Jul 29, 2026
In this episode of Oncology Unscripted, hosts Mark Liu and
Deirdre Saulet speak
with Arif Kamal, MD, Chief Patient Officer at the American Cancer
Society (ACS). Dr. Kamal
discusses his recent appointment to this inaugural role at ACS,
leading into a conversation
about how he expects the cancer care field to evolve. Namely, a
shift for providers toward
building a skillset for compassionate patient conversations, a
shift toward self-administered
treatment modalities whenever possible, and new payment models for
multi-cancer early
detection tests. Dr. Kamal also shares how ACS’s recently launched
Access to Clinical Trials
and Support program—an education-forward initiative designed is
helping to reduce the
challenges and barriers patients face when enrolling in clinical
trials.
“When you think about...the goal of cancer care...it’s about more
and better days. It is a false
choice to choose between one or the other...As we’re getting people
to the other side [of
treatment], are we leaving them financially devastated,
significantly lonely, without support
around them?” – Arif Kamal, MD
Arif Kamal, MD
Chief Patient Officer
American Cancer Society
To submit a topic of discussion to the podcast, please
email mark.liu@mountsinai.org and
deirdre.saulet@hellojasper.com.
The 2026 Oncology Unscripted series is exclusively sponsored by Advarra.
Resources
Spirituality and Cultural Humility: Core Components of
Comprehensive Palliative Care
Together As One: Advancing Joy, Resilience, and Peer Support in Oncology Care
Oncology Unscripted: Transforming Palliative Care in Oncology