Summit Speakers
Miriam J. Atkins, MD, FACP
Miriam J. Atkins, MD, FACP
Wednesday, September 28; 10:00 – 10:05 AM
Welcome
Wednesday, September 28; 12:00 – 12:45 PM
Federal Cancer Care Policy: Updates from Capitol Hill
About the Speaker
Dr. Atkins earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Hampton University, Hampton, VA and her Doctor of Medicine from Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine (1993) and her Fellowship in Hematology/Oncology (1996) at Brooke Army Medical Center, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. While serving in the Army, she attained the rank of Major. Dr. Atkins worked at Texas Oncology for two years prior to moving to Augusta, GA. She joined, Augusta Oncology, the only privately-owned Oncology practice in the Augusta, GA area in 2000. She is board certified in Medical Oncology.
Dr. Atkins is the Associate Medical Director for Pruitt Hospice, Assistant Clinical Professor for the American University of Antigua and the University of Medicine and Health Sciences in St. Kitts. She holds leadership positions at the hospitals in Augusta, GA. Dr. Atkins is the Vice President of the Medical Executive Committee at University Hospital and the former chairperson of the Credentials Committee for University HealthLink. She is a member of the Cancer Committee at Doctors Hospital and University Hospital.
Dr. Atkins has been an active member of the Community Oncology Alliance since its inception. She is currently the CPAN Medical Co-chair and the Secretary of the organization.
In her spare time, Dr. Atkins enjoys traveling and competitive Ballroom Dancing.
E. Randolph “Randy” Broun, MD
Oncology Hematology Care, Inc.
E. Randolph "Randy" Broun, MD
Wednesday, September 28; 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Biosimilars: What Patients Need to Know
About the Speaker
E. Randolph Broun, MD, is a medical oncologist and hematologist with OHC. Dr. Broun specializes in hematologic malignancies and bone marrow transplant.
Dr. Broun received his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri and completed his residency at Indiana University Hospitals, Indianapolis, Indiana. Dr. Broun completed a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at the University of Texas Health Science Center and a fellowship in bone marrow transplant at Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dr. Broun is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a member of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group.
Dr. Broun is a member of the board of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Southwestern Ohio, and Adjunct Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Cincinnati, Ohio. He has contributed to almost 100 abstracts, articles and book chapters.
Dr. Broun is actively involved in patient advocacy at the state and national level through his work with Community Oncology Alliance.
Nicolas Ferreyros
Nicolas Ferreyros
Wednesday, September 28; 1:30 – 2:00 PM
Making it Local: How States are Reforming Cancer Policy
About the Speaker
Nicolas Ferreyros is Managing Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the only national organization dedicated solely to preserving and protecting local, affordable, and accessible cancer care. He is responsible for all internal and external communications at COA, including media relations, policy communications, and digital strategy.
A seasoned advocacy and communications strategist with more than 15 years of experience in health care, Nick specializes in developing successful campaigns to address complex issues. He has a deep understanding of the people and processes that affect America’s health care system and has a knack for translating the “wonkery” of health policy into language and concepts that resonate with policymakers, providers, patients, and voters.
Nick has engaged in nearly every major recent health policy issue before Congress and regulatory agencies, including the Affordable Care Act, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, Medicare reimbursement policy, and more. He has worked closely with policymakers on Capitol Hill, the White House, the Department of Health & Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, and National Institutes of Health. Nick’s work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, CBS Evening News, National Public Radio, and other leading national news outlets.
Prior to joining COA, Nick was a Managing Supervisor at GYMR Public Relations, a boutique Washington, DC communications firm specializing in health care, science, and social issues. While there, he oversaw high-profile, award-winning campaigns for clients including the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, American Board of Internal Medicine, Consumer Reports, and numerous federal agencies.
A native of Houston, Texas, Nick earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. He currently resides in New York City.
