2012 News
All news items from 2012
Wrapped up in making a difference
Tori Frahm has experienced just eight Christmases, but she epitomizes the true spirit of the holiday. She and her family organized collection and delivery of 750 presents for pediatric oncology patients and their siblings at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The gifts helped 125 families have a brighter holiday.
Hepatitis C virus hijacks liver microRNA
Mechanism explains how virus survives in the liver and how a new antiviral works
Nancy Thomas, MD, PhD, appointed first Irene and Robert Alan Briggaman Distinguished Professor
Nancy E. Thomas, MD, PhD, was appointed the first Irene and Robert Alan Briggaman Distinguished Professor. The professorship is named in honor of Dr. Briggaman, who served as chair of the UNC Department of Dermatology from 1987-1999, and his wife, Irene.
UNC GI oncologists author editorial in the Journal of Clinical Oncology
UNC Lineberger GI Oncology program directors Joel Tepper, MD, and Bert O’Neil, MD, co-authored an editorial in the December 10, 2011 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Tepper is the Hector McLean Distinguished Professor of Cancer Research. O’Neil is associate professor of medicine.
New research study examines behavioral economics of colorectal cancer screening in underserved populations
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A new study at UNC Chapel Hill will examine what complex and conjoined behavioral factors influence low income people to pursue colorectal cancer screening and what strategies could increase screening rates in disadvantaged communities.
Gonzalez-Crespo talks about his work as a Spanish interpreter and what it means to him
Ruben Gonzalez-Crespo, a Spanish interpreter at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, was highlighted in the November 2011 issue of the University Gazette in an article titled "Former singer finds new voice helping others battle cancer."
Haithcock talks about esophageal cancer in recent interview
Benjamin E. Haithcock, MD, an assistant professor in UNC's Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery and a member of UNC Lineberger, discussed esophageal cancer in an interview that was aired on the January 5, 2012 segment of the radio show "Make it Happen."
Technology tackles dieting and exercise, Tate comments
Deborah Tate, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Health Behavior and Health Education and the Department of Nutrition at UNC-Chapel Hill, is quoted in the article "Latest gadgets give diets, workouts a high-tech boost" published in today's issue of The News & Observer.
UNC Lineberger geriatric oncology program leaders co-author Journal of Clinical Oncology editorial about older women and breast cancer
UNC Lineberger Geriatric Oncology program leaders Hy Muss, MD, and Jan Busby-Whitehead, MD, co-authored an editorial in the December 10, 2011 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Muss is professor of medicine. Busby-Whitehead is professor of medicine, and director of the UNC School of Medicine’s Center for Aging and Health and Division of Geriatric Medicine.
UNC radiation oncologists co-author Journal of Clinical Oncology editorial on breast cancer radiotherapy and coronary artery stenosis
Timothy Zagar, MD, assistant professor of radiation oncology, and Lawrence Marks, MD, professor and chair of radiation oncology, co-authored an editorial in the December 27, 2011 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Tar Heel 3-point shots benefit UNC Lineberger thanks to Coca-Cola
Coca-Cola and Tar Heel Athletics team up to help cancer research and treatment.
Chase Jones pitches Basebald for the Cure to teams across the country
When Chase Jones organized Basebald for the Cure, he hit a home run!
UNC surgeons co-author study on breast cancer treatment decision making
Chapel Hill, NC - How much medical information does a woman understand and retain about her breast cancer diagnosis? UNC scientists participated in a four-institution study involving 440 women with early-stage breast cancer and found that breast cancer survivors had limited knowledge about their surgical options, including an understanding of something as important as the risk of recurrence.
Latest in treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma, Park comments at annual ASH meeting
As part of Patient Power® coverage of the annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), UNC Lineberger member Steven Park, MD, talks about the latest in treatment for Hodgkin Lymphoma.
UNC scientists collaborate to find first major genetic mutation associated with hereditary prostate cancer risk
Chapel Hill - After a 20-year quest to find a genetic driver for prostate cancer that strikes men at younger ages and runs in families, researchers have identified a rare, inherited mutation linked to a significantly higher risk of the disease.
