Cancer Center Supports 2026 Healio Disruptive Innovators Awards
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
University of Illinois Cancer Center members participated in the 2026 Healio Disruptive Innovators Awards, held during the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago this spring.
The Cancer Center is the presenting partner of the annual Health Equity Award, which recognizes leaders who are advancing equitable cancer care and addressing disparities in health outcomes.
Cancer Center’s Deputy Director VK Gadi, MD, PhD, presented the Health Equity Award to Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, BDS, PhD, MPH, CHES, of Duke University, in recognition of his contributions to improving cancer outcomes and advancing health equity. A member of the Duke Cancer Institute, he is an associate professor in head and neck surgery, communication sciences, population health sciences, and associate research professor of global health at Duke University School of Medicine. His research focuses on health disparities, global oncology and improving outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer. He serves as principal investigator on multiple research grants and mentors future physician-scientists through Duke University's Otolaryngology Surgeon-Scientist Career Path Program.
Cancer Center member and UI Health Oncologist Shikha Jain, MD, served as emcee of the event, which celebrates innovators whose work is transforming cancer care, research, advocacy, and patient engagement. The annual Healio Disruptive Innovators Awards honor physicians, researchers, advocates, institutions and other leaders whose innovative work is shaping the future of cancer care.
In addition, fellow Cancer Center member and UI Health oncologist Karine Tawagi, MD, presented the Social Media Award to Eric K. Singhi, MD, from the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, recognizing his contributions to oncology communication and education through digital platforms.
