News

Pictured, clockwise from top left: Drs. Paula Fracasso, Jason Fleming, Naoko Takebe, and Jennifer Woyach

The AACI Physician Clinical Leadership Initiative (PCLI) Steering Committee is delighted to share that Paula Fracasso, MD, PhD, FACP, has been selected to serve as chair beginning January 1, 2026. Dr. Fracasso serves as senior advisor, VCU Massey Cancer Service Line, and assistant director, Cancer Research Training and Education Coordination (CRTEC) at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center, bringing a strong record of clinical leadership and program development to this role.

We also acknowledge the outstanding service of Karen Reckamp, MD, MS, who has completed their term as chair. Dr. Reckamp’s dedication and vision have played a key role in strengthening PCLI’s efforts to elevate physician leadership across AACI member centers.

PCLI is pleased to welcome three newly elected steering committee members, who will also begin their terms on January 1:

• Jason Fleming, MD, deputy director for clinical affairs, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, UT Southwestern Medical Center

• Naoko Takebe, MD, PhD, associate director of clinical research and section chief of solid tumor oncology, Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma

• Jennifer Woyach, MD, professor, director of Division of Hematology, and co-leader of the Leukemia and Hematologic Malignancies Program at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – The James

Our new members each bring valuable expertise that will support PCLI’s ongoing mission to strengthen clinical leadership, improve operational effectiveness, and advance high-quality cancer care across AACI centers.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to our outgoing steering committee members for their commitment and contributions throughout their tenure:

• Karen Reckamp, MD, MS, Cedars-Sinai Cancer

• Christopher Lieu, MD, University of Colorado Cancer Center

• Quan Ly, MD, FACS, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center