A young organization founded in 2003, Georgia CORE is a novel collaboration of clinicians, scientists, educators, research professionals and those affected by cancer. The mission, goals and strategies of Georgia CORE are aligned by the state’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan 2008-2012 (coordinated by the Georgia Cancer Coalition www.GeorgiaCancer.org and the Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Public Health.)

In 2001, the Georgia Cancer Coalition challenged the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO), the state organization of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) to lead the development of a model for a statewide research network of multidisciplinary care providers and scientists from academic and community settings. Support for the project was provided by the Georgia Cancer Coalition, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Cancer Society.

Based on interviews and focus groups conducted across the state, a business plan was developed for the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education. The concept was presented for review and comment at the Georgia Oncology Research Network Summit in 2002. The resulting affirmation from physicians, care providers, educators and scientists led to funding for implementation from the Georgia Cancer Coalition, the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology, the Oncology Nursing Society, Siemens Medical Solutions, and the Schools of Medicine at Emory, the Medical College of Georgia and Mercer University.

In the intervening years Georgia CORE has worked to implement the business plan. Key accomplishments include expanding Georgia’s focus on clinical research; developing a network of clinical investigators; creating partnerships between academic centers and community-based oncologists; creating and adapting information technology for clinical trials tracking and data management; building a strong leadership team of Board members, staff and consultants.

In 2005 the Georgia Cancer Coalition received a report from the Institute of Medicine entitled Assessing the Quality of Cancer Care: An Approach to Measurement in Georgia. This document enumerates 52 cancer quality measures, one of which is specific to clinical trials enrollment. Georgia CORE is actively engaged in developing methods for quality measurement through the creation of the Georgia Cancer Quality Information Exchange.

Historical Note:

The first meeting to discuss the creation of the Georgia CORE business plan was held in early 2002 between Tom Andrews, then President of Independent Physician Strategies and Jane Clark, PhD, RN, a private consultant who is still with Georgia CORE. Jane’s “back-of-the-envelope” notes from that meeting are reflected below and capture succinctly the essence of today’s organization. Working with a highly engaged Board of Directors, led by Frederick M. Schnell, MD, Tom and Jane authored the business plan which guided the organization in its formative years and was used to secure GCC funding, physician members and pharma support. Board members involved in the creation of the organization and still serve on the Board include: Thomas E. Seay, MD, PhD, John S. Kennedy, MD and Matthew P. Mumber.

Read the Full History Manuscript

Read Georgia On My Mind from Oncology Issues May / June 2008