UNC scientists collaborate on colon cancer therapy comparative effectiveness study
In 2008 UNC and Harvard University’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston were selected by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality to carry out accelerated practical studies examining the comparative effectiveness of cancer treatments. The collaboration is called the Cancer Developing Evidence to Inform Decisions about Effectiveness (DEcIDE) Comparative Effectiveness Consortium.
Triangle Bladder Cancer Support Group: Here to Help
Bladder cancer patients in the Triangle area are not alone. They have a monthly group where “true loving support for each other” is shared, says David Langham, a bladder cancer survivor and one of the organizers of the group.
N.C. Cancer Hospital on “Great Oncology Program” list
Becker's Hospital Review has named the N.C Cancer Hospital as one of "70 Hospitals with Great Oncology Programs."
Marks talks about newest radiation treatment and what it offers
Lawrence Marks, MD, chair of UNC's department of radiation oncology and a UNC Lineberger member, is quoted in the article "TomoTherapy offers safer radiation" published in today's issue of The News & Observer.
UNC and partners to study policies to restrict tobacco marketing at point of sale: multi-institutional $6.7 million research grant awarded
The way tobacco products are marketed and sold changed with the June 2009 passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. For example, this law mandates larger and stronger warning labels on packs and advertising and prohibits the sale of “light” and clove cigarettes. The FDA Act also now allows states and local communities to regulate the time, place, and manner of tobacco advertising. Thus, states could restrict tobacco promotions or restrict the location of tobacco advertising.
UNC scientists publish results from breast cancer survivors wellness workshops
Scientists from UNC Lineberger have published a report describing an outreach program they developed for breast cancer survivors in four NC counties.
New directory helps connect low-income women to cervical cancer services in North Carolina
A new online resource is available to help connect women and adolescents to life-saving cervical cancer-related services.
Weighing the difference: switching to water, diet beverages can tip the scales
Making a simple substitution of water or diet soft drinks for drinks with calories can help people lose four to five pounds, a new University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study shows.
UNC Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology rated among the very best
Training the next generation of scientists is vital to continued progress in understanding cancer and all human disease. But how do students evaluate the programs offered by colleges and universities to decide which program is the best fit for them?
Military family celebrates their own kind of touchdown on Super Bowl Sunday
Super Bowl Sunday was super for another reason.
First Cancer Transitions Workshop a success
UNC Lineberger’s Carolina Well and the Comprehensive Cancer Support Program (CCSP) offered a workshop on “Cancer Transitions: Promoting Wellness & Group Process” for community outreach coordinators and their community partners as well for interested UNC nurses and staff.
Managing the impact of drug shortages
The story "Shortages Of Life-Saving Drugs Getting Worse" aired today on WFAE 90.7, Charlotte's NPR news source.
Men share emotional support through written messages
The story "Men find emotional support on hospital bathroom's dry erase board" aired on February 23, 2012 on WRAL.
Testicular cancer treatment, one patient's story
UNC Lineberger patient David Alston talks about the treatment he is undergoing for testicular cancer.
North Carolina-based genetic resources fuel big scientific progress
Chapel Hill, NC – A series of 15 scientific papers published this week in the journals of the Genetics Society of America (Genetics and G3: Genes|Genomes|Genetics) put North Carolina at the epicenter of a scientific resource called the Collaborative Cross – a “library” of genetic diversity that scientists believe can help fast-track important discoveries about genetics and disease into new discoveries, tests, and treatments that impact human health.
Muss, Keith talk about cancer care and families
Loretta Muss, Coordinator of the N.C. Cancer Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Board, and fellow board member, Ryan Keith, talked about cancer care & families on the February 25, 26, and 27 broadcasts of YOUR HEALTH®.
Wallen named 2012 American Urological Association Teacher of the Year
This award, initiated by the AUA Residents Committee and approved by the AUA Board, is presented annually to recognize an outstanding urology educator or program director who has dedicated a portion of his/her career to teaching residents and advancing urology graduate medical education.
