The University of Illinois Cancer Center was well represented at the 11th Annual Association of American Cancer Institutes (AACI) Clinical Research Innovation symposium held July 9-11 in Rosemont, Ill. The theme of the meeting was “Strategies to Maximize Innovation to Advance Cancer Clinical Research.”
Robert Winn, MD, director of the UI Cancer Center, participated in a panel discussion that discussed innovative ways to enroll patients from diverse backgrounds to clinical trials. Panelists focused on resources to increase the recruitment and engagement of patients from minority groups, improve screening using community data, and common challenges that prevent cancer centers from reaching adequate representation of minorities. Also participating on the panel with Winn was Chanita Hughes-Halbert, PhD, associate dean for assessment and evaluation, Medical University of South Carolina, who is a member of the UI Cancer Center’s External Advisory Board (EAB).
Ahlam Al-Kodmany, PhD, associate director of administration at the UI Cancer Center, participated in a panel discussion on how to manage teams, resolve conflicts and inspire performance. Real-world examples and strategies were provided to attendees that can be applied to a variety of work environments, including clinical trials offices.