Association of Community Cancer Centers Congratulates Monica Bertagnolli, MD on her Appointment to Lead the National Cancer Institute

Rockville, MD – The Association of Community Cancer Centers (ACCC) today released the following statement of support for President Biden’s nomination of Monica Bertagnolli, MD, FACS, FASCO, as the new Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

“Dr. Bertagnolli has the talent, skill and commitment to excellence required to lead the nation’s professional oncology community in its aggressive pursuit of making the renewed Cancer Moonshot a reality. Her expertise in community-based research and recognition of the unique and essential role that community oncology care teams play in advancing research and science will help remove barriers and improve access to high quality cancer care for all patients”, said Leigh Boehmer, PharmD, BCOP, Chief Medical Officer for the Association of Community Cancer Centers. ACCC looks forward to working with Dr. Bertagnolli on shared priorities, including:

• Improving diversity in cancer clinical trials and the research workforce;
• Reducing cancer mortality through efforts to increase cancer screening and early detection; and
• Building more inclusive models of care, emphasizing the capabilities of community oncology programs and practices.

“Dr. Bertagnolli is an excellent choice for this paramount position. She is an accomplished, respected clinician and researcher who has made equitable care and decreasing barriers to clinical trial participation a priority,” said Emily Touloukian, D.O., chair of the ACCC Clinical Affairs Committee.