Bo Gamble
Bo Gamble
Wednesday, September 28th; 10:05 – 10:45 AM
How do we Define Quality Cancer Care?
About the Speaker
In his current position with COA, Bo Gamble has been responsible for the development of the principles and metrics associated with the Oncology Medical Home (OMH) program. Working with COA members and payers, the OMH program was developed in 2012 and participating practices began using this practice model immediately.
Robert “Bo” Gamble joined the Community Oncology Alliance (COA) in May 2011 as the Director of Quality and Value. Mr. Gamble brings a diverse range of cancer practice expertise at the national and local levels. His extensive experience includes 13 years’ experience as administrator at a multi-physician, multi-location oncology practice, and medical IT consulting to Big Eight accounting firms. Prior to that, he served in various health care capacities as an independent consultant for hospital patient accounting and IT implementation projects, National Director of Client Support for a health care software company, and business office manager for a 300+ bed hospital. He got his beginning as a hospital orderly during his college years.
Bo has also served as the President and Legislative Chairperson for the North Carolina Oncology Practice Management Society, a member of the COA Board of Directors, and the co-chair of the national COA Administrators’ Network.
Bo holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Health Care Management from Appalachian State University.
Rose Gerber, MS
Community Oncology Alliance
Rose Gerber, MS
Wednesday, September 28; 10:00 – 10:05 AM
Welcome
Wednesday, September 28; 2:30 PM
Closing Remarks
About the Speaker
Rose Gerber is a nationally recognized cancer advocate and cancer survivor. Her experience includes appearing on national television (MSNBC) to speak about cancer care, meeting with legislators in Washington, D.C. on cancer policy issues, and developing cancer programs. Rose was brought to the COA team to develop its patient advocacy program. One of her first accomplishments was to add an advocacy track to the annual conference, making the meeting one of the few that brings together physicians, administrators, and advocates. She serves as an invited member on national patient advocate panels, steering committees, and cancer coalitions. Rose has also served as a consumer reviewer on the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs – Department of Defense Breast Cancer research panels.
Rose has been a featured cancer survivor for various cancer organizations’ media campaigns, including the 2015 About Clinical Trials initiative. She has appeared on the cover of the national publication, Breast Cancer Wellness magazine, and was honored as the National Breast Cancer Leader of the Year. In addition, she has been a guest speaker for CURE magazine’s September 2018 podcast in the episode titled From Cancer to Capitol Hill. She has been the keynote speaker at multiple national conferences including the National Women’s Survivors Convention. Rose served for five years as a grant reviewer, speaker, and educator for Susan G. Komen and also co-founded and managed a breast cancer-mentoring program for Eastern Connecticut Hematology & Oncology in Connecticut. Working alongside community health workers and nurses, Rose also gained an understanding of disparities in health care. Rose taught breast health education to diverse populations including Muslims, Haitians, Asians, Hispanics, African Americans, and young mothers.
Rose has a Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and two bachelor’s degrees in Advertising/Public relations and Psychology. Rose is also a graduate of the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s esteemed Project Lead programs: Clinical Trials, Science Institute, and Quality Care. Prior to her advocacy work, Rose worked for NBC-TV in Los Angeles, California.
Rose now applies her personal experience as a cancer survivor and three-time clinical trial participant, with her advocacy knowledge to educate and train cancer patients and cancer survivors on how various national cancer policy issues impact their local patient care.
Chelsea Klock, RN, OCN
CPAN Chapter Advocacy Leader
Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY
Chelsea Klock, RN, OCN
Wednesday, September 28; 2:00 – 2:30 PM
How to Engage Patients & Physicians as Advocates
About the Speaker
Chelsea has been a registered nurse for almost 10 years. She is an Oncology Certified Nurse and has worked in oncology for 6 years. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology. She became the local CPAN Chapter Advocacy Leader in 2018 and enjoys promoting community oncology and encouraging others to become advocates.
