Article Topic: Cancer Care

Siteman Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital Shiloh Receives American Cancer Society National Partner Award

Recognition highlights efforts to reduce transportation barriers for patients

Siteman Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital Shiloh has received the American Cancer Society National Partner Award for Road To Recovery® in recognition of the staff’s commitment to helping reduce transportation barriers for people facing cancer in St. Clair County, Ill., and the surrounding area.

Cancer care needs are significant, and transportation is one of the most common barriers patients face. Missed appointments can delay treatment and add stress during an already difficult time.

The American Cancer Society Road To Recovery® program addresses these issues by partnering with Siteman Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital Shiloh and other entities nationwide. Through the program, staff members at Siteman collaborate with volunteer drivers to provide transportation to medical appointments.

“We’re grateful to the American Cancer Society and want to give extra special recognition to its wonderful volunteers,” said WashU Medicine social worker Julie Richison, MSW, LCSW, who leads the program at Siteman Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital Shiloh. “They provide much more than just a ride — they offer reassurance and support during a difficult time.”

Siteman Cancer Center at Memorial Hospital Shiloh was recognized for these efforts during a special event June 4 at the American Cancer Society’s World Wide Technology American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in St. Louis.

Due to the program’s success, additional drivers are needed throughout the St. Louis region. Learn more about volunteering at cancer.org/drive or by calling 800-227-2345.

Podany Named to Inaugural NCCN Advocacy Academy

WashU Medicine physician-scientist Emily L. Podany, MD, MPHS, has been selected for a new fellowship program that aims to connect people on the front lines of cancer care to share their knowledge and experience with federal policymakers.

Launched by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), the Advocacy Academy aims to provide oncology fellows and junior faculty at NCCN member institutions with advocacy skills and training to champion policies that will improve the lives of those affected by cancer.



Podany is an assistant professor of medicine at WashU Medicine and a medical oncologist who treats patients diagnosed with breast cancer at Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and WashU Medicine.

Her selection highlights her leadership at the intersection of cancer care and public policy. As part of this inaugural fellowship, she will focus on a critical regional and national issue: improving education around cancer risks linked to Coldwater Creek in north St. Louis County and helping affected individuals navigate the newly expanded Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).

Through the program, Podany will participate in policy education sessions, receive mentorship from national experts, and collaborate with congressional offices to advance meaningful cancer policy reform.

In addition to this recognition, Podany was also recently named a 2026 Young Investigator Award recipient, further underscoring her commitment to improving cancer care, particularly for patients facing social and structural barriers. Her research focuses on implementing navigation interventions for breast cancer patients with high-risk social determinants of health.

The NCCN is a nonprofit alliance of 33 cancer centers, including Siteman Cancer Center, that is dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer care, research and education.