An Oncology Unscripted Episode
In this episode of Oncology Unscripted, hosts Mark Liu and Deirdre Saulet speak with Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD, a radiation oncologist and Associate Director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, about her decades-long passion for community outreach and engagement to bring curative cancer treatment to underserved populations. Dr. Winkfield discusses the heavy financial burden of cancer and the need for policymakers and institutions to truly care for and prioritize the health of the American people. She also emphasizes the importance of “asset mapping” for healthcare administrators to take stock of the resources at their disposal and going out into the community to speak directly with people about what needs are not being met.
“Policy is important for thinking about how we move the needle forward in cancer care. But it's not just policy on the national level or at the state level; it's actually institutional policy as well. And that's where access to care becomes personal for providers...What are the things that we can do as oncologists or...healthcare administrators to really ensure that we're taking good care of the communities we say we're there for?” – Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD
Guests:
Karen Winkfield, MD, PhD
Radiation Oncologist
Associate Director
Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Nashville, Tennessee
To submit a topic of discussion to the podcast, please email mark.liu@mountsinai.org and deirdre.saulet@hellojasper.com.
Resources
The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the author(s)/faculty member(s) and do not reflect the official policy or position of their employer(s) or the Association of Cancer Care Centers.
October 28, 2026
September 10, 2026
