John H. Glick, MD Gives Presidential Address

English

The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
Ultima Vez Modificado: 20 de mayo del 1996

Philadelphia, PA , May 20, 1996 John H. Glick, MD, President of ASCO (1995-1996) and Director, University of Pennsylvania Cancer Center, gave his Presidential Address today at the 32nd Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Following are excerpts from his presentation:

"It is a time of transition, growth, and maturity for ASCO. We must be prepared to realistically assess our strengths and meet new challenges in a time of unprecedented scientific and educational opportunities. Revolutionary new knowledge from laboratory research has raised public expectations for the prevention and cure of cancer to a higher level than ever before. Although recent scientific advances are important achievements and hold great promise for the future, we still have much work to do. At the same time, we are confronted by major changes and challenges in our everyday practice of medicine and in the conduct of both laboratory and patient-oriented research. The practice of oncology and the delivery of high quality cancer care are threatened by major changes in health care delivery and financing, as well as by frequent changes in public policy..."

"To understand ASCO today is to understand ASCO's mission. ASCO is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people with cancer through research, education, and the practice of medicine. I believe ASCO's credo should be "Do What's Right For and in the Best Interest of People with Cancer." If we can remember to do what's right for our patients and their families, and make that the guiding principle that motivates our actions and policies, then we will do what's right for our profession..."

"One of the key ASCO priorities was to develop a partnership with the NCI and its new Director, Rick Klausner, to achieve a common agenda. Yesterday, you heard Dr. Klausner speak about his vision for the "new" NCI. I am sure all of you will agree with me that Rick Klausner is the single best thing to happen to the National Cancer Institute and its research programs for a long time. Working closely with the NCI, ASCO has accomplished more of its research agenda in the past nine months than it did in the past five years. ASCO identified increasing the funding for patient-oriented research and improving the training of clinical investigators as major priorities... We have increased the emphasis on translational research in our scientific and education programs, while continuing our leadership role in reporting the results of major phase II and III clinical trials. We have significantly expanded ASCO's public policy initiatives on issues relevant to our mission and goals, and have promoted active relationships with other oncology organizations..."

"In order to improve the health and well-being of people with cancer, we established a partnership with patient advocacy organizations to achieve common goals. We have expanded our health services research program and have a mandate from the membership and the Board to develop more evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. We continue to work very hard to promote insurance coverage for patients on clinical trials and for off-label uses of FDA-approved drugs. We are in the process of developing referral guidelines to facilitate patient access to cancer specialists and other appropriately trained health care professionals. And we have identified the need to improve communications with our members as a major priority and, at this meeting, we will launch ASCO OnLine with our home page on the Internet..."