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NYS health commissioner taps Upstate's Leslie Kohman, MD, for statewide cancer panel

NYS health commissioner taps Upstate's Leslie Kohman, MD, for statewide cancer panel

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 which advises the Commissioner of Health on matters related to cancer. 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,” said Kohman.

Kohman’s work with the American Cancer Society and the New York State Cancer Consortium has given her familiarity with New York state’s cancer plan and the areas of need to improve the cancer outcomes of all New Yorkers, and Governor Cuomo-s focus on prevention and early detection compliment the work of this advisory council.

Kohman, a thoracic surgeon specializing in thoracic oncology and lung cancer, joined Upstate in 1983. She received her medical degree at Pennsylvania 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.

Kohman is active in several associations, including the American College of Surgeon’s Commission on Cancer, American Cancer Society, New York State Cancer Consortium Steering Committee, Society of Thoracic Surgeons, American Association for Thoracic Surgery, American Surgical Association, Association of Women Surgeons, the Onondaga County Medical Society and the Medical Society of the State of New York.

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