, PharmD, to discuss NCODA’s Medically Integrated Oncology Pharmacy Residency Program and the recent Capecitabine: A New Approach to Dosing and Side Effect Management Positive Quality Intervention.
Natalie is originally from Syracuse, New York. She graduated with her PharmD from Regis University in Denver, Colorado, this past April. She is continuing her education as a Medically Integrated Oncology Pharmacy resident at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. Oncology has always been Natalie’s passion.
You can find the PQI here:
https://www.ncoda.org/wp-content/uploads/pqis/Capecitabine-Xeloda-A-New-Approach-to-Dosing-and-Side-Effect-Management_PQI_NCODA.pdf
You can find information on NCODA’s MIOP Residency Program here:
https://www.ncoda.org/miop-residency-program/
For more information on the residency program, please contact Cooper.Bailey@ncoda.org.
This week, we sit down with Nate Ramsbacher, PharmD, to discuss Exploring Intravenous Iron Products for Anemia Associated with Chemotherapy and Cancer. Nate is a pharmacist and faculty member at Washington State University in Spokane, Washington. He completed his Doctor of Pharmacy education at the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy and completed residency training at Providence St Patrick Hospital in Missoula, Montana. He has been involved with NCODA since he was a PSO student.
Today’s podcast is available to pharmacists for CE credit and is worth 0.5 credits. You can find the CE registration link in the show notes. Be sure to listen for the CE Code given in the podcast to access the post-test and evaluation. The objectives for today’s discussion are:
- To Differentiate the various intravenous (IV) iron products, including appropriate use.
- To Summarize clinical pearls associated with IV iron therapy.
- To Explain the current status and mitigation strategies for drug shortages with regards to IV iron.
To obtain CE credit please visit: https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/IVIronPodCE
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Erica Marchese PharmD, MHA, BCPS, BCOP, BCSCP, Alexandria Callahan, LCPC, BC-DMT, GLCMA, and Jen Mikes from the City of Hope Chicago to discuss Cancer Survivorship, exploring their respective roles, the pharmacist's vital contribution to survivorship, and the remarkable patient programs they offer.
Erica has been with the City of Hope Chicago (formerly Cancer Treatment Centers of America) for 14 years in various roles within the organization. She is currently the Director of Pharmacy. Erica is an avid runner outside of work and has run four marathons, including the Chicago and New York Marathons.
Alexandria is the supervisor of the Behavioral Health department at the City of Hope, Chicago, where she actively assists with therapeutic programming, survivorship support programs, and sexual wellness. Callahan is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and earned a Master of Arts degree in dance/movement therapy and counseling from Columbia College in Chicago, followed by a Graduate Laban Certificate in Movement Analysis (GLCMA) from the school.
Jen Mikes is the Manager of the Cancer Fighters Program at City of Hope. She is a 5-year cancer survivor. You can find the Cancer Fighters here:
https://www.cancerfighters.com/s/
This episode is brought to you by Eagle Pharmaceuticals. To learn more about Eagle’s oncology portfolio, please visit eagleus.com.
This week, we sit down with Collin Dempsey, PharmD, BCPS to discuss his path into oncology pharmacy, his clinic and pharmacy processes, and the NCODA Venclexta resources.
Collin has been a pharmacist in New York State for ten years and is currently a hematology/oncology pharmacist working in the SUNY Upstate Outpatient Specialty Pharmacy. His program is medically integrated with a large teaching hospital in Syracuse, NY attached to the region’s largest and most comprehensive cancer center, as well as 3 satellite clinics throughout central and northern New York State.
The NCODA venetoclax resources can be found here:
https://www.ncoda.org/wp-content/uploads/pqis/Venetoclax-Venclexta%C2%AE-for-the-Treatment-of-Acute-Myeloid-Leukemia-PQI-NCODA.pdf
https://www.ncoda.org/wp-content/uploads/pqis/Venetoclax-Venclexta%C2%AE-Use-in-Chronic-Lymphocytic-Leukemia_PQI_NCODA.pdf
https://www.ncoda.org/resources/
https://my.ncoda.org/communities/community-home/librarydocuments?attachments=&folder=d3c4bdbb-93cb-4cc8-aad3-018afc3f57bb&libraryfolderkey=d3c4bdbb-93cb-4cc8-aad3-018afc3f57bb&librarykey=ac905676-5f1d-459d-9551-02c860d99398&pageindex=0&pagesize=12&search=&sort=most_recent&viewtype=row
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Kafilat Salawu, DNP, FNP-C, AOCNP, BCPA, and delve into the vital role of healthcare advocates, explore how Kafilat's personal experiences were influenced by the complexities of navigating healthcare systems with cultural variances and language barriers. Additionally, we uncover how Kafilat's dedication to healthcare advocacy was ignited by witnessing a sibling battle with a serious illness and another diagnosed with cancer.
Kafilat is a compassionate healthcare pioneer with a profound commitment to transforming lives and advocating for health equity. Born in Nigeria and later migrating to the USA, her journey was marked by the challenges of navigating healthcare systems with cultural and linguistic variances. However, it was a life-altering moment, witnessing her close family member's severe illness and another's cancer diagnosis, that kindled her enduring passion for becoming a healthcare professional and advocate.
Drawing from her multifaceted background as a caregiver, patient, and healthcare professional, Kafilat possesses a unique perspective that fuels her dedication to addressing disparities in healthcare. She keenly recognized the pressing need for culturally sensitive care and equitable, quality treatment, inspiring her to establish Fides Health Advocates, LLC. Fides stands as a beacon of hope in the healthcare landscape, bridging the gap between patients and the healthcare system. Their unwavering mission is crystal clear: to provide steadfast support, guidance, and advocacy deeply rooted in trust, understanding, and compassionate care. For more information about Fides Health Advocates, please visit their website: https://fideshealthadvocates.com.
This week, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, we sit down with Jessie Huisken to discuss her daughter Phinley’s story and her book, Surviving to Thriving, Living Your Best Life with a Hospitalized Child. Jessie has a BSW and worked extensively in child welfare and hospital settings before earning her credentials as an Infant Toddler Developmental Specialist. She worked as an independent developmental therapist until her daughter Phinley's cancer diagnosis in 2021. For the following year, Jessie lived with Phinley in multiple pediatric hospitals across the US until Phinley's passing in 2022, just hours before her 5th birthday.
You can find Jessie’s book here.
You can find more information on Phinley’s Phund here.
You can connect with Jessie via Facebook through Jessie Huisken or Living Life Phinley-Kate Style.
This week we sit down with Fitz Koehler to discuss her personal story and her book Your Healthy Cancer Comeback: Sick to Strong. Fitz Koehler of Fitzness.com is the author of multiple books, including My Noisy Cancer Comeback, Your Healthy Cancer Comeback: Sick to Strong, and the Healthy Cancer Comeback Journal. She’s one of America's most exciting keynote speakers, a premier race announcer, a fitness innovator, and a bonafide cancer crusher. Her company, Fitzness International, has a global reach, as Fitz is a regular on television, radio, and stages worldwide.
You can visit her website here and purchase her book on Amazon here.
This week, we sit down with Joanna Fawzy Doran, Esq. and Amy Terhune, RPhT, CPhT, PACS, to discuss patient navigation and Triage Cancer.
Joanna Fawzy Morales, Esq. is a cancer rights attorney and CEO of Triage Cancer, a national, nonprofit organization providing free education on practical and legal issues that impact individuals diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers through events, materials, and resources. Joanna has spent nearly 30 years working in the cancer community as an Adjunct Professor of Law and for the John Wayne Cancer Institute’s Psychosocial Care Program. She has presented nearly one thousand seminars on employment, insurance, finances, and advocacy and co-authored a Cancer Rights Law book for the American Bar Association. In 2010, she was recognized by the Los Angeles Daily Journal as one of the Top 20 Attorneys in California Under the Age of 40.
Amy Terhune, CPhT, RPhT, is a Prior Authorization Supervisor at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute. She has been in pharmacy for 15 years, specializing in Oncology for the last four. Amy is an expert in obtaining prior authorizations for complex Oral oncolytic medications using up-to-date precision medicine to obtain payor approval rapidly, ensuring patients start therapy to avoid unnecessary delays in patient care.
Resources discussed in this episode can be found here:
https://TriageCancer.org
https://TriageCancer.org/Events
https://CancerFinances.org
Practical Guide to Cancer Rights
This week we sit down with Matt Saylor, PharmD, BCOP to discuss his personal brain tumor story and his career path into pharmacy.
Matt has had a passion for healthcare from an early age and developed his interest in oncology based on many of his personal experiences and a fantastic oncology mentor in school. Matt earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from The Ohio State University and then went on to complete 2 years of training – PGY1 at the VA in Columbus (OH) and then PGY2 Oncology at Emory in Atlanta. After residency, he practiced at 2 large IDNs in North Carolina – Wake Forest in Winston-Salem and then Novant Health in Charlotte.
For the past 5 years, Matt has been a Medical Affairs Director for Health Systems Oncology at Merck, where he gets to blend his interest for advancing the oncology landscape and providing medical information to fellow pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
This week, we sit down with Alice Rhoton-Vlasak, MD and Lauren Staley, ARNP to discuss fertility preservation in oncology patients.
Alice Rhoton-Vlasak, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained reproductive endocrinologist and a professor at the University of Florida Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology working in the division of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Many of her clinical efforts have focused on fertility and fertility preservation in cancer patients. She started a program called the UF Health HOPE network. This program has three prongs, including research, clinical, and education for all healthcare providers to become familiar with fertility preservation services.
Lauren has worked at the University of Florida in the Division of Pediatric Oncology since 2011, serving as the Pediatric Solid Tumor Coordinator. She completed training through the NIH-funded ENRICH (Educating Nurses about Reproductive Issues in Cancer Healthcare) program. In 2019, Lauren joined the UF Health Reproductive Endocrinology group in the role of Oncofertility
Navigator. Through this initiative, Lauren provides fertility preservation counseling for patients facing a new cancer diagnosis.
This week we sit down with Myron Rolle, MD, MSc to discuss his book The 2% Way - How a philosophy of small improvements took me to Oxford, the NFL, and Neurosurgery.