Drug helps purge hidden HIV virus, study shows
CHAPEL HILL -- A team of researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have successfully flushed latent HIV infection from hiding, with a drug used to treat certain types of lymphoma.
Protein complex affects cells’ ability to move, respond to external cues
Chapel Hill, NC – In a paper published today in the journal, Cell, a team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has explained for the first time how a long-studied protein complex affects cell migration and how external cues affect cell’s ability to migrate.
Tobacco companies, convenience stores form 'deadly alliance' to entice kids to smoke, report says
Tobacco companies have enlisted convenience stores as their most important partners in marketing tobacco products and fighting policies that reduce tobacco use, according to a report released today by leading public health organizations, including The University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Gershon receives grant to study brain tumor, develop novel therapy
Timothy Gershon, MD, PhD, assistant professor of neurology, has received a four-year National Institutes of Health Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award grant from the National Institute of Neurologic Disease and Stroke.
Small DNA circles found outside the chromosomes in mammalian cells and tissues, including human cells
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have helped identify a new DNA entity in mammalian cells and provided evidence that their generation leaves behind deletions in different locations of the cells’ genetic program, or genome.
UNC study identifies pockets of high cervical cancer rates in North Carolina
A study of cervical cancer incidence and mortality in North Carolina has revealed areas where rates are unusually high.
UNC research center receives contract to fight kidney cancer
The Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has received a contract from SAIC-Frederick, Inc. to develop potential drug leads for treating renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
UNC researchers: Benefits of varenicline (Chantix) may balance certain risks
Drs. Christine E. Kistler and Adam Goldstein discuss how clinicians can better have conversations about the balance between short-term risk of adverse cardiovascular events associated with taking Chantix compared to the long-term reduction in the risk of death that results from smoking cessation.
real doctors, real people - N.E.D.
N.E.D. is a rock band. The members of the band are gynecologic cancer surgeons from all over the country and two of them, Dr. John Boggess and Dr. John Soper, work here at UNC Health Care.
Hiding emotions may exacerbate depression among black men who confront racial discrimination
Enduring subtle, insidious acts of racial discrimination is enough to depress anyone, but African-American men who believe that they should respond to stress with stoicism and emotional control experience more depression symptoms, according to new findings from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Lung cancer highlights from 2011, Weiss provides insight
Jared Weiss, MD, gave a podcast titled "2011 Highlights in Lung Cancer" that was posted on cancergrace.org on March 15, 2012. In the podcast, Dr. Weiss talks about highlights in lung cancer from 2011 and also answers questions.
Aspirin use may offer cancer prevention benefits, Baron dicusses on MedPage Today
John Baron, MD, was interviewed by Charles Bankhead of MedPage Today on March 21, 2012 to give his perspective on three recently published reviews in "The Lancet" and "The Lancet Oncology." The reviews suggest that "regular aspirin use leads to significant reductions in the risk of cancer, metastasis, and cancer mortality."
Joseph Pagano: still going “80 mph”
Internationally renowned virologist; past president of national cancer and international virology associations; National Academy of Science Institute of Medicine member; North Carolina Award for Science winner; revered mentor to faculty, fellows, medical and graduate students; Berryhill Lecturer; proud grandfather; dedicated squash and tennis player; and recent honoree at his eightieth birthday.
UNC Lineberger scientist receives grant for pancreatic cancer research
The Lustgarten Foundation, the nation’s largest foundation dedicated solely to funding pancreatic cancer research, has awarded Channing Der, PhD, a $1.165 million grant to identify promising drug combinations for potential future use in clinical trials.
Ollila, Burkhart talk about teenage tanning bed use
David Ollila, MD, and Craig Burkhart, MD, spoke about teenage tanning bed use at a Child Fatality Task Force committee meeting on March 26, 2012. They discussed the option of banning teenagers below the age of 18 from tanning bed use.
Predictive biomarkers for lung cancer reported in laboratory finding
A team of scientists, including several from UNC Lineberger, has identified predictive genetic biomarkers in pre-clinical models that affect response to therapy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study was done in parallel to an ongoing clinical trial among lung cancer patients at multiple institutions.
