Tara Lin, MD, aims to reach more patients through expanded trials at The University of Kansas Cancer Center

Tara Lin, MD, who recently became medical director for the Clinical Trials Office at The University of Kansas Cancer Center, is on a mission.

She has committed to making the best possible care available for everyone in the region. Citing the challenges of serving diverse populations – especially in Kansas, with its urban, suburban and rural populations – her aim is to coordinate with doctors from all over the state to make care more accessible.

“Cancer patients and their needs know no boundaries. They are spread out across the country and their geography should never be a detriment to cancer care,” said Lin.

Lin also intends to continually add new clinical trials that will further research for many kinds of cancers.

“I want the KU Cancer Center to be offering a trial for every patient that walks through the door,” she said. The organization currently manages 378 clinical trials; it averages 137 active clinical trials at any given time.

Lin’s education, which includes an emphasis in clinical research, uniquely qualifies her for her role. She earned her medical degree from the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and her degree in Clinical Research from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans. Her research has focused on new therapies in relapsed acute leukemia and cancer stem cell-targeted therapies.

“Dr. Lin has the expertise and the understanding of what it takes to successfully conceive, manage, regulate, analyze and present results of clinical trials,” said Roy A. Jensen, MD, director of the KU Cancer Center.

Since assuming her role a few months ago, Lin has come to fully appreciate the KU Cancer Center’s passion for cancer research.

“Many members of our team don’t have patient interaction, but they routinely demonstrate their commitment to our mission,” she said.

JCERT funds support the Clinical Trials Office.