Melissa Childress, MBA, serves Vice President of Cancer Services at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University.
On August 25th, Melissa will speak at Becker's Hospital Review Oncology Virtual Forum. As part of an ongoing series, Becker's is talking to healthcare leaders who plan to speak at the virtual event, which will take place on August 25, 2020.
To learn more about the conference and Melissa's session, click here.
Question: What is the No. 1 concern you have for your practice amid the pandemic?
Melissa Childress: Continued financial viability in the wake of the economic realities created by the pandemic – increase in uninsured and underinsured patient population. Worried about folks not seeking care and an increase in bad debt.
Q: How have your priorities changed since the pandemic began?
MC: Increased focus on care in the virtual space, and creating opportunities for social distancing in face-to-face care.
Q: Where are the biggest opportunities in cancer care in 2020 and beyond?
MC: Renewed energy towards screening and prevention. Will need to continue to educate patients about these matters and seek care early to avoid disease progression pre-treatment.
Q: What is the most exciting clinical innovation in cancer care today?
MC: Immunotherapies, minimally invasive procedures, proton therapy – in general, therapies that prolong life with increased quality of life.