Clinical trial of experimental drug targeting mutation in thyroid cancer shows clinical benefit
Chapel Hill - In a clinical trial of an experimental drug to treat thyroid cancer, UNC and six other institutions report the first evidence in this tumor that targeting therapy to an oncogene documented to be present in the patient receiving therapy may be associated with clinical benefit.
Hematologic malignancies rapidly increasing and unaddressed in sub-Saharan Africa
UNC-led team offers clinical, research agenda
Evans quoted in The News & Observer, Scientific American Blog
James P. Evans, MD, PhD, Bryson Distinguished Professor of Genetics and Medicine, is quoted in recent articles in The News & Observer and the Scientific American blog.
UNC’s Neuro-oncology program recognizes Ependymoma Awareness Day on April 19th
UNC Cancer Care’s neuro-oncology program will recognize Ependymoma Awareness Day on April 19th, as part of the program’s overall efforts to increase public awareness of this rare tumor and the need for clinical studies to improve early diagnosis, standardize treatment and improve the health status of those living with this disease.
Sharpless, Zanation honored as Health Care Heroes
UNC Lineberger faculty members Ned Sharpless, MD, and Adam Zanation, MD, were honored for their achievements by Triangle Business Journal as 2012 Health Care Heroes.
Dr. Nancy DeMore and UNC colleagues present triple-negative breast cancer finding at national meeting
Nancy DeMore, MD, and colleagues presented an abstract at the recent Society of Surgical Oncology 65th annual cancer symposium held in Orlando, Florida in March. Dr. DeMore is an associate professor of surgery and a member of UNC Lineberger.
Gene switches do more than flip “on” or “off”
Chapel Hill - Anyone who’s tried a weekend home improvement project knows that to do a job right, you’ve got to have the right tools. For cells, these “tools” are proteins encoded by genes.
Ten minutes could save your life: FREE Head & Neck Cancer Screenings
UNC Health Care will offer free screenings during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, on Wednesday, April 25, from 1 - 4 p.m. in the Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic on the ground floor of the N.C. Neurosciences Hospital.
Kinase test may yield big gains for drug-resistant cancers
Chapel Hill, NC – In a paper published today in the journal Cell, a team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill unveils the first broad-based test for activation of protein kinases “en masse”, enabling measurement of the mechanism behind drug-resistant cancer and rational prediction of successful combination therapies.
UNC scientists describe protein that protects against colon cancer
Chapel Hill - A family of proteins is yielding new information about how it contributes to the development of gastrointestinal disease and cancer. A team of UNC scientists reports that in pre-clinical models, the absence of a protein called NLRP12 significantly increases susceptibility to colitis-associated colon cancer.
Study recommends national standards for tobacco use treatment
National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers should lead the way
Three-dimensional RNA modeling opens scientific doors
Chapel Hill, NC – In a paper published today in the journal Nature Methods, a team from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill demonstrates a simple, cost-effective technique for three-dimensional RNA structure prediction that will help scientists understand the structures, and ultimately the functions, of the RNA molecules that dictate almost every aspect of human cell behavior. When cell behavior goes wrong, diseases – including cancer and metabolic disorders – can be the result.
Coghill receives grant to study graft versus host disease
James Coghill, MD, has received a grant of more than $529,000 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health) to study a promising target for new therapies to combat graft versus host disease, a serious complication of treatment for many blood cancers.
Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy optimal for localized prostate cancer
Chapel Hill - A treatment for localized prostate cancer known as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is better than conventional conformal radiation therapy (CRT) for reducing certain side effects and preventing cancer recurrence, according to a study published in the April 18, 2012 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 2012, approximately 241,740 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Joyce Wilson: On Trips of a Lifetime, Planned and Unplanned
A Wayne County woman doesn’t let cancer, its treatment or its recurrence get in the way of her plans to attend her oldest granddaughter’s high school graduation or her own 45th high school reunion.