Mary Kruczynski
Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives
Community Oncology Alliance
Mary Kruczynski
Wednesday, September 28; 10:45 – 11:30 AM
Understanding the Impact of Disparities & Social Determinants of Health on Cancer Care
About the Speaker
Mary Kruczynski has had a very diversified business career spanning 45 years, working early on in the insurance industry, engineering and ultimately health care. She has devoted the past 25 years to the specialties of obstetrics and gynecology, otology and neurotology, oncology/hematology, gynecologic oncology and radiation oncology.
Mary’s broad-based general management experience in a variety of areas has helped her to develop a unique skill set and as such, is often tasked with the challenges left unmet by others. Mary’s responsibilities have included initiation and incorporation of several practices into one entity, office automation, establishment of internal protocols for charge capture and CPT code creation for reimbursement.
Since 2003, Mary served as Director of Policy Analysis for the Community Oncology Alliance (COA). Mary has been with COA since its inception and shares her knowledge on legislative matters, health care reform law, coordinated patient care models and oral oncolytics with cancer care delivery teams across the country. She has also mentored those physicians currently in an oncology fellowship program with the development of the COA Fellows Educational Institute. Collaboration with Program Directors nationwide has enabled her to impart such education to first, second and third year fellows and directors alike.
In addition to diverse management experience, Mary demonstrates expertise in national meeting planning and is instrumental in producing COA’s annual conferences. Mary’s proven fundraising and development efforts help to sustain the efforts of COA, as well as the caregivers and patients it seeks to protect and support. Furthermore, Mary has been a part of the development and management of past and current data projects, including the Components of Care Project, Oral Oncolytics Access, Comparative Cost of Cancer Care Predicated Upon Site of Service, and Cost Drivers of Cancer Care. Mary has authored numerous articles relating to clinical and reimbursement issues and sits on the editorial board of a number of cancer related journals. Most recently, Mary has taken on a new role as the Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives. She also sits on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Cancer Alliance and is active in the 501©(3) No One Left Alone (NOLA) pilot.
James Lee
James Lee
Wednesday, September 28; 1:30 – 2:00 PM
Making it Local: How States are Reforming Cancer Policy
About the Speaker
James Lee is senior manager for state regulation and policy at the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), the only national organization dedicated solely to preserving and protecting local, affordable, and accessible cancer care.
An experienced health care advocate at the state and federal levels, James has engaged in successful efforts to expand, clarify, and codify complex policy pertaining to Medicaid, telehealth and telemedicine, behavioral health, and pharmacy, just to name a few.
Prior to joining COA, James represented Legacy Community Health, one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing Federally Qualified Health Center systems, located in Southeast Texas. As manager of government relations at Legacy, he led strategic legislative campaigns with internal and external stakeholders. Producing public policy outcomes for more than 190,000 clients at 45 facilities, he served as a liaison to over 75 federal, state, and local policymakers.
James is a native of the U.S. border with Mexico, and was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, the most southern region of Texas. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Houston and now calls Houston home.
Ted Okon, MBA
Community Oncology Alliance
Ted Okon, MBA
Wednesday, September 28; 12:00 – 12:45 PM
Federal Cancer Care Policy: Updates from Capitol Hill
About the Speaker
Ted Okon is a nationally recognized expert on the policy and politics of cancer care. He is quoted extensively in the press, including guest appearances on TV and radio news shows. Ted has testified before Congress on cancer issues and is frequently on Capitol Hill discussing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. Ted’s target areas of expertise include the cost of cancer treatment, health care reform, Medicare reimbursement, pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), drug shortages, and the changing landscape of cancer care delivery in the United States.
Ted has dedicated his career to healthcare business and policy. He has worked for several pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Warner-Lambert, now part of Pfizer, and IMS Health. He co-founded and took public the health care information business Medical Marketing Group. He also founded two oncology companies (an oncology clinical research network and an information network) and has traveled extensively to China, India, Singapore, the U.K., and the Middle East, analyzing and discussing cancer care delivery.
