Healthcare professionals tend to be hesitant about putting their views on the web. But not Dr. David Aboulafia , Hematologist at Virginia Mason and author at Covid Cogitations, who shares with us his best insights for developing a bedside manner online. Join us as we discuss: - Dr. Aboulafia’s generational heritage of healthcare - Origin and lessons of Covid Cogitations - How COVID-19 has affected cancer care and healthcare access - Artificial intelligence and genetic sequences: the future of cancer care? - The role of specialty pharmacies in partnering with staff and patients Check out these ..read more

In the midst of a pandemic, many patients are finding themselves making difficult choices: Should I go to my biopsy follow-up and risk catching COVID? Unfortunately, many patients feel the risk isn’t worth it to visit a medical facility. But this is creating huge implications when it comes to diagnosing and treating high-mortality diseases like liver and pancreatic cancer. Dr. Joshua Shaw, Transplant Surgeon & HPB Surgical Oncologist at Broward Health, joins the show to discuss his experiences, including ways to avoid delays in surgery, encouragement for those still avoiding in-person appo ..read more

Unmet need is a huge driver in the development of oncology treatments. But when it comes to choosing the therapies that “make the cut,” it’s not that simple. What are the risks involved? Where has efficacy been demonstrated in the treatment area and type? And the timeless question: who’s paying for it? Jeff Bockman, Ph.D. EVP & Oncology Practice Head at Cello Health BioConsulting, joins us to share his experience and break down the criteria and considerations of how therapies are chosen and developed. Here are the show highlights: - Who are the players and decision-makers developing therap ..read more

Everyone in the healthcare sector has heard of (and likely works toward) a patient-centric model. But what does it really mean? And how does it look in practice? Sherin Al-Safadi, Director of Global Medical Affairs Oncology at Bayer Pharmaceuticals, joins the show to discuss her experience and insights on Bayer’s global mission to provide access for patients. We discuss the best practices and strategies used around the world to make sure the voice of the patient is kept at the highest volume — from the role of allied health professionals and caretakers to the evolving use of digital communicat ..read more

For patients who have run out of approved treatment options, hopes of fighting disease can feel diminished. Fortunately, through existing and new programs, patients have access to alternative drugs. Educating physicians more on the program availability can lead to an increase in options for patients and a more positive outlook to recovery. Dr. Ajeet Gajra, Chief Medical Officer at Cardinal Health Specialty Solutions, joins the show to discuss experimental oncology drug use through the Expanded Access Program & the Right To Try Law.   Here are the show highlights:  - Expanded Acce ..read more

Oncology office staff might find themselves asking: “Who are all these reps? What’s the deal with these emails, calls, pamphlets, and visits?” The umbrella of oncology sales can be complex. It includes several roles and touchpoints, from securing sales to guiding physicians and nurses to helping educate patients. Richard Stein, Former Senior Manager, Inside Sales at Amgen, joins us to provide a deep dive into how the oncology sales ecosystem works, as well as the relationships between sales and practices. We talked about the specifics of each position, how these positions can overlap with othe ..read more

People who participate in clinical trials will joke that they’re a human guinea pig — but they aren’t. They’re receiving excellent care as well as furthering knowledge that will save future lives.  But what about placebos?  In this episode, we interview Thomas Marron, Director, Early Phase Trials Unit at Tisch Cancer Institute, about the patient experience for clinical trials for cancer. Tom shared : -There are nearly 5,000 different agents in development in the cancer space -Two new areas taking over the treatment paradigm -What the 3 phases of clinical trials focus on -Informed c ..read more

How can we improve survivorship in a country where there’s no institute or agency for cancer control, no PET scans available, and no health insurance for 95% of the population? The answer to this question isn’t simple. But it’s a conversation we need to have. In this episode, we speak with Runcie C. W. Chidebe, Founder and Executive Director at Project PINK BLUE. He tells us about the budding state of oncology in Nigeria, as well as his nonprofit’s efforts to generate awareness, train doctors, increase access, and improve survivorship. If you’re interested in “zooming out” and looking at Oncol ..read more

“I don't have time to do this.” “I don’t want to risk patient privacy.” “I’m concerned about the legal issues.” When asked why they aren’t active on social media, oncology professionals often have objections like these. But Dr. Don Dizon thinks that ignoring social media simply isn’t an option anymore. And he’s taking huge steps to remedy the disconnect. Dr. Don Dizon is a Professor of Medicine at Brown University and the Director of the Breast and Pelvic Malignancies Program at Lifespan Cancer Institute. He also formed a crowdsourced organization called Collaboration for Outcomes Using Social ..read more

“Technology moves too quickly not to use it.” — Julianne Darling It’s an age-old question in healthcare: How can we standardize a superior quality of care — no matter who’s being treated or where they’re being treated? In this episode of Working in Oncology, we look at this question through a more granular lens: oral chemotherapy. We’re joined by Julianne Darling, Manager of Clinical Initiatives at NCODA - National Community Oncology Dispensing Association. We discuss Julianne’s career transition from impacting patient care on a local level to a national level, and how NCODA works to improve c ..read more