February CPAN News Bulletin

Advocacy Chats - Educational Conversations on Cancer Advocacy and Policy Issues

Save the Date: Evidence-Based Nutrition for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Nutrition is critical for cancer patients and survivors. Join Rose Gerber, MS, COA Director of Patient Advocacy and Education, and Jennifer Lafferty, MS, RD, CSO, Clinical Oncology Nutritionist Supervisor at the American Oncology Network, to learn about the importance of evidence-based nutrition at all stages of the cancer care continuum on March 8, 2023, at 12:00pm ET. Register today.

ICYMI: COA's Crystal Ball for 2023
With a new year and a new Congress, what developments in cancer policy can advocates expect? COA’s Rose Gerber; COA Managing Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Nick Ferreyros; and COA Executive Director Ted Okon, MBA, discussed what 2023 could mean for cancer care. Stream it on @OncologyCOA's YouTube channel today.

Advocacy Spotlight: Miriam Atkins, MD, FACP
President, COA; former Medical Co-Chair, CPAN; Owner & Partner, AO Multispecialty Clinic

Dr. Miriam Atkins, COA President, owner & partner of AO Multispecialty Clinic, is a strong advocate for community oncology. Drawn to community oncology by its collaborative nature, Dr. Atkins joined the practice following her service in the military where she learned the value of timely, efficient care—qualities that can only be found in independent clinics. At her community oncology practice, Dr. Atkins cultivates a strong and supportive care team who understand the importance of oncology access and intently work to improve it for the patients they serve. Dr. Atkins believes that working in a community oncology setting allows her to see more patients, provide more efficient care, and improve patient experiences.

Dr. Atkins values the mission of COA’s Patient Advocacy Network to educate patients on the value of cancer care provided in a community oncology setting. Through her chapter, launched in 2015, she works to educate members on important issues of patients’ rights, regulatory pressures facing cancer care, and strategies to influence broader cancer policy. Dr. Atkins believes advocacy can demonstrate to key health care and political leaders the importance of independent oncology providers and the need to protect locally delivered cancer care.