Cristina P. Rodriguez, MD - (Seattle WA) – Dr. Rodriquez is a Physician at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance and Associate Professor, Division of Medical Oncology University of Washington School of Medicine, Associate Professor, Clinical Research Division Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center specializes in treating patients with head and neck cancer and salivary gland cancer. Dr. Rodriquez's expertise also includes treating thyroid and lung cancers. While there have been significant advances in the prevention, detection, and treatment of these diseases, there are certain ethnic and demographic groups who continue to experience poor outcomes. These groups tend to have limited access to care and may experience exposure to risk factors — such as tobacco, alcohol, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections — that can contribute to cancer. Her hope is that disparities in cancer care will be alleviated in her life through public awareness and collaborative efforts between the scientific community and health policymakers.

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Dr. Clieto Reyes-Gibby (Houston TX) – Dr. Reyes-Gibby is an Associate Professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine and Associate Professor in the Department of Biostatistics at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor at The University of Texas School of Public Health. Dr. Reyes-Gibby is a population-based scientist, and the focus of her research is on the application of classical and molecular epidemiology approaches to understanding the complex interaction among clinical, epidemiological, and biological/genetic factors on the occurrence and persistence of cancer-related symptoms and toxicities of cancer treatment. She is the 2016 recipient of the Provost Distinguished Faculty Mentor Award at MD Anderson.

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Dr. Emilia Diego (Pittsburgh, PA) – Dr. Diego is an Assistant Professor of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Section Chief, Breast Surgical Oncology Program Director, Breast Surgical Oncology Fellowship Director, Pre-Menopausal Breast Cancer Program. Dr. Emilia Diego received her medical degree from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Manila, Philippines. She completed a residency in general surgery at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, Pa., and a surgical breast oncology fellowship at UPMC. Dr. Diego is board-certified in surgery and specializes in premenopausal breast cancer, breast conservation therapy, locally advanced breast cancer, and high-risk breast disease. Dr. Diego is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology, American Society of Breast Surgery, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Surgeons, and the Association of Women Surgeons.

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Dr. Marlon Saria (Los Angeles, CA) – Dr. Saria is an advanced practice registered nurse serving in multiple roles ranging from direct clinical care to program development and management. His program of research is grounded on two overlapping themes- the effect of cancer- and cancer-related toxicities on patient outcomes and the impact of caregiver burden on caregiver well-being outcomes, patient health outcomes, and healthcare utilization outcomes. Dr. Saria serves in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a flight commander in the aerospace medical squadron. He was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing in 2014.

 

Dr. Richard R. Gomez MD, FCAP (Topeka, Kansas.) - Dr Gomez is a Board Certified Anatomic and Clinical Pathologist (since 1991) and served in the US Army from 1976-1999, both as an enlisted research associate and as a Medical Corps officer (Pathologist). He was a partner with Topeka Pathology Group from January 1999 to May 2019, and served as Medical Director of the Main Laboratory at St Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS for over six years. He is licensed to practice medicine in several states, including Texas, Kansas, and Arizona. He is a Fellow of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and served on the CAP Board of Governors for five years and as the Secretary/Treasurer of the CAP for six years.

Dr Gomez has over 30 years experience in laboratory accreditation and regulatory affairs. His experience involves both domestic and international laboratories, and he has given many presentations on laboratory accreditation. He also has many years experience as a CLIA Laboratory Director, and recently served as Medical Director of HTPN Laboratory in Dallas TX, which is part of Baylor Scott and White Health from 2019 until 2021.

Currently, he is a working as a contract inspector for the CAP and leading domestic inspection teams.  His leadership experience spans local and national professional organizations, from the county and state level to the national level. He has led many CAP committees and councils, including the CAP Council on Accreditation.

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