UNC scientists describe protein that protects against colon cancer
Chapel Hill - A family of proteins is yielding new information about how it contributes to the development of gastrointestinal disease and cancer. A team of UNC scientists reports that in pre-clinical models, the absence of a protein called NLRP12 significantly increases susceptibility to colitis-associated colon cancer.
International panel recommends new model for breast cancer care
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - As the number of breast cancer survivors increases, now estimated at 2.8 million, more will be living with the chronic effects of cancer treatments or with advanced disease.
Armistead receives Mentored Clinical Scientist Development Award
Paul Armistead, MD, PhD, has received a grant of more than $396,000 from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (part of the National Institutes of Health) to study leukemia stem cell-associated minor histocompatibility antigens.
New book summarizes state of eHealth applications
UNC’s Seth Noar examines intersection of technology and health
UNC junior’s research honored at American Association for Cancer Research meeting
UNC junior Molly DeCristo attended her first international scientific meeting, but not just as a participant. The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) honored her poster with a rosette, judging it as “highly rated,” among the top 2.5 percent of those submitted.
36th Annual UNC Lineberger Scientific Symposium
UNC Lineberger’s 36th annual scientific symposium drew large crowds, with over 450 participants.
Joseph S. Pagano receives 2012 Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award
Joseph S. Pagano, MD, has been awarded the fifth annual Hyman L. Battle Distinguished Cancer Research Award in recognition of his accomplishments in cancer research. Dr. Pagano is the director emeritus of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Milowsky comments on new therapies for bladder cancer
Matthew Milowsky, MD, was recently quoted in the online journal Health News Digest on new therapies for bladder cancer.
UNC study shows potential to revive abandoned cancer drug by nanoparticle drug delivery
Current nanomedicine research has focused on the delivery of established and novel therapeutics. But a UNC team is taking a different approach.
DeSimone elected into National Academy of Sciences
Dr. Joseph DeSimone, PhD, Chancellor's Eminent Professor of Chemistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been elected into the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors that a U.S. scientist or engineer can receive.
Review study makes recommendations to enhance Cancer Comparative Effectiveness Research
Which treatment for prostate cancer is most effective? Will a specific combination of cancer drugs increase patient survival for colon cancer? As the pace of scientific discovery continues to accelerate, patients and their providers face more choices and decisions about how to address their health care needs, and information that can help inform their decisions is often hard to find.
UNC scientist reports ways to improve breast cancer biomarker test
American and Spanish researchers report potential ways for doctors to improve the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer even if they lack access to costly multi-gene tests.
Der receives grant funding for pancreatic cancer research
Channing Der, PhD, Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Pharmacology, received a two-year $200,000 American Association for Cancer Research Innovative grant from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. His grant will fund research on the mechanism of ERK inhibition resistance and ERK-dependent pancreatic cancer.
Postdoctoral fellow receives DOD Visionary Fellowship Award
Idoia Garcia, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Timothy Gershon, MD, PhD, has been awarded a Department of Defense Visionary Postdoctoral Fellowship Award. The peer-reviewed award is intended to support exceptionally talented recent medical or other doctoral graduates in their pursuit of cutting-edge, innovative, high-risk/high-impact cancer research during their postdoctoral fellowship.
Stem cells poised to self-destruct for the good of the embryo
Embryonic stem cells are primed to kill themselves if damage to their DNA makes them a threat to the developing embryo. UNC researchers reveal how they do it.
Thriving on science: in depth with Jason Lieb
Jason Lieb likes to mix it up. A triathlete, he enjoys running, swimming and cycling. In his lab, he works in several model systems: yeast, round worms (C. elegans), fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and human cell lines.
UNC Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program achieves outstanding outcomes
Chapel Hill, NC –A medical procedure called allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, commonly known as a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, is the only known curative option for many patients with life-threatening blood-borne cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma.
Molecular subtypes and genetic alterations may determine response to lung cancer therapy
Chapel Hill - Cancer therapies targeting specific molecular subtypes of the disease allow physicians to tailor treatment to a patient’s individual molecular profile. But scientists are finding that in many types of cancer the molecular subtypes are more varied than previously thought and contain further genetic alterations that can affect a patient’s response to therapy.