Dr. Rolle is a chief neurosurgery resident and Global Neurosurgery Fellow at Harvard-Massachusetts General Hospital, Rhodes Scholar, author, and former professional football player in the National Football League. He holds a Doctor of Medicine from Florida State University College of Medicine, a Master of Science in medical anthropology from the University of Oxford and a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Florida State University.
He developed and published the Rolle Scoring System, a public health rating scale used to determine a developing country’s governance around helmet safety to prevent traumatic brain injury. He has been recognized by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons for demonstrating the best operative technique in the reconstruction of upper extremity motor function using intercostal nerve transfers after a traumatic brachial plexus injury.
Dr. Rolle is the chairman of the Caribbean Neurosurgery Foundation - a not-for-profit which houses capacity-building and health system-strengthening initiatives for improved neurosurgical care in the Caribbean. His foundation has impacted over 3.5 million people in the Caribbean through the upscaling of policy, service delivery, infrastructure, and workforce development. He is the best-selling author of The 2% Way - How a philosophy of small improvements took me to Oxford, the NFL, and Neurosurgery. You can find his book here.
This week we sit down with Robert M Haberkorn, DDS, MBA, MLD to discuss oral cancer. Dr. Haberkorn graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and attended a surgical mini-residency at Baylor University for dental Implants. Immediately after graduation, he purchased a dental practice and began his career serving his patients in both metro and rural areas. His interest in treating oral cancer patients began in 1987, and he began his oral oncology career providing diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for the patients within his own practice, as well as those referred to him by other health care providers. He has been a huge proponent of early diagnosis and awareness of oral cancer and continues his crusade to make the communities he serves aware of the risk factors.
Dr. Haberkorn acquired his first laser in 1990 and has since earned his Master’s in Laser Dentistry therapy utilizing soft tissue and hard tissue lasers as innovative treatment modalities for dental issues and for oral cancer patients needing diagnosis, treatment, and post-operative pain relief. He has earned an MBA from The University of Notre Dame.
Dr. Haberkorn is an alumnus of the Pankey Institute, a member of the American Academy of Oral Medicine, The Academy of Laser Dentistry, The American Association of Facial Esthetics, The Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, The International Society of Oral Oncology, and is currently studying at The University of Florida for additional knowledge for the treatment of patients with Oral Cancer and Oral diseases in their Department of Oral Oncology and Oral Medicine.
You can find more information on the Oral Cancer Foundation here.
The PQI Podcast is back with season 5! We’re thrilled to bring you another season of valuable insights from oncology experts across the globe, as well as heartwarming stories of hope and determination. We’re kicking off season 5 by welcoming Yen Nien (Jason) Hou, PharmD, Dipl.O.M, L.Ac, Herb Information Center Coordinator and Manager of the “About Herbs” website with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Jason shares enlightening insights about the Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Herb information center, a tool for the public and healthcare professionals that can help determine the value of using common herbs and other dietary supplements.
Jason is a pharmacist, traditional Chinese medicine herbalist, and coordinator of the herb information center at the Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The State University of New York (SUNY), School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and completed a Postgraduate Year 1 community pharmacy residency, both in Buffalo, New York. He received Master of Science degree from the New York College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and a Diplomate of Oriental Medicine, board-certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Jason is a registered pharmacist and licensed acupuncturist in New York State. His expertise is in the use of dietary supplements and botanical products. Because many cancer patients use herbal supplements, there is an urgent need for reliable information on herb-drug interactions. Jason applies his experience in the areas of pharmacy and botanicals to consult and to educate patients and other healthcare professionals about the proper use of herbs and supplements.You can find the resources Jason references in the podcast below:
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/membershiphttp://www.aboutherbs.com/https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-023-07577-xhttps://prezi.com/snygsdsan8mn/acupuncture-as-a-remedy-for-painhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7HMZlPcjBQhttps://www.mskcc.org/departments/division-subspecialty-medicine/integrative-medicine/programs/herbal-formulations-cancer-supportive-carehttps://www.consumerlab.com/
This month, we celebrate Cancer Immunotherapy and its impact on people's lives. In our season 4 finale episode of The PQI Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Mary Elizabeth Williams, who shares her inspiring story of overcoming metastatic melanoma and advocating for better access to clinical trials. Mary Elizabeth, a courageous stage 4 metastatic melanoma survivor, participated in a groundbreaking Phase 1 immunotherapy trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She became one of the pioneering individuals to receive nivolumab, a cutting-edge treatment. Just three months into the trial, her remarkable progress showed no signs of disease. Join us as we delve into her journey, highlighting the transformative potential of immunotherapy.
For the past several years, Mary Elizabeth has been chronicling her adventures with Stage 4 melanoma and working toward a better healthcare experience for all of us. She is a doctoral student of Medical Humanities at Drew University and has written for The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, Salon, Time, and Health. Her recent book, A Series of Catastrophes and Miracles, A: A True Story of Love, Science, and Cancer, is on her experience with metastatic melanoma — and the groundbreaking immunotherapy clinical trial pioneered by Nobel winner James Allison — that saved her life. Her book can be found here.
On this week's episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Bijoy Telivala, MD, to delve into the realm of anticoagulant therapy.
Dr. Telivala, holding Board Certifications in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine, currently practices at Cancer Specialists of North Florida in Jacksonville, Florida.
Originally from India, Dr. Telivala completed his M.B.B.S. at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College. He further pursued his medical education and training, earning his Doctor of Medicine from Temple University in Pennsylvania, where he also completed his hematology/oncology fellowship. With a passion for patient care and guidance, Dr. Telivala cherishes the collaborative environment he works in, surrounded by a dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and support staff who share the same primary goal of improving patients' lives.
"The compassion and empathy offered by the team as CSNF is truly unmatched.”
This week we sit down with Jennifer Byer, MD and Rachel Clark to discuss the Sugar Bloom Foundation.
Dr. Jennifer Byer earned her medical degree and completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of South Florida (USF) in Tampa, FL. In 2014, she was awarded a Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida. She is currently an oncologist at Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute.
In honor of her mother, Sugar, and those courageously battling cancer, Rachel Clark established the Sugar Bloom Foundation. Tired of sterile waiting rooms, dreary hospital spaces, and anxious environments, Rachel embarked on a mission to fill these spaces with love, faith, and a profound sense of empathy and connection.
Rachel lives in Vero Beach with her husband and two children. She and her husband own a veterinary clinic and founded Community Health Coalition, a charity that vaccinates canines in remote areas of Africa against rabies.
On this week's episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with experienced oncology pharmacy technicians Janine Brodeur, CPhT, COPhT, Nora Hansen, CPhT, COPhT, and Taryn Newsome, CPhT!We discuss the vital role of oncology pharmacy technicians in patient care, the Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA), and the value of OPTA's new oral oncology certification for technicians.
More information on OPTA’s certification can be found here.
This week we sit down with Craig Olson to discuss Brain Cancer Awareness Month, his role as a caregiver, and his book Defeating the Unbeatable. Craig is a National Board-Certified teacher, podcast host of Defeating Weekly, and author of Defeating the Unbeatable. His book is based on his experience with his first wife, Rachael, and her battle with brain cancer. It shares knowledge he feels will benefit others going through similar situations. His weekly podcast provides skills with action steps that people can take and apply to their own lives.
More information on Craig’s book and podcast can be found here.
This week we sit down with Alison Gulbis, PharmD, BCOP, Kamakshi Rao, PharmD, BCOP, FASHP, and Zahra Mahmoudjafari, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FHOPA to discuss their work on the Oncology Workforce Collaborative.
Alison is a Clinical Pharmacy Manager at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. She obtained her PharmD at the University of Florida and completed her PGY1 and PGY2 residencies at the Medical University of South Carolina. She has been in clinical practice for 19 years at MD Anderson and manages a team of clinical pharmacy specialists in pediatric hematology/oncology and adult stem cell transplant.
Kamakshi is an Interim Director of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill. She oversees Adult Ambulatory and Acute Clinical Services as well as the hospital’s academic enterprises, including resident and student training programs. Additionally, she leads the department’s growing efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion. She spent 20 years in direct patient care, working with patients undergoing bone marrow transplants at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital before moving into her current role.
Zahra is a Clinical Pharmacy Manager in the Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapeutics at the University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS). She earned her PharmD and MBA from the UMKC School of Pharmacy and the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. She completed residency training at The Ohio State University Medical Center and The Huntsman Cancer Institute at the University of Utah. She has been a board-certified oncology pharmacist since 2012. In 2022, she was the recipient of the ASTCT Pharmacy Special Interest Group Lifetime Achievement Award and ASCO’s 40 Under 40 in Cancer award.
You can read more here: https://accpjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jac5.1693
This week we sit down with Sotirios-Charalampos (Sotiris) Diamantoudis, Maria Vasileiou, and Elpida Lytra to discuss the new NCODA Greece PSO Chapter, Oncology in Greece, and the Cancer Prevention Research Group Greece.
Sotirios-Charalampos (Sotiris) Diamantoudis is a 2nd-year Pharmacy student at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. His passion for oncology has led him to take the position of Co-Head of Chemoprevention, Nutritional Supplements, and Cancer at the Cancer Prevention Research Group in Greece. When he first encountered NCODA in Athens during the 18th European Pharmaceutical Students’ Association Autumn Assembly, where he volunteered, he considered the initiative of most interest and immediately joined in. Taking it a step further, Sotiris notified his network to spread NCODA and its values in Greece.
Maria Vasileiou is a 4th-year pharmacy student at National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Her area of interest is cancer research, which includes primary and secondary prevention, chemoprevention, and the association of dietary supplements and medicines with cancer incidence and progression. She has hands-on experience in cancer research, having attended a postgraduate program on immunotherapy in advanced/metastatic urothelial carcinoma. She serves as Co-Founder and President-Elect of NCODA Greece.
Elpida Lytra is a 5th-year Pharmacy student at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. She serves as Director of Finances at NCODA Greece.
You can follow NCODA Greece on Instagram @ncodagreece or on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ncodagreece/.
This week we sit down with Sarah Hudson-DiSalle, PharmD, FACCC, and Jeffrey Pilz, PharmD, MPA, MS, BCPS, to discuss drug shortages.
