The Research Evangelist

On today's episode, meet Dr. Jonathan Spicer. Dr. Spicer is Medical Director of the McGill Thoracic Oncology Program at Montreal General Hospital. He earned his medical degree from McGill University, after which he moved to Vancouver and completed his surgical internship at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Spicer completed his training in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the world’s largest cancer center – University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. His clinical interests focus on minimally invasive approaches to lung cancer as well as complex resections for advanced thoracic malignancies.

On today's episode, meet Drew Moghanaki, MD, MPH. Dr. Moghanaki is a Professor and Chief of Thoracic Oncology at the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology. He holds a joint appointment at the West Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Medical Center where he directs patient care and research for Veterans with lung cancer. Dr. Moghanaki is a graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, completed an internship in general surgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, residency in radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, and master’s degree in Epidemiology at the UCLA School of Public Health. He's a big champion for expanded lung cancer screening.

On today's episode, meet Dr. Leora Horn. Dr. Horn is the Global Clinical Head for Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Strategy at AstraZeneca. She leads the company’s global research and development in lung cancer. In her role, she partners with lung cancer teams from across AstraZeneca Oncology to rapidly progress their research and deliver on their commitment to cure more patients with the disease. Before coming to AstraZeneca, Dr. Horn was the Ingram Associate Professor of Cancer Research and Director of the Clinical Research Section of the Thoracic Oncology Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

On today's episode, meet Aileen Fernandez, PhD. Aileen is a postdoctoral associate at Yale School of Medicine. She received her PhD from Georgetown University in Tumor Biology after receiving her Masters from the University of the District of Columbia in Cancer biology, prevention, and control. Aileen works in the lab of Dr. David Rimm, and her research focuses on identifying and developing biomarkers to better identify which patients with cancer will respond to different cancer treatments. She also co-founded the Yale School of Medicine Black Postdoctoral Association (YPA) and has joined the YPA's Working Group for Black Lives and Professional Development committees, as well as the pathology department's Diversity Equity and Inclusion committee.

On today's episode meet Lee Schwartzberg, MD, FACP. Dr. Schwartzberg is a medical oncologist and the Medical Director of West Cancer Center. He is also the Chief Medical Officer at OneOncology, an organization that invests in and collaborates with practices to deliver comprehensive cancer care in communities. A renowned expert in the study and treatment of breast cancer, precision medicine and supportive care, Dr. Schwartzberg served on the Board of Directors for the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and is the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Community Oncology. Today we are talking about bringing precision medicine to community oncology practices.

On today's episode, meet Dr. Michael A. Caligiuri. Dr. Caligiuri is President of City of Hope National Medical Center and the Deana and Steve Campbell Physician-in-Chief Distinguished Chair, a world-renowned physician, scientist, builder, innovator, leader and visionary at City of Hope.

A leading researcher in immunology, lymphoma and leukemia, Dr. Caligiuri dedicates himself to developing the next generation of cancer therapies, rapidly delivering them to patients and curing their disease. His research team is currently focused on bringing natural killer cellular therapies to patients with any form of cancer. He also gives back to the communities he serves.

On today’s episode, meet Dean Wetherbee. Dean is the Managing Director of Creative for Ten Bridge Communications in Boston, MA, which bills itself as Biotech’s Communications Partner, an agency guiding biotechs through all stages of growth. Dean has deep experience in strategic and creative marketing. He’s worked in a global agency working with large pharma, emerging biotech, nonprofits and medical device and diagnostics companies. He’s been involved in life sciences for over 20 years and he is passionate about getting treatments to patients.

On today's episode, meet Dr. Estela Rodriguez, a triple board-certified hematologist and oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami. At Sylvester, Dr. Rodriguez works as part of a multidisciplinary team of cancer experts and researchers. Dr. Rodriguez has a special interest in the early detection and treatment of lung cancer and how cancer affects women. Listen to her describe her journey from Puerto Rico to high achievement in her field, and how she believes in the power of mentorship. She is a talented oncologist who is passionate about empowering women to take charge of their own healthcare.

On today's episode, meet Heidi and Dr. Pierre Onda. Heidi holds a master's degree in Health Education and has been a fitness trainer for 16 years. She is also a stage 3 lung cancer survivor. Pierre is a primary care physician at Kaiser Permanente Colorado and also holds a master's degree in Public Health. Together they started a grassroots movement of lung cancer patients, caregivers, advocates, clinicians and researchers called The White Ribbon Project. The mission is to change the public perception of lung cancer by raising awareness that anyone with lungs can get the disease. It's a great story.

On today's episode meet Missi Bjork. She is an RN in the Patty Ribakoff Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in Boston. She has a Nursing degree from Niagara University and has been practicing nursing at MGH for 35 years in pediatrics and the NICU. She was also a caregiver to a lung cancer patient (me) so we are going to ask her about her experience and the important role of caregivers.