Biography
My research efforts are focused on elucidating and targeting key signaling pathways and genomic alterations in head and neck cancer with the goals of enabling precision medicine studies based on strong studies in relevant models. I have leveraged my access to head and neck cancer (HNC) patients and their biospecimens to optimize translational research studies that include developing novel therapies in the laboratory for clinical application as well as generating and interrogating relevant preclinical models to determine the underlying mechanism of clinical findings. In my institutional roles at the University of Pittsburgh and now at UCSF, I facilitated collaborations between clinicians and investigators with an emphasis of developing a robust research infrastructure to support clinical and translational cancer studies.

Biography
Richard C. Wender, MD, chief cancer control officer of the American Cancer Society, helps lead the only comprehensive cancer control organization in the world. He drives the effort to transform the face of cancer here and around the globe by developing strategies for access to care, patient navigation, and health equity. Prior to joining the Society’s staff in 2013, he provided extensive volunteer leadership at the organization’s state and local levels. In 2006, he was elected national president of the Society, becoming the first primary care physician to serve in this capacity. Dr. Wender worked for more than three decades as a family physician in the department of family and community medicine at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. From 2002 until 2013, he served as alumni professor and chair of the department. Dr. Wender has led numerous initiatives designed to improve preventive care and chronic disease management. He currently serves as chair of the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable.

Talk
Achieving Equity In Cancer Care
Although cancer mortality rates have fallen by 27% since they peaked in 1991, progress has not been experienced equally. Substantial disparities can be seen based on many parameters: income, educational attainment, neighborhood, nationality, and race are major determinants of cancer outcomes. The ACS will present a framework for tacking these social determinants of health in the pursuit of health equity.

Biography
Craig Lipset is a recognized leader at the forefront of innovation in clinical research and medicine development. He is an advisor to technology and biopharmaceutical companies, leading universities, and the venture community, bringing vision and driving action at the intersection of research, digital solutions, and patient engagement. Craig was the Head of Clinical Innovation and Venture Partner at Pfizer, on the founding Operations Committee for TransCelerate Biopharma, and on the founding management teams for two successful startup ventures. During that time, Craig designed and launched multiple industry firsts -- from the first fully-virtual clinical trial for a new medicine to the first returning of results and data to research participants. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research, the MedStar Health Research Institute, and the People-Centered Research Foundation (the central office for PCORnet), as well as the Editorial Board for Therapeutic Innovation & Regulatory Science.

Talk
Patient Participation And Engagement In Clinical Trials
The role of the patient in clinical trials has seen tremendous change over the last decade, and that change is not complete. From serving as a critical voice during study design and planning to ensuring results and learnings reach the participant, research sponsors are seeking to engage patients throughout trial journey.