Sarah manages the Reimbursement Services and Medication Assistance Program for infusion services at the James Cancer Hospital and Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University. She oversees the reimbursement staff who obtain authorizations for infused medication and files medication denials at the James and Wexner Medical Center. She also oversees, coordinates, and advocates for the award-winning Medication Assistance Program for patients who cannot afford their infusion medications.
Jeffrey Pilz, PharmD, MPA, MS, BCPS, currently serves as Assistant Director of Pharmacy for Medication Safety and Drug Policy at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center (OSUWMC) in Columbus, Ohio. In this role, he serves as co-chair for the OSUWMC Drug Shortages Committee and coordinates Department of Pharmacy initiatives around managing recent critical shortages.
*This episode is brought to you by Cardinal Health. Cardinal Health™ Medically Integrated Dispensing Solutions helps your care team navigate industry complexities, optimize your processes and expand the amount of patients you serve. To connect with a Cardinal Health team member to learn more, go to cardinalhealth.com/dispensing.
This week we sit down with Oliver Eng, MD, FACS, FSSO to discuss heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Dr. Eng is a surgical oncologist and an Associate Professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at the University of California, Irvine, where he is also Associate Director of the Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program as well as the Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship. He is a double board-certified surgeon and surgical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of cancers in the abdomen, particularly cancers that have spread to the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. He specializes in complex cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Dr. Eng has co-authored numerous peer-reviewed manuscripts in journals including Cancer Discovery, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Cancer, and British Journal of Cancer. He has received numerous teaching and research awards and was most recently a recipient of The Lynx Group’s 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award, which recognizes the contributions being made across the field of cancer by emerging leaders nationally.
On this week's episode of The PQI Podcast, we sit down with Ngozi Agwai to discuss cancer care in Nigeria. Ngozi is a Public Health Professional, working as a Patient Support Manager for Run for a cure Africa, which is a non-for-profit organization that provides psychological support to patients diagnosed with breast cancer. She’s currently listed as one of the 40under40professionals in cancer care 2022 worldwide.
*This episode of the podcast was recorded prior to World Cancer Day on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
This week we sit down with Sami Mansfield to discuss exercise as it relates to cancer treatment and survivorship. Sami is the founder of Cancer Wellness for Life, which focuses on developing, implementing, and enhancing oncology wellness and exercise resources. Her consulting efforts serve cancer centers, hospital and health care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, non-profits, and individuals impacted by cancer.
Sami began her career in 2003 and is one of the world's first cancer exercise specialists and wellness experts. Her experience working with countless cancer survivors worldwide and seeing the power of exercise and wellness strategies in their lives is the driving force behind her persistence and passion.
She is the Director of Oncology Wellness for the Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at HCA Midwest Health, a program she developed in 2017. She is also a contributing author on the topic of exercise and has provided her knowledge and expertise to many organizations including ASCO as part of their guideline’s implementation team.
You can find more on Sami here.
This week we sit down with Kyle Bradford Jones, MD, FAAFP to discuss his book Fallible: A Memoir of a Young Physician’s Struggle with Mental Illness and how mental illness and burnout affect clinical teams. Dr. Jones is an Associate (Clinical) Professor in Family and Preventive Medicine at the University of Utah School of Medicine. He graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 2009 and completed his residency in Family Medicine at the University of Utah in 2012. Since then, he has worked at the Neurobehavior HOME Program, a clinical program for individuals with a developmental disability, where he leads the Utilization Management Team.
He is the author of the award-winning and best-selling book Fallible: A Memoir of a Young Physician’s Struggle with Mental Illness.His most recent book HOSPITAL!: A Medical Satire of Unhealthy Proportionscame out in December 2022. Both books are available on Amazon or from your local independent bookstore. You can find Dr. Jones’ website here.
This week we sit down with Maria Vazquez Roque, MD, MSc to discuss screening for colon cancer and cancer disparities in the hispanic population in recognition of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.
Dr. Vazquez Roque is from San Juan, Puerto Rico. In 2003, she completed her medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. In 2008 she finished her internal medicine residency in Puerto Rico. She then pursued a Gastroenterology fellowship in the NIH training grant at Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota. After graduating from GI fellowship, she began to work in the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Mayo Clinic Florida in April 2012.
She is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, the Associate Chair for the Outpatient Practice for the Department of Medicine, and Medical Director for Accreditation and Supply Chain for Mayo Clinic Florida. She championed and developed the Fecal Microbiota Transplant program at the Mayo Clinic Florida campus for patients who suffer from recurrent episodes of Clostridium difficile infection and to date has conducted over 200 procedures with success. She is actively participating in research studies evaluating the role of the gut microbiome in immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor colitis.
This week we sit down with Brandon Dyson, PharmD, BCOP, BCPS to discuss his role at Texas Oncology, the creation of tl;dr pharmacy and the importance of mentoring pharmacy students. Brandon is the Area Pharmacy Manager for the Central/South Texas and San Antonio regions of Texas Oncology. He is Co-Founder of the pharmacy education website, tl;dr pharmacy.
You can find more information on tl;dr pharmacy here: https://www.tldrpharmacy.com.
You can find more information on NCODA’s Medically Integrated Oncology Pharmacy Residency Program here: https://www.ncoda.org/miop-residency-program/.
This week we sit down with Christine Pfaff, RPh to discuss community oncology and her role on the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Christine is regional director of operations for American Oncology Network and a member of the Board of Pharmacy for the State of Ohio. Christine received her degree in Pharmacy from The Ohio State University and has presented programs on oncology medications and medication compliance and drug interactions.
Season 4 Episode 5-Role of Oncology Social Worker
This week we sit down with Neshama Marcus, LMSW to discuss the role of the social worker in oncology care. Neshama joined Astera Cancer Care in 2022 as the Director of Social Work to build a social work department in a multi-site oncology/hematology practice New Jersey.
Neshama received her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and her master’s degree in Social Work from Rutgers University School of Social Work, with a concentration in Non-Profit and Public Management. She also has her post-graduate Certificate in Gerontology from Rutgers University, as well as a post-graduate Certificate in Grief Counseling.
Season 4 Episode 4-Pediatic Oncology
We are excited to bring you our first podcast with Continuing Education credit for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians! This week we sit down with Dr. Tara Higgins to discuss pediatric oncology. Dr. Higgins serves as assistant professor of pharmacy practice at LECOM School of Pharmacy in Bradenton, FL.
To register for the CE click here:
https://www.lecturepanda.com/r/PedsPodCE
The objectives of today’s podcast are:
To identify the differences between adult and pediatric oncology
To summarize the role of the pharmacist and pharmacy technician in pediatric oncology
To recognize the challenges when treating pediatric patients with cancer
Season 4 Episode 3- CAR T Therapy
This week we sit down with Teresa Thakrar, PharmD, BCOP, CPP to discuss CAR T therapy. Dr. Thakrar is currently a hematology, stem cell transplant, and cellular therapy Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Team Lead at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis. Prior to this role, she was a stem cell transplant Clinical Pharmacist at the University of North Carolina Medical Center in Chapel Hill, NC. Dr. Thakrar received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Purdue University College of Pharmacy. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis and a PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency at the University of North Carolina Medical Center.
Season 4 Episode 1- Personal Story and Cone Health Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Program with John Ingoglia
This week we sit down with John Ingoglia, PharmD, BCOP, CPP to discuss his personal story and the Cone Health Clinical Oncology Pharmacy Program. Dr. Ingoglia is the Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator for the oncology service line at Cone Health. He received his Clinical Pharmacist Practitioner license in April 2022 and currently runs the breast oncology pharmacy clinic in collaboration with the medical oncologists he supports. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy in Bradenton, FL in 2016 and completed both his PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency and PGY-2 Oncology Practice Residency at Moffitt Cancer Center. Dr. Ingoglia’s professional interests include medical oncology, malignant hematology, and infectious diseases. Personally, he enjoys spending time with his wife, three daughters, and two dogs.
Season 4 Episode 1- Drugs and the FDA with Dr. Mikkael Sekeres
This week we sit down with Dr. Mikkael Sekeres to discuss his latest book Drugs and the FDA. Dr. Sekeres is Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Hematology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and former Chair of the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA. A regular contributor to the Well section of the New York Times, he is the author of When Blood Breaks Down: Life Lessons from Leukemia (MIT Press). More information on Drugs and the FDA can be found at https://mitpress.mit.edu/9780262047319/drugs-and-the-fda/.
On today's bonus episode of the PQI Podcast NCODAs Manager of Patient Centered Initiatives and Legislative Affairs, Kevin Scorsone sits down with John Driscoll.
John F. Driscoll M.S. has decades of experience in healthcare strategic planning, physician network development, payor relations, pre-paid managed care systems, and value-based contracting. Mr. Driscoll has spent his career supporting physician specialty clinics, primary care practices, hospitals, and health systems in growth strategies, financial planning, diversification strategies, professional staff recruitment and contracting, and mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Driscoll is an expert in market assessment and program development. He has great skills in analyzing market conditions, identifying opportunities for growth, and crafting strategies to improve market share in competitive healthcare markets. His focus is to identify options for clinical alignment, expansion, diversification, integration, partnerships, joint ventures and affiliations that create strong and sustainable impacts for patients and healthcare professionals.
A former Washington State Representative, Mr. Driscoll served as Vice Chair of the House Healthcare and Wellness Committee, and sponsored key legislation including an appropriation to expand primary care medical residencies in Spokane, WA, elimination of pre-existing condition restrictions for organ transplants, and expanded protection for healthcare providers from unfair insurance company practices. He was named 2010 Washington State Medical Association Legislator of the Year and the 2010 Washington Ambulatory Surgery Center Association Legislator of the Year.
Season 3, Holiday Bonus, Part 2: Holiday Shopping with a Purpose
On this special holiday edition of The PQI Podcast we sit down with Kristen Ray and Elizabeth Heard from NCODA to discuss a list of great holiday gifting items that were founded cancer survivors, support cancer patients or cancer research. Kristen Ray is the Senior program manager for NCODA and manages all NCODA programs. She has a love for fashion and shopping while always looking to stay on top of trending styles and finding affordable options for not only herself but to share with her family, friends, and Instagram followers. Elizabeth Heard, PharmD graduated from Mercer University College of Pharmacy this past May and now serves as the Oncology | Advocacy | Health Policy and Equity Fellow at NCODA. As a fellow Elizabeth oversees NCODA’s Mentorship Program, Patient Satisfaction Survey and Professional Student Organization Committees in addition to many other responsibilities. Her favorite hobby is shopping for both herself and others. She loves helping women of all body types find affordable clothing that makes them feel confident & beautiful.
