George Kovach, MD, became President of the Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) at its 38th Annual National Meeting in March 2012. Dr. Kovach is the medical director of the Genesis Cancer Center, Davenport, Iowa, and one of the founding members of the Iowa Oncology Society (IOS).
“I am honored to serve as President of the Association of Community Cancer Centers,” said Dr. Kovach. “As health-care reform takes center stage this year, ACCC must continue to define quality cancer care, be a strong national advocate with a seat at the discussion table, and represent the needs and goals of the multidisciplinary cancer care team. The Affordable Care Act’s uncertain future offers us an opportunity to shape policy rather than react to it.”
Dr. Kovach has been active in ACCC for many years. He served as ACCC Treasurer and as Co-chair for ACCC’s Subcommittee on Reimbursement.
He has also been a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology Clinical Practice Committee, through his positions in the Iowa Oncology Society. In addition, as a board-certified hematologist, he is on the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee, representing the subspecialty of hematology.
Dr. Kovach participates in NCI-sponsored clinical trials through the Southwest Oncology Group, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP), and the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Trials Support Unit (CTSU).
Dr. Kovach succeeds Thomas L. Whittaker, MD, FACP, of Central Indiana Cancer Centers in Indianapolis, Indiana, who served as ACCC President during 2011-2012.
ACCC Honors Albert B. Einstein, Jr, MD
In other news from the ACCC Annual National Meeting, Albert B. Einstein, Jr, MD, was honored with the ACCC David King Community Clinical Scientist Award for his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the oncology community. Recently retired, Dr. Einstein was the Executive Director of the Swedish Cancer Institute in Seattle, Washington, and a medical oncologist.
The award was presented at the ACCC 38th Annual National Meeting last month. ■