As executive director of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Ted oversees the strategic direction of this non-profit organization dedicated to patients and providers in the community cancer care setting, under the direction of a dedicated board of oncologists and practice administrators. Ted also travels the country speaking to state oncology societies, professional organizations, and companies about the challenges facing the nation’s cancer care delivery system. He has authored numerous articles and studies relating to cancer care policy and politics, reimbursement, and clinical issues.
Ted holds a BS degree from Fairfield University and an MBA from the Carnegie-Mellon University Tepper School of Business. His wife, Susan, practiced as a certified oncology nurse.
Lisa J. Poiry, RN, OCN
Fort Wayne Medical Oncology & Hematology
Lisa J. Poiry, RN, OCN
Wednesday, September 28; 2:00 – 2:30 PM
How to Engage Patients & Physicians as Advocates
About the Speaker
Lisa has extensive experience in Oncology in various settings, dedicating most of her time and efforts to Community practice. She lead the initiatives for Fort Wayne Medical Oncology to become QOPI certified in 2015, the launch of Indiana’s only CPAN Chapter in 2018, coordinated several Oncology speaking events and advocated locally and federally for Oncology Care. Her career experience has taken several paths from Inpatient care to Outpatient Stem Cell transplants, Chemo Infusion RN and Clinic RN, Manager over Clinical staff at one of the FWMOH offices and now to her current position of EMR Coordinator; which is educating and implementing workflows within the office, maintaining certifications, monitoring and reporting quality data for the practice as well as leading several projects and collaborative practice ventures all to improve the quality of oncology care tri state region.
Alti Rahman, MHA/MBA, CSSBB
Alti Rahman, MHA/MBA, CSSBB
Wednesday, September 28; 10:45 – 11:30 AM
Understanding the Impact of Disparities & Social Determinants of Health on Cancer Care
About the Speaker
Alti is the Practice Administrator for Oncology Consultants. He holds a dual Masters degree in Healthcare and Business Administration from the University of Houston and is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
Oncology Consultant’s has 14 Medical Oncology offices. Ancillary services include 2 Radiation Oncology office, 2 Diagnostic Imaging centers, 3 Retail Pharmacy’s, and Clinical Research programs all supported by a central administrative office.
Alti holds additional roles including Board Member of COA (Community Oncology Alliance), Chair of the Health Equity Committee (COA), Member of the Houston Cancer Health Equity Coalition, Treasurer for the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA), and President of the Coalition of Hematology and Oncology Practices (CHOP).
Susan Sabo-Wagner, MSN, RN, OCN
Oncology Consultants
Susan Sabo-Wagner, MSN, RN, OCN
Wednesday, September 28; 10:45 – 11:30 AM
Understanding the Impact of Disparities & Social Determinants of Health on Cancer Care
About the Speaker
Susan is the Executive Director of Clinical Strategy at Oncology Consultants in Houston, TX. She developed and implemented innovative clinical strategies and policies that lead to the growth of Oncology Consultants, a 14-site community-based Hematology/Oncology practice in Houston and South Texas. Susan has written and created nursing and clinical operation protocols for all levels of oncology staff. She has established an appropriate framework and oversight including input into strategy, prioritization, resourcing, reviews, and decision making to innovate around patient centered oncology programs.
Susan holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. Susan has dedicated time to patient advocacy and health disparities, especially as they relate to cancer management and care. She currently sits on The University of Houston C.T. Bauer College of Business, Women in Leadership Advisory Panel, the COA Patient Advocacy Network Advisory Panel, and the Foundation for Cancer Support. She is an advisor to the Health Equity & Access Committee for the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology (TxSCO).
Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C
Senior Director, Education
Cancer Support Community
Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C
Wednesday, September 28; 11:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Biosimilars: What Patients Need to Know
About the Speaker
Rachel Saks serves as the Senior Director of Education at Cancer Support Community (CSC). In this role, Rachel collaborates with and supervises the education team to create and implement relevant education and outreach programs to patients, families, and caregivers affected by cancer.
