Embracing Innovation and Compassion

As we near the coming of a new year, we feel a renewed excitement for the opportunities we have at Winship for our science to bring hope to our patients and their loved ones.

In this issue, we look inside the hearts and homes of women and men caring for their loved ones who are facing cancer—and inside Winship’s research labs where life-changing medicines begin.

Interventional radiologist Zachary L. Bercu, MD, RPVI, FSIR, asks in his “Pioneering Perspective” editorial whether a culture of innovative thinking will help us address health care's most pressing challenges. Then we hear from four Winship researchers whose innovative thinking is helping to change the game for people living with cancer.

Our cover story, “The Caregivers,” offers intimate snapshots of six Winship patients and the family members who stepped up to advocate and care for them during their challenges with cancer. At Winship, we consider caregivers to be essential members of the health care team. In our patient profile, we feature Loriana Hernandez-Aldama, whose experience with not one, but two types of cancer taught her the importance of being her own best advocate.

We are excited to share the news about Winship’s new research partnership with the American Cancer Society to identify interventions that can reduce the burden and risk of cancer—and increase the likelihood that cancer will be diagnosed at an early stage. Equally exciting is the promise of personalized anti-cancer vaccines offered by mRNA and other new vaccine technologies being studied at Winship.

In our interview with the new dean of the Emory University School of Medicine, surgical oncologist and cancer researcher Sandra L. Wong, MD, MS, shares her impressions of Winship—before and since coming to Emory.

Gail Grimmett reflects on her years of supporting Winship since her late husband, Darrell, was treated for multiple myeloma. She has been a top fundraiser for the Winship 5K since it began in 2011, the year she and Darrell first came to Winship. Most recently, she made a planned gift that will establish a distinguished professorship in multiple myeloma research.

Our “Inspiring Hope” feature in this issue is Nicole C. Schmitt, MD, FACS, co-director for translational research in Winship’s Head and Neck Cancer Program. This Q&A illustrates why her patients rave about her ability to help them feel safe and comfortable.

Thanks to all for your interest and support on behalf of our clinicians, researchers and, most of all, our patients.

With deep appreciation,

Suresh S. Ramalingam, MD, FACP, FASCO