The items Kristen and Elizabeth review in this episode include:
- https://susansnaps.com
- https://honeydrop.com/
- https://www.beautydespitecancer.com
- https://violetsareblueskincare.com/collections/all-products
- https://littlewordsproject.com/pages/big-impact
- https://curediva.com/collections/all
- https://www.glassybaby.com
- https://www.survivoreyes.com/about-survivoreyes-browstyle-kits/
- https://thrivecausemetics.com
- https://coilstolocs.com
Season 3 Holiday Bonus- Cancer Survivor Story and Saint Virginia Textiles, Amy Hindman
On this special holiday edition of The PQI Podcast we sit down with Amy Hindman to discuss her personal cancer survivor story and current journey. Amy Hindman is the founder and designer behind Saint Virginia, a collection of artisan textiles using organic fabrics and botanical dyes. Saint Virginia’s hand-dyed scarves and home textiles have been featured in Southern Living,Garden & Gun, and Virginia Livingmagazines. She combines ancient natural dye practices with a fresh, modern aesthetic, often using locally sourced flora to make eco-friendly textiles that are as beautiful as they are sustainable. Are you looking for a perfect gift? You can find her beautiful products on Instagram @saintvirginiatextiles or on www.saintvirginia.com.
On today’s episode of this special edition of the PQI Podcast Kevin Scorsone, NCODA Manager of Patient Centered Initiatives hosts a conversation focused on legislation impacting the world of Oncology. Joining the show today is Jerrica Mathis, Head of Federal Government Relations at Cardinal Health and Abby Barnes, Senior Manager of Federal Relations at Cardinal Health.
Jerrica and Abby discuss whether or not there should be hope for future legislation to impact patients, patients being their own advocates, the recent mid-term elections, looking forward to the 2024 election, the importance of NCODAs Legislative efforts and current legislation that is impacting oncology.
Season 3 Episode 15- Myeloproliferative Neoplasms, Pankit Vachhani, MD
On the Season 3 finale we sit down with Dr. Pankit Vachhani to discuss myeloproliferative neoplasms and specifically myelofibrosis.Dr. Vachhani is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and Associate Scientist of Experimental Therapeutics.
A graduate of Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar in 2012, Dr. Vachhani went on to complete his internal medicine residency at Virginia Commonwealth University, followed by a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, NY.
At UAB, he is involved in various clinical trials as a principal investigator. He leads the Leukemia/BMT working group and serves as the Medical Director of the Clinical Research Unit (CRU). His primary research interest is in hematological malignancies, particularly myeloproliferative neoplasms and AML, where he focuses on experimental therapeutics. He also serves as a panelist helping create the AML and MPN Treatment Guidelines for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Season 3 Episode 14- The Venetoclax PQI and AML Updates, Alison Carulli, PharmD, BCOP
This week we sit down with Alison Carulli, PharmD, BCOP to discuss her role as an oncology pharmacist, the venetoclax in AML PQI and AML Updates from ASH. Alison completed her PGY2 oncology residency at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. She is currently practicing as an oncology clinical pharmacy specialist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania where she specializes in caring for patients with leukemia, undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant and CAR-T cell therapy.
Access the Venetoclax for the Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia PQI here.
This episode is brought to you by Genentech.
Season 3 Bonus Episode- The Elevated Role of the Oncology Pharmacy Technician, Amanda Skeen, CPhT
This week we sit down with Amanda Skeen, CPhT to discuss her role as an oncology pharmacy technician, drug purchasing, and robotics. Amanda has worked as a certified pharmacy technician since 2009 and is currently the Oncology Purchasing Agent for the Cancer Center service line at Cone Health. She manages a multi-million-dollar pharmaceutical inventory, as well as leads their compliance initiatives and hazardous drug compounding robotics program. For more information on the Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association please email Taryn.Newsome@ncoda.org.
Season 3, Episode 13: Oral Oncolytic Nurse Navigator - April Hallatt, BSN, RN, OCN
This week we sit down with April Hallatt, BSN, RN, OCN to discuss her role as Oral Oncolytic Nurse Navigator, the importance of the multidisciplinary team, and how she uses NCODA resources. April is the Oral Oncolytic Nurse Navigator at Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Cancer Center in Muncie, Indiana and is nationally certified in oncology. Along with a multidisciplinary team, she developed a nurse navigation program that patient-centered and focuses on appropriate monitoring and support for all patients while on an oral oncolytic. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Ball State University, Muncie and has over 18 years of nursing experience.
If you would like more information on joining NCODA's nursing committee, please email Natasha.Olson@ncoda.org.
This week we sit down with Shana O. Ntiri, MD, MPH, FAAFP to discuss her role within these organizations and health disparities in cancer screening and specifically breast cancer patients.
Dr. Ntiri is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She serves as the Medical Director for the Baltimore City Cancer Program and the Senior Medical Advisor for Community Outreach and Engagement at the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. She divides her time between direct patient care, teaching, community-based cancer control efforts and research. Her research interests include health disparities—particularly in relation to cancer screening—and the impact of community and primary care-based cancer screening initiatives upon health outcomes for urban, under resourced patient populations. Dr. Ntiri is the current president of the Maryland Academy Family Physicians and serves as a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians Commission on Diversity, Equity and Inclusiveness in Family Medicine.
Season 3 Episode 11 Sal Bottiglieri
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Salvatore Bottiglieri, PharmD, BCOP to discuss the Moffitt Clinical Pharmacy Program.
Sal received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Albany College of Pharmacy in 2008. He completed his pharmacy residency at The Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro, North Carolina and a Hematology/Oncology residency with The University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky. He currently serves as the Clinical Pharmacy Coordinator in Medical Oncology services at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida. Sal practices in multiple solid tumor clinics including the gastrointestinal, head & neck, and endocrine clinic. Some of his interests include clinical pharmacy patient education and virtual health experiences, oral chemotherapy management, and clinical pharmacy administration.
Season 3 Episode 10- Wayne Woodbury- Community Oncology and Community Service
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Wayne Woodbury, BSPharm, R.Ph Mr. Woodbury is the Pharmacy Director at Southern Oncology Specialists, a Medical Oncology/Hematology practice with five locations in the Greater Charlotte, North Carolina area. He has overseen the growth of the practice’s medically integrated pharmacy by broadening new to market product offerings, expanding payer relations, and improving medication therapy management and patient outcomes by adhering to accreditation performance standards. A graduate of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, MA, he has over 20 years of service in the fields of community, retail, long-term care, oncology/hematology and specialty pharmacy. He is a certified immunizer with experience in pharmacy management, legal and regulatory adherence, drug compounding, medication therapy management, and patient care. He currently sits on the Advisory Board for WeINSPIRE (www.weinspiremovement.org ), a multimedia platform that connects people doing good, generates inspirational stories, and ignites positive action. Through Ambassadors, internships, and stories WeINSPIRE seeks to ignite positivity and joy.
Mr. Woodbury is also the Founder & Principal Clothier at Woodbury Collection, a clothing brand that focuses on concierge image curation. Woodbury Collection was founded in 2009 on the premise that every individual is the sum of their unique composition and experiences. The mission is to help individuals discover their personal style by pinpointing and accentuating that individuality. Today we discuss his path into oncology, the importance of community service and challenges he faces in Community Oncology.
Season 3 Episode 9- Dr. Ivo Abraham- Trilaciclib and the economic value of multilineage myeloprotection and other work
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN. Dr. Abraham is a professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at the University of Arizona. For the past decade Dr. Abraham’s research has focused mainly on clinical outcomes and effectiveness research, in particular how variability in (drug-centric) treatment regimens is associated with variability in patient outcomes. He has (co-)authored more than 260+ articles and more than 60+ chapters, and has (co-)edited 29 books, monographs, and journal issues.
Today we discuss his article on Trilaciclib and the economic value of multilineage myeloprotection, his personal story, and his other work in oncology.
You can access the article discussed in the podcast here.
You can access the Trilaciclib PQI here.
Season 3 Episode 8- Porscha Johnson - Pharmacogenomics
On this week’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Porscha Johnson, PharmD, CPGx to discuss the role of the genomics pharmacist and the importance of pharmacogenomics today. We also discuss disparities in clinical trials and genetic testing and how Dr. Johnson champions health equity and innovative patient care.
Dr. Johnson is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Howard University College of Pharmacy in Washington, DC. She furthered her training through the completion of a two-year post-doctoral clinical pharmacy fellowship in Hematology/Oncology and Critical Care at Howard University Hospital. Currently, she practices as a Medical Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist in Atlanta where she specializes in caring for medical oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant patient populations. She oversees and contributes to many hospital-wide and department initiatives and the development and delivery of educational material and presentations to all disciplines according to cutting-edge research within the field. Dr. Johnson also serves as an independent consultant for pharmacogenomics and the Lead Clinical Oncology Pharmacist for her cancer institute’s Cancer Genomics Team to ensure the exceptional care for all patients through implementation of precision medicine.
Season 3 Episode 7- Dr. Arjun Gupta- Time Toxicity
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Arjun Gupta, MD. Dr. Gupta is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. He is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist, a symptom management enthusiast, and a health services researcher. His research specifically examines cancer care access and delivery, the costs of cancer care, and the hidden burdens imposed on and faced by people with cancer and their caregivers while receiving this care.
Today we discuss time toxicity of cancer treatment and his related article in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. The article can be found here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/pdf/10.1200/JCO.21.02810.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Cathy Marinak, APRN, AOCNP. Cathy is a Cancer Genetics Counselor with Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute. Cathy holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University and earned her master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. Additionally, Cathy has received advanced training in genetics counseling, and is Board Certified in Oncology. In her current role, Cathy uses her over 30 years of experience, to guide patients through the genetic screening and testing process, and provides support and referrals based on testing results.