Prior to joining CSC, Rachel served as the Director of Cancer Services at Doylestown Hospital, a community hospital located in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. In this role, Rachel led a team of oncology professionals to provide comprehensive treatment, navigation, and assistance to cancer patients and their families. Rachel has spent her entire professional career in healthcare providing support, advocacy, and education to patients while always maintaining a focus on improving access to care. Rachel is passionate about developing screening, prevention, and education opportunities for members in the community to increase awareness, provide early detection, and promote healthy living.
Rachel earned a Master’s degree in Social Services from Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She holds her license in social work in Pennsylvania.
Harsha Vyas, MD, FACP
Harsha Vyas, MD, FACP
Wednesday, September 28; 10:00 – 10:05 AM
Welcome
Wednesday, September 28; 12:00 – 12:45 PM
Federal Cancer Care Policy: Updates from Capitol Hill
About the Speaker
Dr. Harsha Vyas, MD, FACP is the President and founding partner of Cancer Center of Middle Georgia, a private practice community cancer center providing Hematology and Oncology care in Central Georgia. His mission is to deliver quality, comprehensive, compassionate care to cancer patients in this part of underserved Middle Georgia.
Dr. Harsha Vyas obtained his fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at the Wake Forest University Comprehensive Cancer Center of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, North Carolina, and completed his Internal Medicine residency at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee. He also served as Chief Medical Resident during his Residency. He completed his medical training at the reputed Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, India.
Dr. Vyas is Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology, is published in many peer- reviewed journals, reputed online publications, and is actively involved in clinical research. He wrote and developed an Investigator Initiated Clinical Trial during his fellowship which was submitted for ASCO Young Investigator Award. He was instrumental in starting the clinical research division of Cancer Center of Middle Georgia which now has many open clinical trials that are currently enrolling. His efforts have brought emerging clinical research and trial medications to the underserved and the underrepresented rural patient without needing to travel long distances. Dr. Vyas’ practice is one of the few selected for the Oncology Care Model rolled out by CMS in 2016. His practice was able to show shared savings with CMS He regularly lectures various groups at the community level to educate and raise awareness on cancer-related issues.
Dr. Vyas was named an Advocacy Champion by The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) during the society’s 2017 Advocacy Summit on Capitol Hill for his efforts to communicate relevant rural healthcare issues with lawmakers. He is passionate about communicating the importance of preserving community oncology as the way to deliver personalized, high quality, affordable, cancer care close to home with lawmakers. He continues to engage the legislature on a regular basis on various issues important to community oncology. Dr. Vyas participated in lobbying at the state level and successfully passing into law one of the nation’s most stringent Anti-Steering PBM laws. He also successfully lobbied for conversion of the existing tax deduction to a tax credit for eligible community-based faculty preceptors like himself. Dr. Vyas continues to engage and educate key lawmakers against the flawed third-party VA audit which has led to serious disruption in private care especially for the rural veteran.
Dr. Vyas was instrumental in the opening of CPAN patient advocacy chapter at his cancer center for engaging and providing a voice for the rural cancer patients on legislative issues. He currently serves as the National CPAN Co-Medical director with COA. He was a participant of the ASCO’s Mentorship Program Class of 2018-19. To better serve the holistic needs of the underserved population he serves, he founded the Cancer Foundation of Middle Georgia (CFMG), a not-for-profit organization to serving middle Georgia.
Dr. Vyas lives with his family in Dublin, GA. He enjoys the outdoors, morning yoga, a good game of tennis, catching up on TV shows, and spending time with family.
Memberships in Professional Societies:
- American Society of Oncology (ASCO)
- Community Oncology Alliance (COA)
- American Society of Hematology (ASH)
- American College of Physicians (ACP)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
