The PQI Podcast

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.