CoC Announces CLP Outstanding Performance Award Winners  

The CoC Cancer Liaison Program hosts the annual Cancer Liaison Physician (CLP) award program to recognize outstanding performance by CLPs in their role as the physician quality leaders of their cancer programs. The eight CLPs chosen to receive this award have demonstrated an exceptional understanding of the CoC Standards and the NCDB reporting tools; identified and brought forward specific issues to the hospital’s cancer committee to improve patient care; fostered a strong relationship with the American Cancer Society; and much more. 

Ikechukwu Akunyili, MD 
WellSpan Adams Cancer Center 
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 

David Byrd, MD, FACS 
University of Washington Medical Center/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center 
Seattle, Washington 

Edwin Chiu, MD 
NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County 
Brooklyn, New York 

Ryan K. Cleary, MD 
Erlanger Health System 
Chattanooga, Tennessee 

Megan B. Nelson, MD, FAAPMR 
UofL Health – UofL Hospital & Brown Cancer Center 
Louisville, Kentucky 

Sharona Ross, MD, FACS 
AdventHealth Tampa 
Tampa, Floria 

Melwyn Sequeira, MD, FACS, FRCS 
MyMichigan Health System 
Midland, Michigan 

Carolyn L. Thomas, MD, FACS 
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas 
Dallas, Texas 

The CoC congratulates the award winners and thanks them for their leadership and dedication to improving quality of care for cancer patients. The 2025 nomination period will start in the spring.