Working Behind the Scenes for Patients With Lung Cancer

Jody Ruth Steinhardt, M.P.H., CHES, is the coordinator of the lung cancer screening program at Maimonides Medical Center, where she started her career 30 years ago as the oncology program coordinator.

I have known Jody for six years. She has worked tirelessly to advance the understanding of the critical importance of lung cancer screening. Jody is a champion for patients with lung cancer. As the coordinator for the lung screening program, she has a detailed understanding of lung screening criteria, qualifications for screening and the latest updates on early screening data. Jody advocates for her patients, getting to know them, educating them on the importance of early screening and outlining all risks and benefits of testing.

She diligently follows up to ensure they are getting the proper referrals for treatment and making sure they are aware of why and when to return for follow-up screening.

Jody joined the American Lung Association LUNG FORCE initiative at its inception in 2014. Her efforts in fundraising and advocacy have helped to raise thousands of dollars toward research and education about the benefits of early screening and new and effective therapies. Jody has been a valued member of the LUNG FORCE Expo educational event planning committee, bringing her passion and expertise to a forum where health care professionals, patients and their caregivers come to learn about the latest in treatments, medications, resources and research to help those living with lung cancer and other lung diseases lead healthier, active lives.

I enthusiastically nominate Jody Ruth Steinhardt for the Lung Cancer Heroes® award.

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