Today we discuss the role and importance of a genetics counselor, pathways to becoming a genetics counselor, and Florida Cancer’s genetics counseling program.
More information on Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute can be found here: https://flcancer.com/.
Season 3 Episode 5- Dr. Dawn Mussallem- Personal Survivor Story and Integrative Medicine in Breast Cancer
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Dawn Mussallem, DO, DipABLM. Dr. Mussallem is a consultant in the Department of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine. She is a diagnostic breast specialist at The Robert and Monica Jacoby Center for Breast Health and serves as Medical Director for Mayo Clinic Florida Lyndra P. Daniel Center for Humanities in Medicine. Dr. Mussallem is double-board certified, including a board certification in Lifestyle Medicine.
She has over 25 years of patient-centered clinical wellness experience with national recognition in the field of breast medicine, lifestyle medicine, integrative oncology, cancer prevention, and cancer survivorship, and a unique personal experience as a stage IV cancer patient diagnosed 3 months into medical school, as well as a heart transplant recipient. She shares that her journey as a patient cultivated her boundless energy and deep purpose to help guide patients toward renewed vitality.
In 2015, she founded the Integrative Medicine and Breast Health Program at Mayo Clinic Florida, a patient-centered program that works with breast cancer patients during and after a breast cancer diagnosis, introducing them early on to the importance of lifestyle optimization and evidence-based mind-body practices alongside conventional cancer treatments with a goal to reframe the cancer diagnosis as a “teacher of life,” leading patients to discover renewed vitality through healthier living.
Today we discuss Dr. Mussallem’s personal story, lifestyle medicine, and integrative medicine in breast cancer.
If you are not yet an organ donor – please register. You can register on your iPhone Health app or go to www.registerme.org.
Season 3 Episode 4- Thanatology
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Robert S. Mancini, PharmD, BCOP. He is currently serving as the BMT Pharmacy Program Coordinator and PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency Director at St. Luke’s Cancer Institute in Boise, ID. Dr. Mancini also serves as clinical oncology faculty at Idaho State University College of Pharmacy where he coordinates the oncology module and has started a Special Topics in Oncology elective course.
He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of California, San Diego and went on to complete a PGY1 residency at St. Luke’s Health System and PGY2 at St. Luke’s Cancer Institute. Dr. Mancini was instrumental in the establishment and development of St. Luke’s Oral Chemotherapy Program, Supportive Care Clinics and Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplant Program with numerous publications and presentations within these areas of practice.
Today we discuss thanatology, the science of death and dying, and how it impacts our oncology teams. The recommended subject matter books that Dr. Mancini mentions on the podcast can be found here.
Season 3 Episode 3- NCCN Pharmacist Role
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Evelyn Handel, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP is an oncology pharmacist based in the Philadelphia, PA area and currently serves as the Director of Drugs & Biologics Programs at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Prior to joining NCCN, Evelyn was an Oncology Clinical Specialist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center and also previously at the University of Virginia.
Evelyn earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Ohio Northern University. She completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Oregon Health & Science University followed by a PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. She is currently serving as the vice-chair of the HOPA Patient Education Committee and has just recently started her two-year term as President of the ISOPP Secretariat.
Today we discuss her role with NCCN and the NCCN from a pharmacy perspective.
Season 3 Episode 2- Pharmacy Students and Oncology
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Derek Gyori, PharmD, BCOP and Julianne Darling, PharmD, BCOP to lead a discussion with a group of NCODA pharmacy students. Derek is an Associate Lecturer at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Ambulatory Hematology and Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. Julianne previously worked as an outpatient oncology clinical pharmacist at Indiana University Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Currently, she serves as the Manager of Education for NCODA where she leads the patient education initiatives and helps develop quality continuing education for NCODA membership. Derek and Julianne are joined by
Audrey Simon, P4 Student University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Carter Friedt, P4 Student University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shaina Shah, P4 Student University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Elizabeth Engel, P4 Student University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Allison Burdick, PGY-1 Pharmacy Resident University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, University of Findlay College of Pharmacy Graduate 2022.
Today we discuss oncology career paths for pharmacy students including residency and fellowship preparation. We also discuss mentorship and our students' involvement with NCODA’s Professional Student Organization (PSO).
Season 3 Episode 1- Survivorship
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Jennifer Klemp, PhD, MPH. Dr. Klemp is a Professor of Medicine, in the Division of Medical Oncology, the Director of Cancer Survivorship, and the Co-Program Leader for Cancer Prevention and Control at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Her clinical-research practice focuses on cancer genetics and cancer survivorship.
Dr. Klemp serves on several national boards, is a subject matter expert in cancer genetics and survivorship, has peer reviewed funding including an NCI R01, and has presented nationally focusing on cancer genetics, shared decision-making regarding options to manage cancer risk and survivorship issues, and the development and implementation of cancer genetics, survivorship, and navigation programming. In addition to her roles at the University of Kansas Medical Center she has recently taken on a new national position at Caris Life Sciences as the Vice President of Global Biopharma Business Development Lead, Biopharma Trials and Networks
Today we discuss cancer survivorship. You can find information that Dr. Klemp discusses in the podcast here and on the KANSURVIVE website.
On this week’s bonus episode of the NCODA Legislative Interview Series, Kevin sits down with Barbara McAneny, MD with New Mexico Cancer Center. Dr. McAneny is a member of the NCODA Legislative & Policy Advisory Committee and the Immediate Past President of the American Medical Association. She is a trusted and respected voice in the legislative community, a dedicated advocate for patients and a continued supporter of NCODA.
Kevin had that opportunity to discuss with Dr. McAneny about how physicians and pharmacists can advocate for their patients, reforming the PBM system, and understanding how legislation impacts the everyday lives of patients and caregivers.
On today's bonus episode of the PQI Podcast, the Legislative Interview Series, Kevin sits down with Allison Rollins. Allison is the Senior Government Relations Manager at The U.S. Oncology Network. Kevin and Allison discuss the world of oncology and how legislation can positively impact the experience of patients around the country. They dive into how the PBM system can be reformed and where Allison's passion for legislative relations came from.
NCODAs Legislative & Policy Liaison, Kevin Scorsone sits down with Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA from Texas Oncology and member of NCODAs Legislative & Policy Advisory Committee. As an expert in healthcare policy, Dr. Patt has testified before Congress to protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. She chairs the Council on Legislation for the Texas Medical Association and works to formulate responsible healthcare policy that improves the health of Texans. She serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics, and drives engagement in clinical informatics solutions to enhance healthcare. Her research is in clinical decision support, predictive analytics, telemedicine, HEOR, tools for patient symptom management and quality improvement.
NCODA is proud to announce our first episode in a series of legislative discussions with thought leaders in the legislative and advocacy space. On this episode, Kevin Scorsone, NCODA Legislative & Policy Liaison interviews Stephen Schleicher, MD and the Chief Medical Officer from Tennessee Oncology and a member of the NCODA Legislative & Policy Advisory Committee.
Stephen Schleicher, MD, MBA, was appointed Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Tennessee Oncology, one of the largest providers of oncology care, in January 2022. In that role, Dr. Schleicher oversees clinical programs to promote the high-quality, innovative and patient-centered care Tennessee Oncology is known for delivering throughout Tennessee and North Georgia. Dr. Schleicher, who joined Tennessee Oncology four years ago, has already served as Medical Director of Value-Based Care across both Tennessee Oncology and OneOncology, a national platform for independent community oncology practices that now includes over 700 oncology providers across the US. Dr. Schleicher received his medical training from Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) in New York before returning to his hometown of Nashville to join Tennessee Oncology. Dr. Schleicher also spent time as a consultant at McKinsey and Company before completing oncology fellowship training at MSK where he focused on understanding the intersection of Accountable Care Organizations and Cancer Care. In addition to his role as CMO for Tennessee Oncology, Dr. Schleicher serves as President of the Tennessee Oncology Practice Society.
Season 2 Episode 20- Treating Radiation Side Effects with the Medically Integrated Team
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Jessica Bahari, MD, DABR, Kaetlyn Parker, PharmD, and Tiffany Lommel MS, RDN, LDN from Cancer Specialists of North Florida (CSNF) in Jacksonville, Florida. Dr. Jessica Bahari-Kashani is board certified in radiation oncology. Dr. Bahari’s special interests include breast cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal malignancies.
Kaetyn Parker is a licensed pharmacist with the Florida Specialty Pharmacy at CSNF. Many members of her family have received a cancer diagnosis in their lives, so she understands the anger and confusion that can sometimes come along with it. Tiffany is a registered dietician at CSNF. She loves interacting with patients and learning from them, while trying to make a difference during an uncertain time in their life. She feels that we should all try and have a healthy relationship with food.
Today we discuss potential radiation side effects and how the Medically Integrated Team can work together to prevent and manage these effects.
Season 2, Episode 19 - Oncology Pharmacy Technicians
On this week's episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Vonda McClendon, CPhT and Rebecca Garland, RPhT to discuss their paths to becoming oncology pharmacy technicians, the aspects of their roles they most enjoy, how pharmacy technicians can make a difference in patient adherence, and the value in NCODA’s Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA).
Vonda leads the STAR Compliance Retail Services team at Texas Oncology. Rebecca is the Pharmacy Adherence Manager at Florida Cancer Specialists & Reserach Institute - Rx To Go Pharmacy. Vonda and Rebecca are also active members of OPTA.
Season 2, Episode 19 is now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at the link below. For more information on OPTA contact Taryn.Newsome@ncoda.org.
Season 2 Episode 18- Proactive Symptom Management in Myelofibrosis
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Kristyn DiSogra, PharmD, BCOP and Justin Arnall, PharmD, BCOP. Dr. DiSogra and Dr. Arnall worked on a myelofibrosis quality improvement project while clinical pharmacists with the Atrium Health Specialty Pharmacy Service in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Dr. DiSogra completed her PGY1 residency at Mayo Clinic Hospital and her PGY2 oncology residency at the University of Washington after graduating from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. She joined the CMC team in January 2019 after two years with the University of Washington Medical Center/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance as an inpatient Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and inpatient Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist. Her professional interests include hematology, oncology, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, international health, and antimicrobial stewardship in cancer patients. She is currently taking time away from pharmacy and fulfilling the most important role of mother.
