“The key is, MRD is actually telling us that there is circulating evidence of a residual ember, right there in this patient.” – Dr. Doug Flora. When there is residual disease detected, the doctor and patient can work together to choose the best way to extinguish that ember before the fire starts again.
In this video, two thought leaders in medical oncology discuss how groundbreaking advancements are transforming cancer diagnostics and treatment decisions. Take a deep dive with Dr. Doug Flora and Dr. Debra Patt who share insights into how these tools provide a clearer crystal ball for guiding patient care, minimizing treatment burdens, and giving patients more confidence in their health journey.
About the speakers
Deborah Patt, MD, PhD
Dr. Debra Patt is a practicing oncologist and breast cancer specialist in Austin, Texas, and an executive vice president of Texas Oncology with responsibilities in healthcare policy and strategic initiatives. She is an active leader in breast cancer and research in healthcare informatics driving digital healthcare tool adoption in clinical practice to improve the patient journey. She is the managing partner for the central Texas, Gulf, and Rio Grande Valley regions in Texas Oncology since 2023. Dr. Patt is also the medical director for public policy for The US Oncology Network and has testified before the US Congress and Senate to protect access to care for cancer patients. She has chaired the council on legislation and the cancer committee for the Texas Medical Association.
Dr. Patt serves as the current vice president of the Community Oncology Alliance and is on the ASCO Board of Directors. She also chairs the Artificial Intelligence Task Force for ASCO and is the liaison for the clinical innovation committee. She lectures medical students and is a professor at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin.
Doug Flora, MD
Dr. Doug Flora and an oncologist and executive clinical leader with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to ending cancer as we know it. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Flora is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified professional. At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, he serves as the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services, where he directs clinical operations, strategic planning, and the expansion of cancer programs. Dr. Flora co-founded the Center for Precision Medicine & Genomic Health, leading innovative precision medicine programs and research, and established a national model cancer screening program. His efforts include planning, constructing, and fundraising for two state-of-the-art cancer centers, supporting over 60 oncology providers across six centers. As Editor-in-Chief of ‘AI in Precision Oncology,’ the first peer-reviewed academic journal on the subject, Dr. Flora works to advance knowledge and integration of AI in oncology.
Dr. Flora is the Vice Chair of the regional American Cancer Society Board and serves on the executive board of the Association of Community Cancer Centers, an organization with almost 50,000 members, contributing to advocacy, education, and innovation in the cancer community. To accelerate the integration of AI tools in cancer care, he also co-founded Tensor Black, Inc., alongside other mission-driven oncology and technology partners.
The doctors featured in this webinar have the following financial relationships to disclose:
- Deborah Patt, MD, PhD
- Quest Diagnostics customer and Haystack Early Experience Program participant; An honorarium was paid as part of a consulting agreement
- Doug Flora, MD
- Key opinion leader; An honorarium was paid as part of a consulting agreement
