Research Newsletter - February 2023

News briefs | February 2023

Registration is open for the NCCN Annual Conference

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network will hold its NCCN 2023 Annual Conference March 31-April 2 in Orlando. Virtual attendance is also available. As an NCCN member institution, the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center qualifies for a discounted rate. Learn more and register.

Amelia Project held on Feb. 11

On Feb. 11, nearly 100 Indiana breast cancer researchers, physicians, and patient advocates gathered together to learn from one another during the Amelia Project, sponsored by the Catherine Peachey Fund, a member of the Heroes Foundation family. View the 2023 abstract book.

U.S. News and World Report survey is now open

In February, eligible physicians received an email invitation (from Doximity) to complete the 2023-24 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals expert opinion survey and vote for the Best Hospital in Cancer. The survey gives you the opportunity to vote for the top hospitals across the nation. Physicians are eligible to vote if they are board-certified and have a claimed Doximity profile. Please ensure that you have claimed a profile, as we strongly encourage participation in this year's survey by voting for Indiana University Health Medical Center.

In 2023, results of the expert opinion survey contribute to 15 percent of the adult specialty's ranking. Every vote counts. We hope you choose to further strengthen IU Health Medical Center’s distinction as a prestigious regional and national leader in cancer care.

Financial administrative coordinator joins the cancer center

Tina Hedges has joined the cancer center’s administration team as a financial administrative coordinator. In this role, she will assist with financial, HR and administrative tasks. Tina previously was an office manager for a multi-site mental health practice. She also has previous IU experience with the Department of Urology as its administrative coordinator. She can be reached at klhedges@iu.edu or (317) 278-4714. Welcome, Tina.

Upcoming events

Cancer Research Day, the cancer center’s signature research event, is Thursday, May 4, at the IUPUI Campus Center. Abstracts for posters to be presented should be submitted by 5 p.m. April 5. Cancer Research Day aims to increase understanding and awareness of the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Cancer's research endeavors and encourage collaboration with other cancer research institutions in Indiana. Learn more and submit an abstract.

Sponsored by the IU Center for Global Health, Global Health Scholars Day will be 12-3 p.m. Friday, May 12 at the Regenstrief Social Hub on the IUPUI campus. The event showcases the excellent work being done by the IU community to improve the care of patients worldwide, research the complexities of global health, and educate learners about the care of local and global populations. On Saturday, May 13, a full-day Global Health Faculty Retreat at Bradford Woods aims to engage global health faculty to better understand current needs, strategize solutions and facilitate new connections.

Save the date for the Review and Interpretation of the 2023 ASCO Meeting, which will be Saturday, July 15. This program will provide participants with the latest information presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) meeting. Oncology/Hematology faculty members from IU School of Medicine will provide participants with analysis of the more clinically applicable presentations at this year's ASCO meeting.

ICYMI: Check out the latest content on the cancer center’s social media channels

A Twitter post announced that this year’s Chuckstrong will be on Friday, April 21.

Watch the World Cancer Day video on Facebook that celebrates the diversity of the cancer center’s team taking action against cancer.

Kudos to a young philanthropist who started Cakes for Cancer and stopped by to donate $3,200 to cancer center research. See photos of Kaitlyn presenting the check to Nabil Adra, M.D., and of her baking in this Instagram post.

Watch a LinkedIn video that announced the American Cancer Society Post-Baccalaureate Diversity in Cancer Research Education Program. The cancer center is one of eight institutions to offer the new program.

Member headlines and highlights

Liu Duncan	Jing Liu, Ph.D. (TMM), received a National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development Award, also known as a CAREER Award. He was awarded a $749,804 grant. Read the news release.
	Francesca Duncan, M.D. (CPC), participated in an Indianapolis Star community event on Facebook, “Live: Talking lung cancer disparities, what we can do to live healthier lives.” Watch the recording.
	Victoria Champion, Ph.D., RN (CPC), is among the authors of “Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cancer Screening Delays,” published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Read the news release.
	Douglas Rex, M.D. (affiliate), shared his expertise on preparing for your first colonoscopy in The New York Times article, “Wet Wipes and Jell-O: How to Prep for Your First Colonoscopy.”
	David Haggstrom, M.D. (CPC), and colleagues wrote “Cancer-related knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors among Hispanic/Latino residents of Indiana,” published in Cancer Medicine.