A longtime member of the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), Miriam Atkins, MD, has seen the organization grow and flourish over the last 20 years. Now as COA president, she continues to help independent cancer clinics survive and thrive.

“No matter who you are or what your practice needs, there’s support at COA,” she says, pointing to opportunities for people at every level to get involved.

Providing a community that connects everyone from oncologists to patients is what makes the organization special, she says. The connections made at the annual conference, involvement in peer networks, and other COA activities have been pivotal to informing her patient care and practice leadership.

Dr. Atkins wants patients, policymakers, and others to know that community oncology is the best, most affordable, and closest cancer care site for most people in America.

Her mentors, including former COA president Patrick Cobb, MD, paved the way for her presidency. Now at the helm, Dr. Atkins is ready to lead COA into the next 20 years and beyond.