JENKINTOWN, Pa., January 27, 2005 — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) announces that Christopher E. Desch, M.D., has joined the NCCN as its National Medical Director. In this role, Dr. Desch will assume responsibility as the clinical leader for the broad spectrum of NCCN programs, including the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in OncologyTM. Dr. Desch will work within the NCCN and with other national organizations to establish and enhance processes for the evaluation and improvement of the quality of cancer care. Dr. Desch will also serve as Co-Editor in Chief of JNCCN, the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
“We are delighted to have Dr. Desch as a key member of the NCCN leadership team. He is recognized nationally for his outstanding work in the areas of health services research and policy. Dr. Desch has a wealth of expertise and experience in providing cancer care in both the academic and community settings. He will apply his expertise and enthusiasm in the development and enhancement of NCCN programs aimed at improving the effectiveness and quality of cancer care for patients whom we serve, said William T. McGivney, Ph.D., CEO of NCCN.
Dr. Desch previously served as hematologist/oncologist and Research Director for Virginia Cancer Institute. He is Chair of the Health Services Committee at the American Society of Clinical Oncology and has been a member of the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Hematology and the Virginia Society of Hematology/Oncology.