Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research Wednesday, November 08, 2023 The Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) announced the recipients of its biennial awards, recognizing significant contributions to cancer research in Canada. David McMullen a Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) Patient Representative is the recipient of the Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research award for his long-term involvement in promoting and participating in patient engagement in cancer clinical trials and other research, and his extensive work developing and conducting support programs for patients with multiple myeloma. "I meet countless numbers of cancer patients who are greatly concerned about the symptom control, side effects, and quality of life aspects of their disease and treatments. It is my role as a Patient Representative to ensure that needs of patients are heard in the development of clinical trials," says David. David McMullen was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in 2012 and encountered numerous complications. He underwent a stem cell transplant with high-dose chemotherapy in 2012, but relapsed after three years. He had a second successful stem cell transplant in 2016, followed by numerous treatments with novel agents since then, including participating in three clinical trials. In addition to the work David does within CCTG with the Hematology and Patient Representative Committees he is passionate and very active in many leadership and advisory roles in Myeloma Canada and Canadian Myeloma Research Group. This includes founding the Myeloma Canada Patient Advisory Council, and numerous advocacy initiatives nationally and provincially. David has also been a patient representative in other cancer research and health care organizations, and in numerous national and international conferences. "These awards are an opportunity to recognize those key individuals within the Canadian cancer research community who are furthering the research agenda and forging the path for others,” says Dr. Sara Urowitz, Executive Director of the CCRA. “Each of our recipients have been nominated by their peers, recognizing their overall leadership and commitment to excellence in cancer research and patient engagement.” Awardees will be honoured at the Canadian Cancer Research Conference which is taking place in Halifax from November 12 to 14, 2023. For more information on all of the recipients >