Dr. Arnall completed his PGY1 and PGY2 oncology residency training at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center after graduating from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. Since completing his residency, he has practiced in malignant hematology and bone marrow transplant in both inpatient and outpatient roles. In his current role he works with both non-malignant and malignant hematologic conditions and coordinates the bleeding disorders and non-malignant hematology service line for the specialty pharmacy and rounds daily with the hematology consult team at the primary referral site for the Charlotte Metro health system.
Today we discuss myelofibrosis, Atrium Health’s myelofibrosis quality improvement project, the Proactive Symptom Management in Myelofibrosis PQI, and how other clinics can implement this telehealth-based project.
Season 2 Episode 17- Dr. Annemie Galimont- Oncodermatology
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Dr. Annime Galimont. Dr. Galimont is a dermatologist in the Netherlands and participates in Dutch and international expert groups to create information material and guidelines for safe care. She is Secretary of the Dutch Association of Dermatology and works with the multinational association of supportive care in cancer on various initiatives. Today we discuss oncodermatology and supportive care for skin and nail related side effects of cancer treatment.
More information on MASCC can be found here: https://www.mascc.org
Season 2 Episode 16- Linda Carlson, PhD- Integrative Oncology and Mindfulness
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Linda Carlson, PhD. Dr. Carlson holds the Enbridge Research Chair in Psychosocial Oncology, is Full Professor in Psychosocial Oncology in the Department of Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychology. She also has worked as a Clinical Psychologist at the Department of Psychosocial Resources at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC) since 1997. Dr. Carlson's research in Psychosocial Oncology, Integrative Oncology and Mindfulness-Based Cancer Recovery has been published in many high-impact journals. She is the current president of the Society for Integrative Oncology.
Today we discuss the basics of Integrative Oncology and the Society for Integrative Oncology. We also discuss Dr. Carlson’s work in mindfulness and cancer patients and how chronic stress affects the body, including tips for our healthcare providers.
On this week’s episode of the PQI Podcast we welcome Dr. Debra Patt, Oncologist with Texas Oncology, Dr. Barry Brooks, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center, and Kevin Scorsone, Legislative & Policy Liaison with NCODA, to discuss the disparities in the oncology space and how legislation can make a major impact moving forward. We also had the opportunity to talk about the new NCODA Oncology State Legislation Tracking Tool.
Dr. Patt is an expert in healthcare policy, she has testified before Congress to protect access to care for Medicare beneficiaries. She chairs the Council on Legislation for the Texas Medical Association and works to formulate responsible healthcare policy that improves the health of Texans. She serves as the Editor in Chief of the Journal of Clinical Oncology Clinical Cancer Informatics, and drives engagement in clinical informatics solutions to enhance healthcare. Her research is in clinical decision support, predictive analytics, telemedicine, HEOR, tools for patient symptom management and quality improvement.
Dr. Brooks Barry D. Brooks, M.D., is the author of several publications and abstracts. Dr. Brooks is also Vice-Chairman of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and serves as Chairman of the Contracting Subcommittee for The US Oncology Network. He has been essential in the growth of legislative efforts in the world of oncology and serves on the NCODA Legislative and Policy Advisory Committee.
Kevin Scorsone is NCODAs Legislative and Policy Liaison and oversees the efforts of the NCODA Legislative and Policy Advisory Committee. He previously was a Legislative Communications Coordinator for the New York State Assembly and the Manager of Political Engagement for the North Carolina Nurses Association. In addition to his Legislative efforts, Kevin previously ran and worked on various political campaigns on the local, state and federal levels.
Season 2 Episode 13- Andrew Ruplin, PharmD
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Andrew Ruplin, PharmD. Andrew is an outpatient clinical oncology pharmacist at the University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA). He obtained his PharmD from Drake University in Iowa before completing his PGY1 residency at the University of Chicago Medicine, and then went on to complete his PGY2 residency in oncology with the University of Washington Medical Center and Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. His disease specialties include gynecologic, neurologic, kidney, melanoma and non-melanoma skin, genitourinary, and breast cancers. I addition to his clinics, he is heavily involved with precepting clinical experiences, writing, and research projects in the residency program and serves as a student coordinator for general oncology advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs). Outside of work, he enjoys the fantastic hiking and outdoor opportunities in Washington, movies, games, and exploring the food of Seattle. He can be found every weekend at the local dog parks with his Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Winnie.
Today we discuss his path to become an oncology pharmacist, his clinic and team processes, current challenges his clinic is facing, updates in GU oncology, and the process of authoring a PQI. The study Andrew references on the podcast can be found here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558767321001956.
Season 2 Episode 13- Josh Raub, PharmD, BCPS- Personal Cancer Story and Pharmacist Journey
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Joshua N. Raub, PharmD, BCPS.
Josh earned his PharmD degree from Wayne State University’s (WSU) Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Currently, he practices as a Medical Science Liaison for Seagen and is an Associate Editor for the American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy (AJHP). As a cancer survivor and author, he is proud to share his journey and fulfill the role of patient advocate.
Today we discuss his personal cancer story, pharmacist journey, and tips for current pharmacy students in finding their career paths. We also discuss his book Through the Eyes of Cancer: A reflective journey of living with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. His book is available for purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B096TQ6CK2/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tpbk_p1_i0.
Season 2 Episode 12- Dr. Ethan Basch- Digital Solutions in Monitoring Patient Reported Outcomes
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Ethan Basch, MD, MSc. Dr. Basch is an oncologist and outcomes researcher at the University of North Carolina, where he is Chief of Oncology and Physician-in-Chief of the North Carolina Cancer Hospital. He has led a research program for many years focused on bringing the patient voice into cancer drug development and into daily oncology practice. He is a member of the Board of Directors of ASCO, an editor for JAMA, and has served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute. Today we discuss his research in patient-reported outcomes tools.
Season 2, Episode 11: Updates In Pain Management - Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Mark Garofoli, PharmD, MBA, BCGP, CPE. Dr. Garofoli is Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of Experiential Learning for the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, along with being a Clinical Pain Management Pharmacist at the WVU Medicine Center for Integrative Pain Management, and teaching pharmacology within the WVU School of Medicine Chronic Pain Fellowship Program.
Dr. Garofoli has been a consultant in the field of pain management on many different avenues such as being a grant reviewer for the CDC, an expert witness in multiple criminal and civil court cases, and numerous interviews and articles locally and nationally, He is a certified pain educator and the host of Pain Pod on the Pharmacy Podcast Network.
Today we discuss updates in the opioid epidemic, peripheral neuropathy, cannabinoids and legal updates. You can listen to Pain Pod here: https://pharmacypodcast.com/podcast/pain-pod/.
Season 2 Episode 10- Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, MSEd, FACP and Tamunosa Abbey, PharmD, MBA, BCPS from Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Dr. Bonilla is the National Gastrointestinal Program Director and Medical Director of Clinical Research for CTCA. He earned a medical degree from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia in Bogotá, Colombia. Following medical school, he completed an internship and residency in internal medicine at Harbor Hospital Center, Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Loaiza-Bonilla also completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology from the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine in Miami, Florida.
Tamunosa is a pharmacist with over 8 years of experience dedicated to interdisciplinary collaboration at CTCA in Atlanta, GA. During her tenure as a clinical oncology pharmacist, Dr. Abbey was instrumental in the establishment of a clinic-based pharmacy presence. In her current role as the Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor, she oversees the pharmacy operations that serve the center’s outpatient clinics, infusion center, surgery department, and inpatient units to bring outstanding quality cancer care to the patients of CTCA.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness month. Today we discuss the importance of a multidisciplinary team along with updates in colorectal cancer.
You can find NCODA’s Colon Cancer Screening Tool here: https://higherlogicdownload.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/NCODA/24f717f3-286a-6025-1dd7-9587839f7526_file.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAVRDO7IEREB57R7MT&Expires=1647291082&Signature=tfwOjO7tCyBCIG7BpnjGKh45iFU%3D
A legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze's teachings and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries.
Mr. Schulze's professional life began more than 65 years ago as a server's assistant in a German resort town. Throughout the years he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1983. There Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world famous.
During his tenure at The Ritz-Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO, responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. It was under his leadership that The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice.
After leaving The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Mr. Schulze went on to found The Capella Hotel Group. This luxury hotel company managed some of the most elite properties worldwide, and gave Mr. Schulze the opportunity to further define the luxury hotel industry, receiving countless awards and recognitions.
Today, Mr. Schulze serves as Expert in Residence at Arch + Tower, a boutique, organizational strategy consulting firm. He also recently completed his first book, titled “Excellence Wins.”
Today we discuss customer service, the need for “care” in healthcare, leadership, vision, his book “Excellence Wins”, and Mr. Schulze’s personal cancer story. Mr. Schulze will be a keynote speaker at NCODA’s 2022 International Spring Forum. You can find his book here: https://www.amazon.com/Excellence-Wins-No-Nonsense-Becoming-Compromise/dp/0310352096.
Elizabeth Salerno, PhD, MPH is a biobehavioral scientist with training in kinesiology and epidemiology. She is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences and Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine.
Her research focuses on the determinants and outcomes of physical activity behavior at the intersection of cancer and aging. Specifically, Dr. Salerno is interested in how physical activity and other lifestyle behaviors can be implemented into the standard of care to combat accelerated aging and improve cognitive, physical, and psychosocial health during survivorship. A large focus of her work is building community-based, scalable physical activity interventions to bring health benefits to all cancer patients.
Today we discuss her recent study on the relationship between cognition and physical activity in breast cancer patients that was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, as well as other projects related to physical activity and cancer patients.
The ACSM exercise directory discussed in the podcast can be found here: https://www.exerciseismedicine.org/eim-in-action/moving-through-cancer/exercise-program-registry/.
Season 2 Episode 7- Charita Marthone, PharmD, BCOP
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Charita Marthone, PharmD, BCOP. Charita is a Clinical Oncology Specialist at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC.
