Rachel Sanborn, M.D., co-director of Providence Thoracic Oncology Program, traveled to Salem to participate in Tobacco Prevention Lobby Day on April 8. She spoke with state representatives about the dangers of hookah smoking and about proposed legislation regulating hookah bars.
Earlier, Eric Bernstein, M.D., M.P.H., and John R. Handy Jr., M.D., testified before the Oregon House Health Care Committee in support of House Bill 2726, which requires that tobacco products and smoking instruments be sold solely for off-premises use.
Michael Gough, Ph.D., and his research team received a three-year, $450,000 grant from Susan G. Komen for the Cure to study therapies for metastatic cancer. Andrew Weinberg, Ph.D., has received a three-year, $935,000 Laboratory-Clinical Transition Award from the Department of Defense Prostate Cancer Research Program. Dr. Weinberg and his laboratory are researching a clinical-grade protein to treat prostate cancer.
John R. Handy Jr., M.D., director of Providence Thoracic Surgery Program, received the 2011 Outstanding Clinician Award from the Oregon Thoracic Society, which recognized Dr. Handy for a distinguished career and his contribution to the organization. Dr. Handy also was one of three finalists for the national American Thoracic Society’s Outstanding Clinician Award given in May.
Mark Whiteford, M.D., F.A.C.S., medical director of Providence Colon and Rectal Surgery Program, provided a KATU reporter with a close-up view of the Super Colon, a touring interactive exhibit that made a stop at Providence Portland Medical Center in February. He also was featured in Boom!, a Community Newspapers supplement.
Todd Crocenzi, M.D., medical director of Providence Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, was interviewed by KATU’s “AM Northwest” on the importance of colorectal screening. He appeared with Tim Evans, a Portland police officer treated for stage III colon cancer. Dr. Crocenzi also was interviewed by KOIN Local 6 as part of Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March.
Walter Urba, M.D., Ph.D., was profiled in the Portland Business Journal for his role leading the international study on the melanoma drug ipilimumab. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the drug under the brand name Yervoy in March.
Brendan Curti, M.D., was interviewed in a KGW-TV segment about the dangers of tanning beds. One of Dr. Curti’s patients developed melanoma that was believed to be caused by tanning. She is being treated at Providence Cancer Center with the experimental vaccine OncoVEX.
Bernard Fox, Ph.D., appeared on KATU’s “AM Northwest” to talk about the risks and treatments for melanoma, including Yervoy. Dr. Fox is chief of the Laboratory of Molecular and Tumor Immunology at Providence Cancer Center.
“Technological Advances in Head and Neck Oncology and Craniomaxillofacial Surgery” in Portland July 22-24.
Providence Integrative Medicine experts have planned a series of public lectures to discuss the use of nutrition, exercise and natural medicine to reduce risk, enhance survival and improve cancer patients’ quality of life.
The single-session forums review practical tools to help prevent cancer. Providence experts also will provide information about how acupuncture, massage and naturopathic medicine can reduce the side effects of cancer treatments.
Forums take place at various Providence medical centers from noon to 1:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month through Dec. 6.
The lectures are free, but registration is requested. Participants can register online or call the Providence Resource Line at 503-574-6595.
Speaking engagements
Providence Cancer Center is home to renowned cancer specialists who are available to discuss your interests and needs along with our research and cases. We can offer CME as well. If you’re interested in arranging a face-to-face exchange, please email Cathy Betzer, cathy.betzer@providence.org, or call 503-215-6724.
