The Nebraska Oncology Society (NOS) is now the fourth ASCO state affiliate committed to supporting Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, by funding a Young Investigator Award (YIA).
Ralph Hauke, MD, FACP
Nancy R. Daly, MS, MPH
“There’s a great need for oncologists in clinical practice, in general,” said NOS President Ralph Hauke, MD, FACP. “As federal funding gets tighter and the ability for people to get funding for their research becomes very stringent, these kinds of opportunities are important to allow folks to generate preliminary data to spark more grants.”
Though NOS previously supported Conquer Cancer research through ASCO’s State Affiliate Council, this YIA investment is NOS’s first fully funded award and expands the organization’s impact on cutting-edge cancer research.
“The Nebraska Oncology Society is a crucial partner in helping Conquer Cancer develop the next generation of oncology researchers,” said Nancy R. Daly, MS, MPH, Conquer Cancer’s Chief Philanthropic Officer. “We are grateful for its support of the Young Investigator Award, as well as its commitment to developing a sustainable oncology research pipeline in Nebraska.”
In addition to funding the YIA, NOS is making a concerted push to reach students, residents, and fellows to encourage careers in oncology research. Alongside Cancer Alliance in Nebraska, NOS is developing a pilot project to launch a website for tracking all clinical oncology trials in the state. With the Nebraska Cancer Coalition, NOS also serves on the human papillomavirus (HPV) steering committee to promote Nebraska’s HPV vaccination education efforts. Other projects include outreach efforts related to cancer screening and prevention.
“Much of what oncology is about is trying to improve care for patients,” said Dr. Hauke. “We’re trying to become the place that’s a unifying point for people who care for oncology patients.”
NOS funding is not limited to Nebraska researchers. Yi-Tsung “John” Lu, MD, the 2019 recipient of the Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO/Nebraska Oncology Society YIA, earned his medical degree from the University of Taiwan and is as an oncology fellow at the University of Southern California Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center in Los Angeles.
Yi-Tsung “John” Lu, MD
Dr. Lu noted that advances in cancer research cannot happen without the funding community. “I appreciate the Nebraska Oncology Society for its generous support to junior researchers like me. With all the help from the cancer research community, I hope we will continue to improve the care of our patients following the path of our mentors.”
NOS was founded in 1995 to organize and unite Nebraska’s oncology community. Today, more than 185 members rely on the society to stay informed on regulatory issues, exchange ideas, and share best practices.
© 2020. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
