George Sledge, M.D., can add yet one more title to his long list of impressive credentials and titles: President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Dr. Sledge is most known for his ground-breaking work in breast cancer research, with a specific interest in the use of angiogenesis blockers, or disruption of the blood supply, in the treatment of breast cancer.

When asked what this presidency means to him, Dr. Sledge said, “As ASCO president, I have the opportunity to act as an ambassador for my oncology colleagues here in Indiana. We have a proud tradition of great cancer care and of cancer research excellence through the Hoosier Oncology Group. I also get the opportunity to work with [Hoosier Oncology Group] member Dr. Robin Zon, newly elected to the ASCO Board of Directors as a community practice member.”

Dr. Sledge’s presidency is especially meaningful to Hoosier Oncology as his goals strongly align with our mission to bring leading cancer research to the community setting. “My goals as ASCO president include support for the clinical trials infrastructure at a national level: community physicians play a crucial role in ground-breaking clinical trials, and it is important for our patients that we maintain our research excellence. This is particularly the case given our rapidly-evolving understanding of cancer biology, and the new agents flowing into the clinic that make use of that understanding. It should be an exciting year”, Sledge said.

Robin Zon, M.D., FACP, can also add ASCO board member to her many accomplishments and leadership contributions in the cancer community. Dr. Zon held the vice-chair position for Hoosier Oncology Group board of directors the previous four years and continues to co-chair the Clinical Trials Working Group Breast Cancer subcommittee. Dr. Zon described her new role and responsibilities: “I consider the opportunity to serve as a newly elected member to the ASCO Board of Directors a privilege, as well as a responsibility to further ASCO’s mission and commitment to cancer care. Upon first impression, the dedication of the current board members and ASCO staff is readily apparent. The diversity of oncology backgrounds represented on the board, each with a unique skill set, encourages integration of experiences in a complementary way in order to achieve a shared vision. As one of the community oncology representatives, I look forward to working with highly knowledgeable and respected colleagues. Perhaps the most distinctive and delightful aspect for me, is the ‘golden’ opportunity to serve under the leadership and guidance of our new president, George Sledge. Having known George for over 15 years, I am confident that under his direction, working with the board will be an experience of a lifetime.”

Congratulations to Drs. Sledge and Zon for their tremendous accomplishments. We are grateful for your continued commitment to Hoosier Oncology cancer research.

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group) conducts innovative cancer research in collaboration with academic and community physicians and scientists across the United States. The organization provides comprehensive clinical trial management and support, from conception through publication. Created in 1984 as a program of the Walther Cancer Institute, Hoosier Cancer Research Network became an independent nonprofit clinical research organization in 2007. Since its founding, Hoosier Cancer Research Network has initiated more than 150 trials in a variety of cancer types and supportive care, resulting in more than 300 publications. More than 4,400 patients have participated in Hoosier Cancer Research Network clinical trials.