Today we discuss her role as a Clinical Oncology Specialist and the development of Sibley Memorial Hospital’s clinical pharmacy program, telehealth and financial toxicity of oral chemotherapy treatment.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Deb Lawry, RN, OCN. Deb is a registered nurse, nationally certified in Oncology. She has over 33 years of oncology experience. Deb graduated from the University of California, San Diego, with a bachelor’s degree in biology & psychology. She obtained her nursing degree in her hometown of Ventura, CA through Ventura Community College. Deb initially worked in oncology, at the bedside, at St John’s Regional Medical Center in Oxnard, CA. She then spent several years as the nursing supervisor for Ventura County Hematology Oncology Specialists – a private medical oncology practice. From there she worked as an Oncology Clinical Nurse Educator with the biotech company AMGEN. Deb came to the Community Memorial Health Systems Cancer Center, Ventura, as the Oncology Patient Nurse Navigator in February of 2016.
Today we discuss the oncology nurse navigator role and the importance of this service for patients.
Season 2 Episode 4- Dr. Nigel Brockton- Cancer Prevention
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Nigel Brockton, PhD. Dr. Brockton is the Vice President of Research at American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR). Dr. Brockton earned his PhD in the genetic epidemiology of colorectal cancer from the University of Aberdeen followed by post-doctoral studies at the University of Dundee.
As the Vice President of Research for AICR, he oversees all research-related aspects of the organization including the Research Grant Program, the AICR Research Conference and the research that supports AICR’s policy objectives and AICR printed and digital materials. He also contributes to the WCRF/AICR Continuous Update Project (CUP), that reviews, analyses and summarizes the global literature regarding diet, physical activity, obesity and cancer.
He maintains an appointment (adjunct Associate Professor) at the University of Calgary, Department of Community Health Sciences, and continues to conduct collaborative research using the rich data and biospecimen resources within the prospective longitudinal studies that he established in Alberta. These studies examine the patterns of adherence to lifestyle recommendations among cancer patients, the impact of modifiable lifestyle factors on cancer metastasis and survival and provide data and biospecimens for external collaborative projects.
February is National Cancer Prevention Month. Today we discuss Dr. Brockton’s personal cancer story, the American Institute for Cancer Research, current recommendations from AICR on how to prevent cancer, the Healthy 10 Challenge and New American Plate. You can find information on all of AICR’s programs including the Healthy 10 Challenge at https://www.aicr.org.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Phil Stover, JD, MBA. Phil is the Chief Executive Officer of Mission Cancer + Blood in Des Moines, Iowa. He is an accomplished businessman and attorney with over 15 years of experience in management, business process improvement, negotiations and contracting. Phil graduated from Drake University Law School with a Juris Doctorate Degree with Honors and from University of Iowa Tippie School of Business with a Master of Business Administration Degree with Distinction. Phil is a cancer survivor himself and is humbled by the opportunity to work for this amazing group as CEO and to be able to serve the physicians and staff that are dedicated to treating those suffering from cancer.
Today we discuss his role with Mission Cancer + Blood and the great work the practice is doing. We also discuss Phil’s personal story as a cancer patient and survivor. We talk about the information found in his recent blog post “Living with Anxiety after Surviving Cancer: 4 Keys to a Happier Life.” His original post can be found here: https://www.missioncancer.com/living-with-anxiety-after-surviving-cancer-4-keys-to-a-happier-life-by-phil-stover-ceo-of-mission-cancer-blood/
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Kevin Kalinsky, MD, MS from Emory Winship Cancer Institute. Dr. Kalinsky is an Associate Professor in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Emory University School of Medicine. He serves as the director of the Glenn Family Breast Center at Winship where he is tasked with fulfilling the vision to improve breast cancer outcomes by aligning research and education with cancer treatment and prevention. A breast cancer physician and investigator, Dr. Kalinsky's research focus is in developing new therapeutic approaches to patients with breast cancer.
Today we discuss recent updates to the RxPONDER trial and other important updates from the recent San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Krystal Preston, PharmD, BCPS and Randall Knoebel, PharmD, BCOP.
Dr. Krystal Preston earned her Doctor of Pharmacy from Chicago State University and is Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy. She recently began a new career journey working as a Clinical Specialty Pharmacist-Oncology with Amita Health St. Joseph Hospital Chicago. She also works part time as a Clinical Pharmacist at the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital. She has made it her life mission to end disparities in healthcare.
Dr. Randall Knoebel obtained his Doctor of Pharmacy from Midwestern University, Chicago College of Pharmacy. He worked as a clinical pharmacy specialist in Leukemia for several years before moving into pharmacy leadership positions, now working as Pharmacy Director of Health Analytics and Drug Policy. He also serves as the PGY1 pharmacy residency program director; and as the pharmacy director of Pain Stewardship at the University of Chicago a committee charged to lead efforts institutionally to improve the quality and safety of pain care.
Today we discuss disparities in chronic pain management and Krystal’s personal story in dealing with Sickle Cell disease. Randy’s recent article can be found here: https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/heq.2020.0062
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Nadim Ajami, Ph.D.. Nadim serves as the Executive Director of Scientific Research for the Program for Innovative Microbiome and Translational Research (PRIME-TR) at The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center. Nadim earned his PhD from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas and his career goals are centered on addressing unmet clinical needs with translational research. He has worked closely with clinicians in various settings to identify opportunities to study microbe-host interactions in the context of health and disease.
Today we discuss the Prime-TR program and microbiome as it relates to cancer and anti-cancer therapies. More information on the Prime-TR program can be found here:
https://www.mdanderson.org/research/departments-labs-institutes/programs-centers/prime-tr.html
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Susan and Laura, owners of Susansnaps, the only gourmet gingersnap company.
Susansnaps are a labor of love that were developed after Laura watched her husband and her daughter Susan undergo chemo within the same year. Ginger is a natural stomach soother and cookies always have a way to bring smiles.
Laura named the cookies “Susansnaps” in memory of her sister, Sue (who died from Hodgkin’s) and in honor of her daughter (who beat Hodgkin’s at 22). Susan and Laura bake the most delicious gourmet gingersnaps in five fabulous flavors, ship nationwide, have a charming retail shop and bakery in Atlanta, and give back through our foundation for cancer patient gifts.
Today we hear their story and more about their book The Cookie Cure. You can find their delicious Susansnaps and The Cookie Cure on their website at https://susansnaps.com.
Episode 20- Season 1 Finale- Susansnaps
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Susan and Laura, owners of Susansnaps, the only gourmet gingersnap company.
Susansnaps are a labor of love that were developed after Laura watched her husband and her daughter Susan undergo chemo within the same year. Ginger is a natural stomach soother and cookies always have a way to bring smiles.
Laura named the cookies “Susansnaps” in memory of her sister, Sue (who died from Hodgkin’s) and in honor of her daughter (who beat Hodgkin’s at 22). Susan and Laura bake the most delicious gourmet gingersnaps in five fabulous flavors, ship nationwide, have a charming retail shop and bakery in Atlanta, and give back through our foundation for cancer patient gifts.
Today we hear their story and more about their book The Cookie Cure. You can find their delicious Susansnaps and The Cookie Cure on their website at https://susansnaps.com.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Derek Gyori, PharmD. Derek earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy and completed his PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Residency at Mercy Health St. Vincent Medical Center in Toledo, Ohio. He completed his PGY2 Hematology and Oncology Pharmacy Residency at the Indianapolis VA Medical Center. Currently, he is an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Ambulatory Hematology and Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center. His practice interests include ambulatory hematology and oncology, oral chemotherapy, supportive care, academia, and medication safety. Derek is involved and holds board positions in multiple pharmacy organizations. He has served as adjunct faculty at the University of Findlay College of Pharmacy and Purdue University College of Pharmacy.
Today we discuss Derek’s journey to become an oncology pharmacist, his family’s personal experience with cancer, and tips for pharmacy students who are interested in pursuing a career in oncology.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Dallas Lawry, DNP, FNP-C, OCN and Ken Lynch, JD, CG-C.
Dallas has been an oncology nurse at UCLA Medical Center since 2014. She recently graduated with her Doctor of Nursing Practice and is now an oncology nurse practitioner at UC San Diego. Her interests include chemotherapy desensitization, palliative care, and global health. She traveled to India every year prior to COVID-19, leading groups of nurses to volunteer with the Tibetan Buddhist refugee population. She is a member of the NCODA Executive Council.
Ken is an ordained Chaplain through the International Fellowship of Chaplains. He is a Certified Grief Counselor and a graduate of the Catholic Bible Institute, offered through the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles. For the last eight years he has facilitated a Grief Group through Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ventura, California. He is also a partner in the Law Offices of Krafchak & Lynch.
Today we discuss issues related to palliative care, hospice, and grief.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Carmine Gallo. Carmine is a Harvard instructor, bestselling author and communication coach who works with CEOs and executives at the world’s most admired brands. Carmine has written ten books on the subject of leadership and communication including: The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs, Talk Like TED, and Five Stars. You can visit him online or sign up for his newsletter at Carminegallo.com
Today we discuss public speaking, storytelling and communication.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Dana Ingoglia RD, CSO, LDN , Natasha Khrystolubova RPh, BCOP, and Beth Wittmer RN, BSN, OCN, from Florida Cancer Specialists. Today we discuss symptom management and collaboration within the medically integrated team.
You can find the website referenced in today’s episode here:
https://flcancer.com/oncology-nutrition/
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome David Hughes, PharmD, BCOP. David is the Clinical Pharmacy Manager and Residency Program Director at Boston Medical Center. He also oversees the pharmacy’s oral adherence program which encompasses over 300 patients. He has championed successful quality improvement projects in the clinic and is known for his dedication, hard work and ingenuity when dealing with patients and providers.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Dr. Kashyap Patel. Dr. Patel is the CEO of Carolina Blood and Cancer Care Associates. Dr. Patel is a full time practicing medical oncologist, board certified in Hematology, Oncology, and Internal Medicine. He is also serving as a secretary for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). He is a chair elect for the clinical affairs and trustee for the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC). He is also a member of the CPC committee for the ASCO and NCQA. He has been an advisor for the large payers including DHHS (SC), Palmetto GBA. He also serves on and advisory board for Medicaid HMOs. He has a special interest in health care policy and economics and the end-of-life care. He recently joined International Oncology Network as medical director. He has expertise in Value Based Care and has successfully led Oncology Care Model pilots with two payers including with CMMI (new division of CMS). He also has extensive experience on revenue cycle management in oncology and he con founded a large RCM company that started with 4 employees and now has over 700 employees.
