Advisory Committee

Thomas LeBlanc, MD, is a medical oncologist, palliative care physician, and patient experience researcher, and serves as Chief Patient Experience and Safety Officer for the Duke Cancer Institute. His clinical practice focuses on the care of patients with hematologic malignancies, with a particular emphasis on myeloid conditions and acute leukemias including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), and myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs / MPDs, CML). 

Dr. LeBlanc’s research investigates common issues faced by people with cancer, including issues of symptom burden, quality of life, psychological distress, prognostic understanding, and treatment decision-making. This work aims to improve patients' experiences living with serious illnesses like blood cancers, including the integration of specialist palliative care services to provide an extra layer of support along with their comprehensive cancer care.

Dr. LeBlanc received his medical degree from Duke University in 2006. He also completed his residency and fellowship from the Duke University School of Medicine.

Keri R. Maher, DO, MS, is the Director of the Acute Leukemia Program at the Massey Cancer Center, and Assistant Professor at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Maher is also affiliated with Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center.

Dr. Maher has a research focus on the clinical impact of social determinants of health, including comorbidities, financial/insurance obstacles, transportation barriers, and inadequate caregiver support, and the ways in which they contribute to disparities and inequities in treatment for patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Dr. Maher completed her DO at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, CA, and her residency at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson, AZ.

Geoff Uy, MD, is a Professor at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, MO. A member of the Oncology Division of The Department of Medicine, Dr. Uy’s clinical specialties include leukemia and stem-cell transplantation. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology and serves as Consult a Colleague for Acute Leukemia.

Dr. Uy’s research is focused on the development of new agents and treatment approaches for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and acute leukemias. His primary research focus is on modulating tumor microenvironment interactions to improve therapy for acute leukemia. Dr. Uy is also leading an investigator-initiated study of BL8040 in combination with chemotherapy for patients with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Dr. Uy earned a dual master’s degree and medical degree in biology and biomedical sciences from the Washington University School of Medicine. He also earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biological sciences from Cornell University.

Lara Widener serves as a Quality Manager at Bon Secours Mercy Health System, specializing in healthcare quality improvement within the field of oncology. Her expertise lies in analyzing data, identifying areas for improvement, and developing strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

Ms. Widener earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and teaching from the University of South Carolina Upstate.