Global Cancer Institute Welcomes New President, Dr. Ben Ho Park, MD, PhD

Park leads GCI to Accelerate Programs for Underserved Cancer Patients

Global Cancer Institute (GCI), focused on improving survival rates for underserved cancer patients worldwide, announced today that it welcomes Dr. Ben Park as President.

“Ben has been a leader in GCI for many years and is the natural fit for the position of President. I am excited to hand him the reins,” said Dr. Paul Goss, Founder of GCI.

Dr. Park, Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, TN, has long served GCI as a Co-Chief Medical Officer and is now expanding his role as President. Among his past appointments, Park’s prior work as the Co-Leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program, Associate Director for Translational Research and Director of Precision Oncology at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center as well as leader of an international molecular tumor board will synergistically support advancing GCI’s mission.

“I am excited to welcome this exciting new chapter for GCI. With Dr. Park’s deep expertise in oncology, we are confident that he is the perfect person to advance GCI,” said Paul Damp, Chair, GCI Board of Trustees. “Dr. Park’s ability to broadly partner with leaders across the oncology field and lead interventions that share information and expertise with oncologists working around the world make him a great fit to lead this special organization.”

“Dr, Goss has been an inspiration to many in the oncology field, and I am honored to now help advance his legacy through GCI’s programs and impact. It is a privilege to guide these efforts and expand work addressing the urgent need for cancer care assistance in resource-limited countries,” said Park.

GCI is known for its focus on developing countries, where cancer death rates are double those in the U.S. Its primary programs are:

• Global Tumor Boards aim to improve patterns of clinical care broadly by providing opportunities for physicians and oncologists in developing countries to connect directly to U.S. physicians via videoconference to discuss challenging cancer cases and ask advice.
• Patient Navigation Programs help cancer patients in low resource hospital systems to overcome barriers to receiving care. Patient Navigators help patients better navigate their diagnosis and the health system, including help finding physicians, accessing insurance benefits, booking treatment and follow-up appointments, and understanding their diagnosis and treatment plan.
• Scholars and Fellows Program offers scholarship opportunities to allow early career doctors to come to U.S. based cancer centers and acquire skills and information to better serve patients in their home countries. Over the years, GCI has cultivated a significant asset in its network of global ambassadors, who are now shaping the practice of oncology in their home institutions and countries.

To learn more about GCI’s global programs, visit https://globalcancerinstitute.org/

About Global Cancer Institute

Global Cancer Institute (GCI) is focused on improving survival rates for underserved cancer patients worldwide. Today, cancer death rates in developing countries are double those in the U.S. – GCI is working to close that gap. GCI works directly with physicians in developing countries to propagate simple interventions and treatments that are common in the U.S. today, and proven to accelerate diagnosis, access and treatment. Learn more about our programs at https://globalcancerinstitute.org/