WELCOME TO VITALS, THE PULSE OF GEORGIA LIFE SCIENCESIn this incredible, timely, and informative episode of VITALS, Maria Thacker, the CEO of Georgia Life Sciences, interviews Lynn Durham, President and CEO of Georgia Core, who discusses her journey from government and politics to leading a nonprofit focused on cancer care. Georgia Core, founded in 2003, aims to improve cancer care through research, education, and advocacy. The organization collaborates with healthcare systems across Georgia, emphasizing patient-centered care and clinical trials. Durham highlighted the importance of diversifying funding sources, including federal grants and industry partnerships. She also mentioned the Georgia Cancer Trial Finders program and a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign. Durham's personal experiences with cancer and her commitment to improving cancer care drive her work.Lynn Durham's Journey and Role at Georgia CoreMaria introduces Lynn Durham, President and CEO of Georgia Core, and highlights the importance of her work in the oncology space.Lynn shares her career journey, starting with her work at Georgia Tech in government and politics, and her transition to becoming the president's chief of staff.Lynn discusses her personal connection to cancer, having survived thyroid, breast, and chronic myeloid leukemia, and her involvement with Georgia Core's survivorship advisory board.Lynn explains how she was asked to lead Georgia Core after the previous president retired, despite her initial plans to pursue higher education.Georgia Core's Mission and StructureMaria asks about the meaning of "core," which stands for the Center for Oncology Research and Education.Lynn explains that Georgia Core was founded in 2003 by Governor Roy Barnes to ensure Georgians had access to cancer care without leaving the state.Georgia Core works with doctors, hospitals, and healthcare systems to improve cancer care through research, education, and advocacy.The organization is not patient-facing but focuses on connecting researchers, providers, and patients to improve cancer care outcomes.Collaboration and Advocacy EffortsLynn emphasizes the importance of collaboration among physicians, administrators, and researchers to improve cancer care in Georgia.Georgia Core has a strong board of 20 members, mostly oncologists, who work together to benefit Georgians.The organization works with various healthcare systems across the state, including Northside, Emory, and Valdosta, to address different cancer care needs in different regions.Lynn highlights the role of advisory boards and regional cancer coalitions in ensuring patient voices are integrated into research and care delivery.Funding and DiversificationLynn discusses the funding sources for Georgia Core, including state funds, federal grants, and industry partnerships.The organization has diversified its funding sources to include federal grants and industry sponsorships, reducing dependence on state funds.Georgia Core also generates funds through license plates and a state income tax line for cancer research.The organization funds seed grants for university researchers and supports nonprofits to provide cancer screenings and other services.Policy and Advocacy ChallengesLynn addresses the challenges posed by uncertain federal and state policies on healthcare access, research funding, and drug pricing.The uncertainty has impacted Georgia Core's ability to plan and secure funding for long-term projects.The organization has had to adapt to changes in funding availability, including the need to hire clinical research nurses and navigators.Lynn emphasizes the importance of advocacy and working with legislators to ensure continued support for cancer care initiatives.Workforce Development and Oncology TalentLynn discusses the challenges of workforce development in the oncology field, including recruitment and retention in rural areas.Georgia Core has established a Cancer Care Access Committee to address workforce issues, including oncology nurses, PAs, and navigators.The organization is working with the Technical College System of Georgia and AHEC to introduce students to oncology careers and develop apprenticeship programs.Lynn highlights the need for legislative support to provide loan forgiveness for healthcare professionals working in rural areas.Innovative Programs and InitiativesLynn introduces the Georgia Cancer Trial Finders program, which helps patients and caregivers find clinical trials for various cancer types.The program has received over 90 referrals and is proving to be a valuable resource for patients and researchers.Georgia Core has launched a statewide colorectal cancer awareness campaign targeting people aged 25 to 54, aiming to increase awareness and early detection.The campaign includes creative elements like "weird looking stools" in bars and coffee shops to raise awareness about colorectal cancer symptoms.Personal Motivation and Future OutlookLynn shares her ...
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