Upstate’s Kohman named to statewide cancer panel

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Dr. Leslie Kohman, professor of surgery at Upstate Medical University and medical director of the Upstate Cancer Center, has been appointed to the New York State Cancer Detection and Education Program Advisory Council.

New York State Commissioner of Health Howard Zucker announced the appointment in August.

The advisory council, made up of 21 members appointed by Zucker, provides recommendations and guidance to the health commissioner on cancer-related prevention and detection issues, disease management and treatment, new technologies, and survivorship.

“I am delighted to join the Council… New York has a higher incidence of cancer than the nation as a whole but a lower death rate, indicating good care in our state. However, there are striking differences by county, and these disparities need to be corrected. New York has over one million cancer survivors, and their needs must also be met,” Kohman said in a news release.

Kohman says her work with the American Cancer Society and the New York State Cancer Consortium have given her familiarity with New York State’s cancer plan and the areas of need to improve the cancer outcomes of all New Yorkers.

Kohman, a thoracic surgeon specializing in thoracic oncology and lung cancer, joined Upstate in 1983. She received her medical degree at Penn State University in 1976, completed her surgical residency at Robert Packer Hospital/Guthrie Clinic in 1981, and completed her residency in thoracic surgery at Upstate in 1985.

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