CAZENOVIA, NY, August 15, 2024 – NCODA is excited to announce the addition of five highly esteemed professionals to its Executive Council: Natalie Dickson, MD, Ken Komorny, PharmD, BCPS, Kim Le, PharmD, Wafa Samara, PharmD, and Nathan Shumway, DO, FACP. These new appointees bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the oncology field, reinforcing NCODA’s Mission to support healthcare providers and advance the quality of cancer care.
“The appointment of Kim, Ken, Natalie, Nate, and Wafa significantly enhances our Council. Their extensive backgrounds and commitment to patient-centered care align perfectly with our Mission,” said NCODA Founder and Executive Director, Michael Reff, RPh, MBA. “There are critical issues facing the oncology landscape including access to care, managing essential drug inventory, ongoing reimbursement challenges and cost increases which are areas of focus for our organization. We look forward to working with our new Council members with their expertise and reach to continually improve care delivery,” added Reff.
“As leaders in oncology care, we are committed to ensuring healthcare providers have the tools they need to deliver the highest quality of patient care. A key part of this commitment is building a diverse representation that brings perspectives from across the United States. With the addition of our new Council members from various regions, we can expand our provider reach and elevate care for even more patients,” states Randy Erickson, RN, BSN, MBA, NCODA Executive Council Chair.
New Executive Council Members:
Natalie Dickson, MD | President and CEO, Tennessee Oncology
Dr. Natalie Dickson, a dedicated Hematology-Oncology practitioner for over 20 years, leads Tennessee Oncology, one of the nation’s largest community-based oncology practices. Dr. Dickson is committed to evidence-based clinical practice, high-quality care, and the optimization of clinical information systems. She earned her medical degree at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica, and completed her residency and fellowships at the University of Virginia, Georgetown University, and Vanderbilt University. Dr. Dickson also holds a Master of Management in Healthcare from Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management.
Ken Komorny, PharmD, BCPS | Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, Moffitt Cancer Center
Ken Komorny oversees all pharmacy services at Moffitt Cancer Center, where he has implemented significant advancements in pharmacy operations, clinical services, and investigational drug services since 2018. Ken is a strong advocate for safe medication practices and has played a crucial role in policy changes at the state and national levels. He holds a Doctor and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and is Board Certified in Pharmacotherapy.
Kim Le, PharmD | Vice President of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Kaiser Permanente
Kim Le provides executive leadership for all national clinical pharmacy services and programs at Kaiser Permanente. With extensive experience in pharmaceutical budgeting, formulary development, and investigational drugs, Kim has held key roles including Director of Pharmacy at USC Norris Cancer Hospital and Director of Value Engagement at TESARO. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy and Bachelor of Science from Washington State University, and completed her residency at Desert Regional Medical Center.
Wafa Samara, PharmD | System Vice President and Chief Pharmacy Officer, City of Hope
Wafa Samara is the Chief Pharmacy Officer at City of Hope, overseeing strategic planning, business growth, and ensuring high standards of quality and safety nationwide. Previously, she held leadership roles at the National Institutes of Health and VA, including Chief of Pharmacy Services and Chief Operating Officer. She has bridged cancer innovation with patient access, positioned the pharmacy as a strategic partner, and expanded pharmacists’ roles in oncology. Wafa is an advocate for diversity and inclusion in cancer care and a member of several professional organizations. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Florida and has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Healthcare Woman of the Year and an APhA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Nathan Shumway, DO, FACP | Medical Oncologist and Hematologist, Texas Oncology
Nathan Shumway has practiced medical oncology and hematology for over twenty years, bringing a diverse perspective from his work in various healthcare sectors, including federal, community, academic, and private practice. Dr. Shumway began his career as an active-duty officer in the Army Medical Corps, completing his Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, followed by hematology and medical oncology Fellowship training at Brooke Army Medical Center. He then spent ten years in academic medicine, serving as Program Director for the joint Army/Air Force Hematology & Oncology Fellowship at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium. He has also taken on leadership roles, including serving as Area Medical Director for the San Antonio region and contributing to the Texas Oncology Pharmacy & Therapeutics committee, and the US Oncology P&T Executive Council.
Learn more about the full NCODA Executive Council here.
About NCODA
NCODA is the leading medically integrated oncology non-profit organization dedicated to empowering cancer care professionals to deliver positive, patient-centered outcomes through leadership, expertise, quality standards, and best practices. NCODA believes that the coordination of care facilitated through a medically integrated approach enhances quality by engaging all stakeholders on the care team, reduces the opportunity for waste and errors, and avoids needless costs to patients. NCODA offers education and resources to oncology professionals and industry partners through the development of quality standards, best practices, and advocacy. Founded in 2015, NCODA has helped over 3,000 medically integrated practices and over 11,000 medical professionals across the world, in delivering better, personalized oncology care. Our team is a group of committed, patient-centered community builders who connect medical providers with the vital information and resources they need to transform the outcomes of those fighting cancer. For more information, visit www.ncoda.org or follow us on LinkedIn
Media Contact:
Katie Edmiston
NCODA
katie.edmiston@ncoda.org
813.843.1629