Over the past few years I have seen the impact of our collective work -- new trials, new educational programs, new technology – all of which make the investigators job a bit easier. We now run investigator-initiated trials through Georgia CORE, there are relationships between academic scientists and community oncologists where none existed previously and there is a network in place which enables us to expand research and education. I have particularly enjoyed the growth of the NCI Community Clinical Oncology Program into northwest Georgia. Now residents of Rome and the surrounding area have access to trials not previously available. This is just one example of how we can improve cancer care in Georgia by working together.

I have been known to say that there is a bit of an optimist in all oncologists. We have to maintain a positive attitude for our patients and for ourselves. Georgia CORE gives us an outlet for this optimism – a way to build infrastructure to support new research, an opportunity to explore new discoveries and open new trials. Ultimately, we are all seeking the same success in new cures for cancer.