Stanford, CA. The Stanford Cancer Institute (SCI) focuses the world-class expertise of more than 300 researchers and clinicians on the most critical issues in cancer research and medicine today.

Stanford is a National Cancer Institute (NCI) - designated Cancer Center, a testament to their scientific excellence and outstanding patient care. Stanford Cancer Center is also one of the founding members of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 of the world's leading cancer centers dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of care provided to patients with cancer. Stanford is consistently recognized as one of the top hospitals in America for cancer care according to US News & World Report, and Stanford’s Magnet ® designation recognizes the hospital for quality patient care, nursing excellence, and innovations in professional nursing practices.

Team Draft will begin the tour with a conversation with Stanford Lung Cancer experts.  Dr. Heather Wakelee, Dr. Joel Neal, Dr Max Diehn and Dr. Robert Merritt will be in attendance.  Dr. Heather Wakelee is a medical oncologist with 13 years’ experience that has special expertise in 7 areas, including Brain Cancer, Meningel Neoplasm and Lung Cancer.  Dr. Joel Neal is currently co-principal investigator for multiple clinical trials involving patients with non-small cell lung cancer. His research into the molecular basis of lung cancer has been published in many peer-reviewed journals and he continues to be an active speaker at scientific meetings and symposia, as well as a reviewer for numerous peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Max Diehn’s laboratory studies cancer stem cell biology and it’s implication for therapy.  They are interested in developing a deeper molecular understanding of breast cancer and lung cancer stem cells, including identifying pathways and genes important for survival and self-renewal. Additionally, they are developing methods for overcoming resistance mechanisms to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer stem cells. Dr. Robert Merritt practices all aspects of thoracic surgery but has special interest in minimal access surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease, VATS lobectomy for lung cancer, and tracheal surgery. He plans to conduct outcomes research in patients undergoing thoracic surgical procedures.

Team Draft is excited about meeting with one of the leading Cancer Centers in America and discussing cutting edge research and innovations with the Nation’s top oncologists and thoracic surgeons.