Upstate University Hospital debuted its Thoracic Oncology Program in 1999. It is defined by a multidisciplinary team approach, where experts in disciplines such as surgery, radiology and chemotherapy, as well as dietitians, social workers and physical therapists work together to create a treatment plan for patients with lung cancer and other cancers of the chest. This coordinated approach also saves time and effort for the patients. One of the founders of the program, Leslie Kohman, MD, talks about the value of a team approach, which other medical providers at the Upstate Cancer Center have since adopted and which has been shown to significantly boost a patient's chances of survival. Kohman is a thoracic surgeon who is director of outreach for the cancer center.