The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s Scientific Advisory Board and Medical Advisory Board Have Joined Together

As of July 1, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will be guided by a combined Scientific and Medical Advisory Board (SMAB) in planning and implementing the organization’s research programs and information and education services for patients, families and healthcare professionals. An Emeritus Scientific and Medical Advisory Board, including scientists and clinicians who were previous board members, will also lend their expertise when called upon.

Chaired by Vincent Picozzi, MD, of Virginia Mason Medical Center, the newly combined SMAB consists of leading cancer scientists, clinicians and healthcare professionals from institutions across the United States who specialize in pancreatic cancer. Dr. Picozzi served on the formerly separate Medical Advisory Board since 2008 and was its immediate past chair.

As the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network grows and initiates new programs, the need to draw upon both scientific and medical perspectives for programmatic initiatives is greater. Having a single board facilitates idea sharing and interaction between scientists and clinicians and streamlines communication. Within the combined board, committees will be formed to focus on selected programs before the entire board is engaged to make recommendations.

“We are excited about this new chapter in our history,” said Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, “and we believe that the new board structure will help us accelerate progress toward our goals.”