The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has awarded Warren Smedley, UAB Health System Cancer Service Line director, with a Board of Producers Award for making major contributions to the NCCN. Smedley was presented the honor because of the exemplary service he has provided through the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center and UAB Medicine, by helping the NCCN achieve its mission through his passion to improve the care of people with cancer.
“Warren brings important insights and thoughtful perspectives to the Board and to Committee discussions,” said NCCN Chief Executive Officer Robert Carlson, M.D. “His innovative ideas for structuring meetings and projects help to maximize their value.”
In addition, the NCCN Foundation also awarded Rebecca Arend, M.D., assistant professor in the UAB Division of Gynecologic Oncology, with a Young Investigator Award for her work on the role of TGF-β in immune suppression in suboptimally debulked ovarian cancer patients. This is the first time the Young Investigator Award has been given to a UAB faculty member. The award supports career development of up-and-coming innovative cancer researchers. Each YIA grantee will receive up to $150,000 in funding over a two-year period.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network is a not-for-profit alliance of 27 leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research and education. It is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care so that patients can live better lives.