DALLAS, Sep 18, 2013 — Children’s Medical Center announced today that Dr. Patrick Leavey, associate medical director for clinical affairs for the Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders will speak at the fourth Annual Childhood Cancer Summit on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013 at 2325 Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. The event is hosted by the Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus and includes an esteemed panel of speakers from leading cancer centers and hospitals in the U.S. and the National Cancer Institute.
Dr. Leavey will address the unique needs and challenges faced by childhood cancer survivors as they transition into adulthood. He will also discuss steps Congress can take to close the gaps, including a greater investment in cancer research and improved access to high-quality healthcare for underserved populations.
Dr. Leavey is a practicing pediatric oncologist at Children’s Medical Center, an associate professor of pediatrics at UT Southwestern, and also subspecialty board certified in pediatric hematology/oncology by the American Board of Pediatrics. During his years of training, Dr. Leavey became a member of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland, a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians, and a Diplomate of Child Health from the National University of Ireland. He submitted a thesis based on his work in the lab and was granted a Doctorate in Medicine from the National University of Ireland.
The Congressional Childhood Cancer Caucus is a bipartisan group, co-chaired by U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), which serves as a clearinghouse for information on pediatric cancer and a forum to aid Members of Congress in working together to address pediatric cancer. The Caucus will strive to raise awareness about pediatric cancer, advocate in support of measures to prevent the pain, suffering and long-term effects of childhood cancers, and work toward the goal of eliminating cancer as a threat to all children. The Caucus hosts their annual Childhood Cancer Summit as part of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness and to discuss federal efforts to fight childhood cancer.
The Pauline Allen Gill Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s Medical Center Dallas has been ranked one of the best pediatric cancer centers in the nation by U.S. News & World Report for the past five years. The Gill Center is the largest childhood cancer and blood center in the region. Annually, The Gill Center treats more than 300 new cancer patients. More than one in five Texas children who are diagnosed with cancer is treated at Children’s Medical Center. For more information visit https://www.childrens.com/specialties-services/specialty-centers-and-programs/cancer-and-blood-disorders.
For more information about the Fourth Annual Childhood Cancer Summit please visit http://childhoodcancer-mccaul.house.gov/.