COA Welcomes New Leadership: Debra Patt Elected as President
The Community Oncology Alliance (COA) has officially appointed Debra Patt, MD, PhD, MBA, as its new president, marking a significant transition in leadership within the organization. Based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Patt has extensive experience in breast cancer treatment and holds the position of executive vice president at Texas Oncology. She succeeds Miriam Atkins, MD, FACP, who has served as president since 2023. Dr. Patt, alongside other newly elected officers, will begin their one-year terms on January 1, 2025.
Joining Dr. Patt in key roles are S. McDonald Wade III, MD, from Virginia Cancer Institute, elected as vice president, and Emily Touloukian, DO, from Coastal Cancer Center, who will serve as secretary. Each of them has been an active member of COA for several years, contributing significantly to the board and various committees within the organization.
COA is a non-profit organization devoted to advocating for independent community oncology practices across the United States. The primary mission of COA is to ensure that cancer patients receive high-quality, accessible, and affordable care in their own communities, where most cancer treatment occurs for the majority of Americans diagnosed with cancer.
Dr. Patt expressed her commitment to reinforcing the importance of community oncology in the broader healthcare landscape. "Community oncology serves as the backbone of the nation's cancer care infrastructure, and it is essential that patients continue to have access to independent oncology practices within their communities," she stated. She emphasized the need for collective voices to champion patients' rights and the support their treatment teams require.
The new leadership structure is poised to advance COA’s efforts in promoting public policy, education, and advocacy in favor of community oncology practices. Dr. Patt noted the importance of ensuring that all patients can benefit from modern cancer treatments and advancements, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and backing for their care journeys.
In addition to the elected officers, COA has welcomed new board members. Rosa Fletcher, CEO of Oncology Consultants in Houston, Texas, and Harsha Vyas, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at the Cancer Center of Middle Georgia in Dublin, Georgia, have been elected to the Board of Directors. Both individuals have previously played significant roles in COA's various initiatives and will bring their expertise to the organization.
Current board members Lakshmi Aggarwal, MD, and Gary Kay, MD, are set to rotate off the board by the end of 2024, and COA extends its heartfelt appreciation for their valuable contributions to the community oncology sector throughout their service.
For a detailed overview of the COA leadership, members can visit the official COA website, where they'll find the updated list of officers and board members posted in 2025. Those wanting to keep up with advancements in community oncology and ongoing initiatives can stay informed through the COA’s online platforms.
The Community Oncology Alliance remains a pivotal player in advocating for patient-focused cancer care, ensuring the voices of both community oncologists and patients continue to resonate within the healthcare system. With Debra Patt at the helm, the future looks bright as COA strives to further enhance the delivery of cancer care across the nation.
Joining Dr. Patt in key roles are S. McDonald Wade III, MD, from Virginia Cancer Institute, elected as vice president, and Emily Touloukian, DO, from Coastal Cancer Center, who will serve as secretary. Each of them has been an active member of COA for several years, contributing significantly to the board and various committees within the organization.
COA is a non-profit organization devoted to advocating for independent community oncology practices across the United States. The primary mission of COA is to ensure that cancer patients receive high-quality, accessible, and affordable care in their own communities, where most cancer treatment occurs for the majority of Americans diagnosed with cancer.
Dr. Patt expressed her commitment to reinforcing the importance of community oncology in the broader healthcare landscape. "Community oncology serves as the backbone of the nation's cancer care infrastructure, and it is essential that patients continue to have access to independent oncology practices within their communities," she stated. She emphasized the need for collective voices to champion patients' rights and the support their treatment teams require.
The new leadership structure is poised to advance COA’s efforts in promoting public policy, education, and advocacy in favor of community oncology practices. Dr. Patt noted the importance of ensuring that all patients can benefit from modern cancer treatments and advancements, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and backing for their care journeys.
In addition to the elected officers, COA has welcomed new board members. Rosa Fletcher, CEO of Oncology Consultants in Houston, Texas, and Harsha Vyas, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at the Cancer Center of Middle Georgia in Dublin, Georgia, have been elected to the Board of Directors. Both individuals have previously played significant roles in COA's various initiatives and will bring their expertise to the organization.
Current board members Lakshmi Aggarwal, MD, and Gary Kay, MD, are set to rotate off the board by the end of 2024, and COA extends its heartfelt appreciation for their valuable contributions to the community oncology sector throughout their service.
For a detailed overview of the COA leadership, members can visit the official COA website, where they'll find the updated list of officers and board members posted in 2025. Those wanting to keep up with advancements in community oncology and ongoing initiatives can stay informed through the COA’s online platforms.
The Community Oncology Alliance remains a pivotal player in advocating for patient-focused cancer care, ensuring the voices of both community oncologists and patients continue to resonate within the healthcare system. With Debra Patt at the helm, the future looks bright as COA strives to further enhance the delivery of cancer care across the nation.
Topics Health）
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