Lana Uhrig has taken on the vital role of Executive Director for the recently launched Naples Cancer Advisors, a dedicated organization serving the Southwest Florida community by addressing critical cancer care needs. With a robust background as an accomplished healthcare executive, Lana boasts extensive expertise in healthcare operations, strategic planning, and community engagement that decisively positions her to lead this important initiative. Her impressive academic credentials include a Ph.D. in Public Health from The Ohio State University, an MBA from Franklin University, and a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Ohio University, showcasing her comprehensive foundation in both healthcare and business.
Before embarking on her current endeavor, Lana made significant contributions as the Vice President & Chief Nursing Officer at Emory Healthcare-Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, where she played a crucial role in enhancing patient care. Additionally, she excelled as the Executive Administrative Director of the University of Cincinnati Cancer Institute, further solidifying her reputation within the healthcare arena. With over 30 years of invaluable experience in the healthcare field, she has earned recognition as a sought-after subject matter expert, particularly in the development, implementation, and expansion of cancer care programs and the administration of non-profit organizations.
Since her arrival in South Florida in early 2023, Lana has been pivotal in the establishment of Naples Cancer Advisors (NCA), which serves as a second location for the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation that caters to the pressing needs of cancer patients in the region. The mission of Naples Cancer Advisors is to deliver exceptional platinum-level consultation services, which encompass critical elements such as second opinions, referrals, clinical trial navigation, financial guidance, and advanced precision oncology services, including genetic testing and counseling for Southwest Florida residents diagnosed with cancer. As a 501c3 non-profit organization, we are immensely grateful for the generous support of private donors, allowing us to provide these essential services entirely at no cost to patients.
What innovative strategies is Naples Cancer Advisors implementing to ensure sustainable, no-cost cancer care for patients in Southwest Florida?
**Interview with Lana Uhrig, Executive Director of Naples Cancer Advisors**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Lana. Congratulations on your new role as Executive Director of Naples Cancer Advisors. What inspired you to take on this leadership position at such a critical time for cancer care in Southwest Florida?
**Lana Uhrig:** Thank you for having me! My passion for improving cancer care stems from over 30 years in healthcare, where I’ve seen the profound impact that coordinated and compassionate care can have on patients’ lives. Establishing Naples Cancer Advisors allows me to leverage my experience and the resources of the Cincinnati Cancer Foundation to directly address the local community’s needs for comprehensive cancer care services.
**Interviewer:** Your background is impressive, particularly your experience at Emory Healthcare and the University of Cincinnati. How do you plan to utilize your past experiences to shape the services that Naples Cancer Advisors will provide?
**Lana Uhrig:** In my previous roles, I gained insights into creating patient-centered programs and navigating the complexities of cancer treatment. By focusing on second opinions, clinical trial navigation, and financial guidance, we’re aiming to offer platinum-level consultation services that truly support our patients. My goal is to ensure they have access to the best possible resources, and I believe my strategic planning skills will be crucial in achieving that.
**Interviewer:** One of the standout features of Naples Cancer Advisors is that the services are provided at no cost to patients. How is this model sustainable, and what role do community supporters play in this initiative?
**Lana Uhrig:** We are incredibly grateful for the support from private donors who believe in our mission. As a 501c3 non-profit, our model relies on this community backing to offer our services free of charge. This approach not only alleviates financial stress for patients but also fosters a sense of community ownership over healthcare solutions in the area.
**Interviewer:** With the ever-increasing complexities of cancer treatment and care, how do you envision Naples Cancer Advisors evolving over the next five years?
**Lana Uhrig:** I see Naples Cancer Advisors expanding our reach through partnerships with local healthcare providers and perhaps integrating more innovative services, like telehealth consultations and mobile support units. We’re committed to adapting to the healthcare landscape and the evolving needs of our patients to provide comprehensive, accessible care.
**Interviewer:** That sounds promising! how can readers engage with Naples Cancer Advisors or support your mission?
**Lana Uhrig:** We welcome community engagement and support in various forms, whether through donations, volunteer opportunities, or simply spreading the word about our services. Interested individuals can visit our website to learn more about how they can get involved and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients in Southwest Florida.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Lana, for sharing your vision and insights. Before we conclude, do you think the shift towards non-profit cancer care organizations like Naples Cancer Advisors is the future of oncology services? What do our readers think about this trend—could it lead to improved patient outcomes, or are there risks involved?
**Lana Uhrig:** That’s a great question for the community to consider! The success of non-profit cancer care organizations depends on community support and engagement. I look forward to hearing varied perspectives on this important topic.