He is a certified trainer for physicians “Education in Palliative and End of life Care” and has been a speaker at several different CME events. He is involved in healthcare economics and is working with major commercial payer on AAPM. He is also contractor medical director for Palmetto GBA (consultant). He is past president of the South Carolina Oncology Society. He has been working directly with cancer patients for the last twenty years. He has served as chairman of several committees in numerous South Carolina hospitals. He has had extensive research experience in the field of oncology and have published and presented articles in journals (nationally and internationally), and has had research merit awards for research in cancer including ASCO merit awards during fellowship.
Dr. Patel has extensive legislative experience both at the local and national level. He has testified in state senate as well as has carried out a capitol hill briefing on precision medicine.
Dr Patel's book, Between Life and Death: From Despair to Hope
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Howard Cohen, RPh, MS, FASHP. Howard recently retired as the Executive Director of Oncology Pharmacy Services for the Smilow Cancer Hospital and Network of Yale New Haven Health. He is also the President of Safe Medication Management Associates, Inc. and serves as a consultant for Grifols. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy from the University of Kansas and his Master of Science degree from Temple University School of Pharmacy in Philadelphia, Pa. He completed an Executive Management fellowship at the Wharton School of Business. In 1995 he received the designation of Fellow of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. In 2014, the Smilow Cancer Hospital Pharmacy was honored as the recipient of ASHP Foundations Award for Medication Safety and Use.
Today we discuss the use of robotic technology in oncology pharmacy.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Bob Phelan. Bob is the CEO of Cancer Specialists of North Florida based in Jacksonville, FL. Bob has been the CEO of Cancer Specialists for over 20 years and is also a pharmacist. Today we discuss current operational issues in oncology.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Kayla Randle, PharmD, BCOP. Kaylais a Hematology/Oncology Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at Kaiser Permanente of Georgia. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of South Carolina and received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Dr. Randle completed a PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency and a PGY-2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency at Grady Health System in Atlanta, Georgia. She is an active member of NCODA.
Today we discuss Kayla’s pharmacy practice setting, collaborative practice, and her involvement in NCODA.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Kaitlyn Ash and Lauren Stafford from Live for Today Foundation. Live For Today Foundation is a non- profit organization based in Jacksonville, FL that helps young adults with cancer. Their purpose is to inspire young adults with cancer by focusing on living, not cancer.
Kaitlyn was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma at the age of 12 and completed a year of in-patient chemotherapy treatments, along with major surgery to remove her tumor and one rib in her back. Kaitlyn has a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications from the University of Florida where she also studied leadership for non-profit management. She co-founded Live for Today and has been involved with the organization since inception. She loves being a cancer advocate and a mentor that our members can look to for support and inspiration.
Lauren is Vice President of Live for Today Foundation and was diagnosed and treated for Ewing’s Sarcoma as a young mother. Lauren completed her doctorate in pharmacy and residency in pharmacy practice at the University of Florida. She spent seven years as the clinical pharmacy manager for the St. Vincent’s family of hospitals in Jacksonville, as well as serving in leadership positions in professional organizations. Lauren retired from her role as manager to spend more time with her two children and has recently taken on the role of Life Adventure Chair.
Today we discuss Kaitlyn and Lauren’s personal stories, the mission and purpose of Live for Today, and issues that are unique to young adults with cancer. More information on Live for Today Foundation can be found at the website below.
https://www.live-for-today.org
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Cesar Santa-Maria, MD from Johns Hopkins. Dr. Santa-Maria works as both a primary oncologist and consultant for patients with all types and stages of breast cancer. His research interest is in developing new types of treatment for patients with breast cancer using immunotherapy.
Today we discuss his current and past research in breast cancer including studies on immunotherapy in breast cancer treatment and on survivorship. The links to the studies Dr. Santa-Maria discusses in this episode can be found below.
PRISMM study:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/kimmel_cancer_center/cancers_we_treat/breast_cancer_program/research_and_clinical_trials/PRISMM/
immunoADAPT Study:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03573648
A-NEW Study:
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04499950
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Tim Ringgold. Tim is a board-certified music therapist, author, and host of the Reduce Your Stress Podcast and Summit. Tim is also an award winning international speaker, having shared the stage with some of the top minds on music, the brain, and personal development, including Tony Robbins. Tim was the first person to give a TEDx talk on music therapy in 2012, and is also a former Regional President of the American Music Therapy Association. He has experience working with oncology patients and improving various symptoms through music therapy.
Today we discuss music as medicine and the science behind music therapy. We discuss how music therapy can help both oncology patients and oncology staff members. Tim is hosting an upcoming free summit for healthcare providers called “Reduce Your Stress.” The Summit is August 9-13, 2021 and more information can be found at: http://www.reduceyourstresssummit.com/
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More information about Tim including his “relaxation vacation” can be found at:
https://www.timringgold.com/
Dr. Carmen Guerra sits down with Ginger on episode 7 of the PQI Podcast and discusses equities and disparities in oncology.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Becki Tinder and Taryn Newsome. Becki and Taryn are leaders in NCODA’s Oncology Pharmacy Technician Association (OPTA). Taryn recently joined NCODA staff as OPTA coordinator. Today we discuss the role and value in Oncology Pharmacy Technicians. We also discuss the benefits of OPTA and networking with peers. To learn more about OPTA please visithttps://www.ncoda.org/oncology-pharmacy-technician-association-opta/ or email Taryn at Taryn.Newsome@NCODA.org
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Saundra Pelletier. Saundra is the CEO of Evofem Biosciences and a breast cancer survivor.
At her core, Saundra is a passionate advocate for women’s wellness and empowerment. She is a leader in the boardroom and beyond, using her experience, voice and vision for real, progressive change for women. Saundra brings more than two decades of broad executive leadership experience to Evofem. Throughout her career, she has had oversight and accountability for Sales, Marketing,Operations, Medical Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing, Customer Service, BusinessDevelopment and Strategic Partnerships. Today we discuss her role as CEO of Evofem Biosciences, her personal cancer story, and Evofem’s hormone-free, on-demand, female contraceptive gel PHEXXI®. Saundra discusses Evofem’s collaboration with NCODA and the importance of the PHEXXI® Positive Quality Intervention.
To learn more about Phexxi, speak to your healthcare provider and see full product information at Phexxi.com. Do not use if you have a history of repeated urinary tract problems. Side effects include vaginal burning, itching, discharge, genital discomfort, yeast infection, urinary tract infection or bacterial vaginosis. Phexxi does not protect against STIs.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome My-Lien Au and Madison
Motzner, leaders of the NCODA Professional Student Organization (PSO). Au
is a Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate at the University of North Texas Health
Science Center and currently serves as National Vice President of Community
Service of the NCODA PSO. Motzner is a Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate at
Washington State University (WSU) and currently serves and National
President of the NCODA PSO.
Today we discuss involvement in NCODA’s Professional Student
Organization, the importance of oncology education in pharmacy school, and
hear personal stories from our guests. The first annual
NCODA Professional Student Organization Meeting: Oncology Student Pharmacist’s Career Training will be held September 16-17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. Meeting registration and additional information can be found here:
https://www.ncoda.org/pso-annual-meeting/.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Michael Schuh, BS, PharmD, MBA, FAPhA. Dr. Schuh is an ambulatory pharmacist, Assistant Professor of Family and Palliative Medicine, and Assistant Professor of Pharmacy at Mayo Clinic Florida. He is an expert in medication therapy management and pharmacogenomics. Today we discuss pharmacogenomics and polypharmacy in the oncology patient.
On today’s episode of The PQI Podcast we welcome Dr. John Marshall and his wife Liza Marshall. Dr. John Marshall is a medical oncologist and a professor at Georgetown University, and he is an internationally recognized expert in gastrointestinal cancers and the development of new treatments for cancer.
Liza Marshall left practice as a communications attorney in 2005 to channel her talents and energy into her family and her growing role at Hope Connections for Cancer Support, of which she is a founding member. In 2006, at the age of forty-three, Liza was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, the deadliest form of the disease. The recently released the book Off Our Chests: A Candid Tour Through the World of Cancer. In Off Our Chests, Liza vividly details her treatment, her feelings of desperation and vulnerability, the complex decisions she had to make from mastectomy to chemotherapy and radiation, and finally the elective removal of her other breast—all experienced in the sometimes uncomfortable public setting of being treated at her husband’s cancer center.
John’s experience as a caregiver forces him to rethink everything he has learned and teaches as a leader in cancer care. No longer able to maintain complete objectivity with his own patients, he ultimately exhausts himself trying to provide ideal cancer care for all. Today we discuss their book and their experiences of oncologist turned caregiver and of cancer patient and survivor.
https://www.offourchestsbook.com/our-book
https://www.amazon.com/Off-Our-Chests-Candid-Through/dp/1646870484
Podcast guests’ comments reflect their experiences and opinions and should not be used as a substitute for medical judgement. Important notice: NCODA has developed this PQI Podcast platform. This platform is intended as an educational aid and does not provide individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional. This platform does not cover all existing information related to the possible uses, directions, doses, precautions, warning, interactions, adverse effects, or risks associated with any medication discussed in the platform and is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
The materials contained in this platform are for informational purposes only and do not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of this medication by NCODA, which assumes no liability for and does not ensure the accuracy of the information presented. NCODA does not make any representations with respect to the medications whatsoever, and any and all decisions, with respect to such medications, are at the sole risk of the individual consuming the medication. All decisions related to taking this medication should be made with the guidance and under the direction of a qualified healthcare professional.
The PQI Podcast is presented by NCODA, Inc. This podcast will provide an overview of new Positive Quality Intervention (PQI) documents as well as PQI in Action articles and other oncology topics. Hear from clinical and administrative experts who are utilizing these documents at their cancer centers nationwide. Hosted by NCODA's Manager of Patient-Centered Communications, Ginger Blackmon, PharmD.
Welcome to the PQI Podcast! Meet your host, Ginger Blackmon, the Manager of Patient Centered Communications at NCODA. Every week, join Ginger on the PQI Podcast as she chats with experts of the Oncology Community and beyond!