Study shows benefit of new maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma
Chapel Hill, NC – Multiple myeloma is a form of cancer where the plasma cells in the bone marrow grow out of control, causing damage to bones as well as predisposing patients to anemia, infection and kidney failure. A medical procedure called autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, commonly known as a stem cell transplant, is frequently an important treatment option for many patients.
DNA replication protein also has a role in mitosis, cancer
The finding presents a possible explanation for why so many cancers possess not just genomic instability, but also more or less than the usual 46 DNA-containing chromosomes.
Grant to fund use of kinase test in HER2-positive breast cancer
Chapel Hill, NC – Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has awarded a grant of almost $900,000 to Lisa A. Carey, MD, and Gary Johnson, PhD, to research clinical applications for the first broad-based test for protein kinase activation and response to inhibitory drugs in HER2-positive breast cancer.
Norman E. Sharpless, MD, appointed the Wellcome Distinguished Professor in Cancer Research
Chapel Hill, NC – Norman E. “Ned” Sharpless, MD, professor of medicine and genetics and Associate Director for Translational Research at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center has been appointed the Wellcome Distinguished Professor in Cancer Research. The professorship was established by the School of Medicine in 1988 with gifts from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund and the William A. Smith Trust of Wadesboro, NC. The gifts were supplemented by the state of North Carolina the Distinguished Professors Endowment Trust Fund to create the endowed professorship.
UNC study highlights diagnosis of lung cancer subtypes
In the processes of treating most cancers, one of the key pieces of information is the appearance of the tumor under the microscope using a technique called light microscopy. In lung cancer, for example, the appearance of the tumor determines both which chemotherapies are safe and which chemotherapies are effective. In addition, tumor appearance also suggests which patients should be tested for mutations that can be targeted by some of the most effective and safest drugs on the market.
Bae-Jump to serve on NCI's Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee
Victoria Bae-Jump, MD, PhD will serve a two-year term as a junior investigator on the Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee of the National Cancer Institute, a member institute of the National Institutes of Health.
Quest to understand Hepatitis C link with liver cancer receives $2.35 million boost
Chapel Hill, NC – Does hepatitis C cause liver cancer due to inflammation associated with the disease, or does the virus interact with host cells in a different way to promote the development of cancer?
Discovery Suggests New Combination Therapy Strategy for Basal-Like Breast Cancers
Chapel Hill, NC – Multiple research projects – including a 2006 study conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – have used DNA microarray analysis to identify several breast cancer subtypes, including luminal A, luminal B, basal-like and HER2-enriched. Simple tests are being developed to help doctors identify these subtypes and to treat their patients in a more biologically-based way. In turn, these tests have made several studies possible that indicate that basal-like, or triple negative breast cancer, is more prevalent in African Americans than their Caucasian counterparts.
UNC Oncology Chaplain Named North Carolina Chaplain of the Year
Chapel Hill - Patricia Cadle, MRE, BCC, Oncology Chaplain at UNC Health Care’s Department of Pastoral Care, was honored as the 2012 Chaplain of the Year by the North Carolina Chaplains’ Association. This award is presented annually at the Association’s spring conference in recognition of “distinguished ministry in pastoral care” to a chaplain “who serves patients, community and colleagues with grace and innovation.”
BCBSNC Names Dr. Lisa Carey to Board of Trustees
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) has announced Dr. Lisa Carey, Medical Director of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) Breast Center and Associate Director of UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, as the newest member of its board of trustees.
N.C. Children's Hospital achieves high rankings in several specialties including cancer
Congratulations to the N.C. Children’s Hospital for receiving top rankings in 10 out of 10 clinical categories in U.S. News & World Report’s 2012-13 “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” list. The N.C. Children’s Hospital is ranked 26th in cancer.
Science, surgery, and start-ups - in depth with Dr. Nancy DeMore
UNC surgeon-scientist Dr. Nancy DeMore says, “As a physician, I’m acutely aware of how much more we need to learn about breast cancer and how urgently we need better therapies. It really gives me hope to be in the lab and to know that I’m working towards something that may make things better for patients.”