Speaker Profile
M.D., Professor of Medicine, Assistant Prof. of Radiation Oncology, Duke Cancer Institute
Biography
Since 2010, Dr. Blackwell has served as the director of the Breast Cancer Program in the Duke Cancer Institute, overseeing all basic and translational research programs involving breast cancer patients. Blackwell serves on the national Scientific Advisory Board of the Susan G. Komen Foundation. One of the nation’s leading breast cancer researchers, Blackwell has played a major role in developing therapies that represent revolutionary non-chemotherapy based approaches for treating breast cancer. Her work on promising new therapies that selectively target breast tumor cells led to her inclusion on TIME magazine’s 2013 list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Blackwell has authored or co-authored more than 70 articles or book chapters. She has clinical and research interests in breast cancer angiogenesis, breast cancer in younger women, endocrine therapy, and targeted therapy for breast cancer and has served as the principal investigator or co-principal investigator of more than 50 clinical trials. Among her honors, Blackwell is a recipient of the Young Investigator Award in breast cancer from the Duke University Specialized Program of Research Excellence; the Duke Cancer Center Malek Family Award for outstanding cancer investigation; and the Joseph Greenfield Award for Mentorship of Clinical Research. In 2015 she was recognized as a distinguished Caskey Lecturer by the University of South Carolina, and was awarded the Distinguished Alumni award by Duke University. Blackwell received her undergraduate degree in bioethics at Duke University and her medical degree at Mayo Clinic Medical School. She completed an internal medicine internship and residency and a hematology-oncology fellowship at Duke University Medical School, where she joined the faculty in 2000.
Session Abstract
Session Synopsis: Advancing precision medicine is ultimately about ensuring patients get state of the art care for their personal health situation, and too few patients receive that now. Obstacles are reimbursement issues and awareness; not just among physicians, but also patients and family members. Patients can be allies of industry and researchers to overcome these obstacles and patient-activists are already at work on this. Learn about the Precision medicine for Me initiative bringing together numerous patient groups and industry leaders to accelerate positive change and save and extend the lives of people living with complex illnesses.
