The American Lung Association recently hosted a lung cancer screening and treatment forum in Kentucky. This first-ever Community Connections round table event gave a group of leading experts the opportunity to exchange ideas.
Victor van Berkel was one of the notable speakers at the gathering on Jun. 24. He is an esteemed lung transplant surgeon and co-founder of Breath Diagnostics.
His pioneering research on the use of breath analysis for identifying lung cancer inspired him to help found the company. Van Berkel currently serves as Breath Diagnostics’ Chief Medical Officer and one of its directors.
He is also an American Lung Association Honorary Chair Award recipient. This renowned organization hosted the inaugural event last month. AstraZeneca plc (NASDAQ: AZN) (STO: AZN) was the primary sponsor, along with the University of Louisville School of Medicine, Biodesix and Intuitive Surgical Inc (NASDAQ: ISRG) (FRA: IUI1).
Van Berkel was joined by Dr. Samantha Baah, Medical Director at the Norton Healthcare system; Dr. Nana Ohene Baah, a respected radiologist from the University of Louisville; and Dr. Travis Spaulding, a Kentucky oncologist with lung cancer expertise. Also, Danna Gilkey — a Lung Navigator Nurse at Norton.
“Wonderful event last night held by the American Lung Association,” said Norton Healthcare Manager, Sarah Grant, in a social media post. “Samantha Baah led an amazing discussion about lung cancer in Kentucky that was very eye opening.”
More than 70 people were in attendance at the Ten20 Craft Brewery in Louisville’s Butchertown neighbourhood.
“Louisville Kentucky is blessed with this group of experts serving patients in hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities,” said Lee Wisdom, respiratory therapist and attendee.
The state of Kentucky currently has the highest rate of lung cancer in the entire country. The dire need for more advanced screening technologies and early detection here and abroad has provided incentive for Breath Diagnostics. This medical technology developer has created a highly accurate lung cancer breath test that could help save many lives in the years to come.
“Keep fighting the good fight against lung cancer,” said sponsor Biodesix in a social media comment about the Community Connections forum.
Full house. Photo credit: Lee Wisdom
Read more: Breath Diagnostics opens Respiratory Innovation Summit with captivating presentation
Read more: Breath Diagnostics now offering a compelling investment opportunity
Follow Rowan Dunne on LinkedIn
rowan@mugglehead.com
