Cancer Liaison Program
Established in 1963, the Cancer Liaison Program of the Commission on Cancer was developed as a grassroots network of physician volunteers willing to manage clinically related cancer activities in their local institutions and surrounding communities.
Initially, membership was limited to surgeons; however, membership was expanded in the 1970's to reflect the multidisciplinary composition of professionals who care for patients with cancer. Today, 40 percent of the 1,800 Cancer Liaison Physicians represent non surgical disciplines.
What are Cancer Liaison Physicians?
Cancer Liaison Physicians are volunteers who are responsible for providing the leadership and direction to establish, maintain, and support their facility's cancer program consistent with the criteria set by the Approvals Program of the Commission on Cancer; who facilitate submission of cancer program data to the National Cancer Data Base and use of the comparative data provided back to the facility; and who work with the local American Cancer Society to develop and support cancer control programs for the community.
At the state level, leadership for Cancer Liaison Physicians is provided by surgeons called State Chairs. Several states have more than one State Chair to manage the geographic distribution of Cancer Liaison Physicians in the state. State Chairs serve as the main contact person within the state for information about the programs and activities of the Commission on Cancer.
The Cancer Liaison Physician for Southern Ohio Medical Center is Thomas Khoury, MD. Dr. Khoury became cancer liaison effective Jan. 1, 2003.
Cancer Liaison Physicians are selected by their respective facility's cancer committee. They serve a three-year term and may be re-elected to additional three-year terms at the discretion of the facility's cancer committee.
As part of his role, Dr. Khoury organizes quarterly community cancer symposia to help educate the community.
