“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
Debra Patt, MD, PhD
Dr Debra Patt is a breast cancer specialist and practicing oncologist based in Austin, Texas. She serves as Executive Vice President of Texas Oncology, where she oversees healthcare policy and strategic initiatives. A recognized leader in breast cancer research and healthcare informatics, Dr. Patt advocates for the adoption of digital healthcare tools in clinical practice to enhance the patient experience. Since 2023, she has been the managing partner for Texas Oncology’s Central Texas, Gulf, and Rio Grande Valley regions.
Dr Patt also serves as the Medical Director for Public Policy for The US Oncology Network and has testified before the U.S. Congress and Senate to safeguard cancer patients’ access to care. She has chaired both the Council on Legislation and the Cancer Committee for the Texas Medical Association.
In addition, Dr. Patt is the President of the Community Oncology Alliance and a member of the ASCO Board of Directors. She chairs ASCO’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force and serves as the liaison for the Clinical Innovation Committee. As a professor at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin, she is actively involved in educating medical students and future oncologists
Doug Flora, MD
Dr Doug Flora is a seasoned oncologist and executive clinical leader with over two decades of experience, committed to transforming cancer care. A graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health, he is also a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. As the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Dr. Flora oversees clinical operations, strategic growth, and the advancement of cancer programs. He co-founded the Center for Precision Medicine & Genomic Health, spearheading precision medicine initiatives and research while developing a nationally recognized cancer screening program. His leadership has also been instrumental in planning, funding, and constructing two cutting-edge cancer centers, supporting over 60 oncology providers across six locations.
Dr Flora is the Editor-in-Chief of AI in Precision Oncology, the first peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to artificial intelligence in oncology. He serves as Vice Chair of the regional American Cancer Society Board and sits on the executive board of the Association of Community Cancer Centers, a nearly 50,000-member organization focused on advocacy, education, and innovation in oncology. To further accelerate AI-driven advancements in cancer care, he co-founded Tensor Black, Inc., collaborating with like-minded oncology and technology experts.
The doctors featured in this webinar have the following financial relationships to disclose:
- Debra 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
