On Friday, December 6, 2019 Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, in partnership with the Rutgers University Alumni Association, hosted "The Future of Women’s Cancer Care is Here” symposium to discuss the latest breakthroughs in women’s cancer research, clinical trials, and personalized care.
Panel speakers, from left:
Dr. Janice Mehnert RC'96, RWJMS'01, Regional Phase I Clinical Program Director
Dr. Eileen White, Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer
Dr. Deborah Toppmeyer, Chief Medical Officer
Dr. Shicha Kumar RWJMS'04, Breast Surgical Oncologist
Dr. Ruth Stephenson, Gynecologic Oncologist
The symposium, held at the College Avenue Student Center, featured expert panelists from Rutgers Cancer Institute and Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, including Dr. Deborah Toppmeyer, Chief Medical Officer; Dr. Shicha Kumar RWJMS'04, Breast Surgical Oncologist; Dr. Janice Mehnert RC'96, RWJMS'01, Regional Phase I Clinical Program Director; Dr. Ruth Stephenson, Gynecologic Oncologist; and Dr. Eileen White, Deputy Director and Chief Scientific Officer. Director’s Leadership Council Executive Committee Member, Mrs. Subha Barry, President of Working Mother Media, kicked off the event with an inspiring start to the morning, sharing her story as a six-time cancer survivor.
Mrs. Subha Barry, President of Working Mother Media, shares her story as a six-time cancer survivor.
Panel members shared why they went into the field of cancer research and care, as well as provided an update on advances in cancer treatment. They also shared with the audience, of close to 200 attendees, what makes New Jersey’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a leader in cancer care and research.
Mrs. Marcia Bird, a cancer survivor, shared her journey with the audience, which was captivated by her spirit of resilience, strength and grace.
"After hearing from all of these inspiring women, we are hopeful and excited for what is next to come in women’s cancer care. We thank the amazing host committee and members of our Director’s Leadership Council who were pivotal in the success of the event," notes David Edwards, Associate VP for Development, Rutgers Cancer Institute.
Before and after the program, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the comprehensive services offered at Rutgers Cancer Institute. Exhibitors included, Community Outreach, The LIFE Center, Patient Education, ScreenNJ, and the Nutrition and Social Work Departments. Representitives from Walgreens (at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, an RWJBarnabas Health Facility), shared tips from their “Feel More Like You” program.
Host Committee, :
Subha Barry
Nan M. Blecker
Marcia H. Bird, COOK'84
Ruth Ann Burns, DC’67, GSNB’75
Elizabeth DeSimone
Lisa A. Dombrowski
Kathy Flicker, Esq., CLAW’70
Christiana R. Foglio, DC’84, GSNB’86
Tracy Furey
Suzann B. Goldstein, DC'85, GSNB’91
Susan Goodin, PharmD
Barbara A. Lee, Senior VP for Academic Affairs, Rutgers University
Laureen MacEachern, PhD., MPH, GSNB’91
Antoinette Marousis-Zachariades
Dana Miller
Marcia E. Mollica
Audrey Redding-Raines, PhD, UCN’94, MPA’04, Rutgers Newark Faculty
Linda C. Smith, RC’76
Dorinda "Dee" Sparacio, ENG'77, GSNB'84
Leslie Logan Taylor
Gloria K. Vanderham, RC’00, SCILS’00
Aviva Wein
Susan H. Wolford
Michele E. Wyluda, RC’85