Acceptance, Accolades, and Opportunities

“Dear Dr. Chism, Congratulations! On behalf of ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology),  it is with great pleasure that I inform you of your admittance to the ASCO Leadership Development Program (LDP).” 

These words begin the acceptance notification from ASCO sent to Thompson Oncology Group’s David Chism, MD, on April 13, 2022.  Dr. Chism is a board-certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist and the Medical Director of Clinical Research for Thompson Cancer Survival Center.

Scott Warwick, CAO of Thompson Cancer, submitted a letter to the ASCO selection committee to show his enthusiasm and support of Dr. Chism as a worthy candidate. Mr. Warwick begins, “For the last two  years, I have been not only impressed by Dr. Chism’s  leadership as the first medical director for  clinical research for Thompson but also by his embrace of our pledge of excellence and ‘the patient always comes first’ care.” He continues, “Dr. Chism has worked tirelessly to help bring exciting trials here and as a result of his research efforts and relationships, he has garnered a level of respect amongst his peers and the community.”

A Prestigious Program 

ASCO started this year-long Leadership Development Program in 2009 to train and support future leaders in medicine. Dr. Chism is one of only sixteen oncologists selected to be part of the 2022-23 group. This cohort of physician participants will further develop their leadership skills by interacting with an executive coach and through mentorship from ASCO leaders. ASCO’s LDP creates opportunities for participants to network with oncology thought leaders, research and present recommendations from projects, and influence and impact solutions to ASCO strategic issues.

Dr. Chism stated in response to being notified of his selection, “I am excited about the opportunity and I look forward to sharing any insights discovered.” His intention to share these insights with his peers in the medical community and the teams here at Thompson Cancer elevates the esteem and resources of the whole cancer care program. Seeking out and obtaining this opportunity is simply the latest continuation of Dr. Chism’s desire to improve cancer care.  

Leading the Way

In 2021 Dr. Chism, as the clinician champion, applied for Thompson Cancer to participate in a pilot project sponsored by ASCO and the Association of Community Cancer Centers seeking to increase racial and ethnic diversity in cancer clinical treatment trials.

Thompson was one of the seventy-five cancer centers nationally selected to partner with the ASCO/ACCC initiative for a site self-assessment tool and implicit bias pilot training program.

Dr. Chism also led the way for Thompson Cancer Survival Center to be part of the Covid-19 & Cancer Consortium (CCC19). In January 2022, Dr. Chism was listed as a co-author on a study completed by the CCC19 titled “Assessment of Regional Variability in COVID-19 Outcomes Among Patients with Cancer in the United States”¹ and published in JAMA Network Open.

An Asset and Example

Mr. Warwick’s recommendation letter ends with thoughts that aptly capture the goal and growth alignment between Dr. Chism and Thompson. “In summary, Dr. Chism has the potential to become a national leader in clinical research. Thompson shares his commitment to improving health equity and finding solutions to barriers to access and participation in clinical trials for our most vulnerable patients.  He is a role model for exactly the type of physician and person that embodies Thompson excellence.”

Congratulations again Dr. Chism! Posts will be added to share updates on Dr. Chism’s journey and participation in ASCO’s LDP.  

To learn more about Dr. David Chism and hear him speak about his philosophies, click here to view his introductory video.

Visit Thompson Cancer’s Clinical Research page for more information on clinical trials.

References

1. Hawley JE, Sun T, Chism DD, et al. Assessment of Regional Variability in COVID-19 Outcomes Among Patients With Cancer in the United States. JAMA Network Open. 2022; 5(1):e2142046. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.42046