Session Chair Profile
M.D., Associate Professor of Medicine and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine
Biography
Dr. Ford’s overall research goals are to understand the role of genetic changes in cancer genes in the risk and development of solid tumors. The laboratory focuses on how DNA repair and DNA damage response pathways are critical to tumorigenesis and are potential candidates for targeted therapeutics and prevention. Dr. Ford also directs the Stanford Cancer Genetics Clinic. Dr. Ford has extensive experience in training and mentoring students, fellows and junior faculty members in biomedical sciences and translational research, and many former students and fellows have gone onto faculty positions at prestigious academic centers. He is the Director of the Stanford Oncology Fellowship Training Program and PI of an NCI-supported T32 training grant. In summary, Dr. Ford has a demonstrated record of successful laboratory and translational clinical research, and a track record of mentoring physician-investigators into independent academic careers.
Session Abstract – PMWC 2019 Silicon Valley
Session Synopsis: Precision oncology adoption into the clinical oncology workflow has been slow despite the technical and scientific advancements in molecular diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. Precision oncology incorporates in-depth genomic analysis of the patient’s tumor, interpretation of genomics results by the molecular tumor board (MTB), translation of findings into actionable therapeutic approaches, as well as navigation of the insurance and payor landscape in support of patients and providers. This session includes participants from various cancer centers that will share their learnings and the resulting added value to their institutions and medical communities, as well as the challenges they have to overcome when applying precision oncology through the MTB process.
