Alumni, friends, and families were invited to join us for a special presentation and panel discussion to learn how UVA Cancer Center is transforming cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

From breakthrough research and leading-edge clinical trials, to community outreach and promising new treatments—find out why UVA Cancer Center is offering new hope to anyone touched by this terrible disease.

Dr. Thomas P. Loughran, Jr., director of UVA Cancer Center, Dr. Kimberly A. Kelly, UVA professor of biomedical engineering, and RN Wendy Mbugua, interim administrator for cancer services, discussed the life-saving significance of UVA Cancer Center’s recent designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute—the only such center in Virginia—and what that recognition means for cancer patients, cancer survivors, and their loved ones living in the commonwealth and beyond. The discussion was moderated by Gary Taylor (COL '85, PAR '13), and an audience Q&A followed.

Dr. K. Craig Kent, CEO of UVA Health and executive vice president for health affairs, offered a brief welcome and shared how UVA Cancer Center’s recent distinction expanded its reach and the communities it serves.

About our Speakers:

K. Craig Kent, M.D., is the chief executive officer of UVA Health and executive vice president for health affairs at the University of Virginia. He is responsible for overseeing all UVA Health operations. A researcher, educator and physician, Kent is an internationally recognized leader in academic medicine. An accomplished vascular surgeon, he has been a funded researcher for more than 25 years, investigating molecular mechanisms underlying vascular disease with the goal of developing new treatments utilizing innovative methods of drug delivery.

Thomas P. Loughran Jr., M.D., is the director of UVA Cancer Center and the F. Palmer Weber-Smithfield Foods Professor of Oncology Research at UVA’s School of Medicine. Loughran joined UVA in 2013 and has led the transformation of UVA Cancer Center—most recently with its designation as Virginia’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI) Comprehensive Cancer Center. Loughran’s career as a physician-scientist is a testament to the impact of cutting-edge research on advancing treatment and care, beginning with his discovery of large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia. He has dedicated over 30 years of research and clinical focus to understanding this rare disease.

Kimberly A. Kelly, Ph.D., a professor of Biomedical Engineering, specializes in diagnostic imaging, drug target identification, and drug delivery for pancreatic cancer. As a researcher with UVA Cancer Center and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kelly examines biomarkers and molecularly targeted probes as imaging agents for cancer detection and vehicles for targeted drug delivery. She also serves as co-leader for UVA Health’s Cancer Therapeutics (CRX) program, which helps translate new discoveries and technologies into treatments and cures.

Wendy Mbugua, MSN, RN, NEA-BC, is the interim administrator for cancer services at UVA Health. She provides leadership and strategic oversight in the operational, clinical, and financial outcomes of the oncology service line and four of its regional sites. In this role, Mbugua collaborates across the health system to enhance performance and advance UVA Cancer Center’s mission to provide an exceptional patient experience.

Gary Taylor is a Charlottesville native, UVA graduate and the founder and CEO of Taylor Financial, a division of Northwestern Mutual. Gary's relationship with the UVA Cancer Center began with his daughter, Morgan and ultimately his late wife, Tana who were both patients. He is an emeritus member of the UVA Cancer Center Advisory Board and a longtime philanthropic supporter. He is married to Leigh Cantrell, M.D., and together they have five children, one of whom is a 2013 graduate of UVA. With over 35 years as a community and business leader, Gary brings a unique perspective to our conversation.

Sponsored by UVA Health and UVA's Office of Engagement

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