Merry Jennifer Markham, M.D., FACP, FASCO, a professor in the UF Division of Hematology and Oncology, has been appointed the UF Health Cancer Center’s inaugural medical director for women’s cancer innovation and survivorship.
In this role, she will work with clinicians and investigators to ensure women’s needs and perspectives are addressed in studies on all aspects of cancer. She will enhance patient information and guide clinical trials specific to these needs to improve outcomes.
“My goal is to oversee the strategic vision for all research impacting women and their health during cancer care and survivorship,” she said.
Markham, who specializes in gynecologic malignancies and serves as the research leader of the gynecologic cancers disease site group at the UF Health Cancer Center, has long had an interest in women’s cancers. She noted the need to reduce disparities in cancer care, such as lower clinical trial enrollment among women than men.
“It’s important for me that our center can reach women patients and caregivers, who are often women, to make sure we are adequately understanding their needs and providing research access and improvements in survivorship,” – Merry J. Markham, M.D., FACP, FASCO