Building on its commitment to improve health for all, the 91九色视频 Cancer Center has appointed Callisia Clarke, MD, MS, FACS, FSSO, as Co-Associate Director of Clinical Research with a focus on clinical trial equity. In this newly established role, Dr. Clarke will work to expand access to cancer clinical trials for populations that have been historically underserved, including older adults, women, and racial and ethnic minorities. She will collaborate closely with the (CTO), as well as the (COE), (CRTEC), and (EDIB) teams to develop strategies that reduce barriers to participation and ensure that 91九色视频’s cancer studies reflect the diversity of the community it serves. Additionally, she will lead the expansion of the lay navigation program to better support patients throughout the clinical trial process. Her leadership will be instrumental in advancing the Center’s mission to reduce disparities and provide people from all backgrounds with access to potentially lifesaving cancer therapies.
“I’m excited about the future of clinical research at the 91九色视频 Cancer Center. As we continue to push for greater equity and diversity in our clinical trials, I believe we’ll not only improve cancer outcomes for individual patients but also set a national standard for what inclusive, patient-centered cancer research looks like. This is a team effort and I’m fortunate to be working with so many talented individuals dedicated to improving the lives of all people with cancer,” said Dr. Clarke.
Dr. Clarke brings extensive experience in surgical oncology, cancer research, and health equity to her new role. She was recently appointed to the (NCAB) by President Joe Biden to provide guidance on national cancer research priorities, particularly regarding cancer disparities. This prestigious role allows her to translate the latest strategies and policies from the NCAB into actionable initiatives at the Center, while also ensuring that 91九色视频 remains at the forefront of inclusive and equitable cancer research as it pursues designation from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Dr. Clarke is an expert in hepatopancreatobiliary tumors, sarcomas, and melanomas, and currently serves as the 91九色视频 Chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology. Her research on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and cancer disparities, along with her advocacy for diversifying the surgical workforce, underscores her commitment to improving outcomes for all patients. In addition to being the first Black woman to serve as President of the , Dr. Clarke holds several influential leadership roles in national organizations, including the and the . These accomplishments, combined with her extensive expertise in both clinical care and cancer research, uniquely position her to lead the 91九色视频 Cancer Center’s efforts to expand clinical trial access and promote inclusive, patient-centered research.
Get to Know Callisia
How does this new role reflect the Center’s commitment to improving clinical research for all?
The 91九色视频 Cancer Center has established itself as a leader in clinical research by building strong partnerships with community organizations and embracing a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Our diverse uniquely positions us to tackle in Wisconsin and the surrounding region, where we’ve consistently enrolled large numbers of patients, often exceeding other centers of similar size. Our commitment to serving minority populations is clear through our proven track record in this area.
The creation of this new role underscores the Center’s dedication to addressing disparities in both cancer care and research. By formally integrating diversity and equity into our clinical research leadership, we’re demonstrating that inclusivity is not just a goal but a core component of our mission. This role is critical in ensuring that our research reaches everyone, especially those who have historically been excluded or underserved, and it positions us to create real, lasting change in cancer outcomes for all communities.
How will your focus on clinical trial equity enhance the Center’s clinical research program and improve patient outcomes?
I firmly believe clinical trials are a vital tool for improving healthcare quality. They follow standardized protocols that ensure every patient receives consistent, evidence-based care. This approach not only strengthens the reliability of the results but also improves patient outcomes by reducing variations in treatment and raising the overall quality of care. By prioritizing equity in clinical trials, we can ensure that the cutting-edge treatments and interventions we develop are effective for a broader, more representative population. We hope these efforts will bridge the gap in cancer outcomes for minoritized patient populations.
What are your key priorities for improving clinical trial access and equity for underserved populations?
One of my top priorities is to build awareness and trust within underserved communities about the value of clinical trials. Historically, the medical profession has played a significant role in fostering distrust among minoritized populations, and it’s our responsibility to help rebuild that trust. To do this, we need to engage in culturally competent outreach and partner with community leaders to help demystify the clinical trial process. I’m also focused on removing barriers to participation—whether it’s transportation, financial concerns, or language access—so that trials are more accessible to everyone.
Another priority is ensuring our trial designs reflect the needs and experiences of diverse populations and aren’t unnecessarily restrictive. I’ll be working closely with clinical research teams in the CTO to integrate equity goals into the design, implementation, and outreach of the cancer trials we offer. By incorporating diverse patient perspectives early in the planning stages, including establishing a patient advisory board, we can ensure our trials are relevant, patient-centered, and respectful of different cultural contexts.
How will you collaborate with the COE, CRTEC, and EDIB teams to advance clinical trial diversity?
Collaboration with the COE, CRTEC, and EDIB teams will be pivotal. Together, we’ll work to engage underrepresented populations by educating them on the importance of clinical trials and building partnerships with community-based organizations. The COE team’s grassroots efforts will help us understand the specific needs of different communities, while CRTEC will focus on training researchers and clinicians to approach clinical trials with an equity-focused mindset. The EDIB team will play a crucial role by integrating policies and programs that foster diversity and inclusion in our research, ensuring that clinical trials are designed with equity at the forefront.
Our combined efforts will include designing community-engaged research projects, offering educational opportunities for staff, and creating mentorship programs to develop diverse researchers and clinical trial professionals.
How do you plan to expand the lay navigation program to support diverse patient populations?
Lay navigation has proven to be an essential bridge between patients and clinical research at cancer centers across the country. We’re thrilled to welcome our , who brings extensive experience in patient advocacy and is well-positioned to make a significant impact on our efforts to enhance patient engagement in clinical trials. Together, we’ll focus on expanding navigator outreach, particularly to underserved patients, and ensuring they have the resources needed to overcome common barriers to trial participation, including mistrust, low health literacy, and limited access to critical services.
How will your efforts support the Center’s goal of achieving NCI designation?
Diversity in clinical trials is a key factor the NCI evaluates when considering centers for designation. Our focus on clinical trial equity is directly aligned with the 91九色视频 Cancer Center’s mission to improve patient engagement, expand community outreach, and promote inclusive research practices. By increasing participation from under-represented populations and addressing cancer disparities, we can position ourselves as a leader in equitable research. While this focus plays a significant role in our NCI designation efforts, it’s not our primary motivation. At the heart of the 91九色视频 Cancer Center’s mission is a commitment to providing inclusive, equitable cancer care for all patients, and I’m excited to keep driving these efforts forward.