Nationally-Recognized Health Care Providers, Leading Academics and State Leaders Address Access to Cancer Treatment in Florida’s Rural Communities

Tampa General Hospital Cancer Institute hosted a day of keynotes, presentations and discussions at TGH Brooksville to address the challenges facing cancer patients in rural communities.

Brooksville, FL (March 5, 2025) —Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Cancer Institute and USF Health, in partnership with the Florida Department of Health, hosted leading health care experts, academic researchers, and cancer survivors for a series of discussions at TGH Brooksville on the unique challenges rural populations face when it comes to cancer.

The event, titled “Addressing the Cancer Control Continuum in Rural Communities,” featured a distinguished lineup of speakers, including John D. Couris, president and CEO of Tampa General Hospital, and Eduardo Sotomayor, M.D., vice president and executive director of the Cancer Institute at Tampa General Hospital. Experts from the TGH Cancer Institute, University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center and the American Cancer Society, among others, led sessions.

“With the incredible technologies and innovations available today, nothing should stand in the way of cancer patients accessing breakthrough research, innovative treatments and world-class care. Yet geography remains a substantial barrier,” said Couris. “By convening some of the brightest minds in health care with leaders who can inspire meaningful change, we are working to break down these barriers and give every cancer patient the best possible chance at the best possible outcome.”

Academic health systems like the partnership between Tampa General Hospital and USF Health have the resources and medical infrastructure to help increase access to the highest levels of care for these rural patients, said Charles J. Lockwood, M.D., MHCM, executive vice president and chief academic officer of Tampa General, executive vice president of USF Health and dean of the Morsani College of Medicine.

“We are committed to ensuring that all Floridians can receive comprehensive cancer services that are coordinated across the full spectrum of care, so that these patients’ needs are met — whether they need to receive innovative surgical procedures, access to the newest clinical research trials or other services,” according to Dr. Lockwood. “Our faculty physicians are a vital part of improving the lives and health of patients across Florida.”

The conference underscores the TGH Cancer Institute’s commitment to increasing access to world-class care. Any Floridian diagnosed with cancer—regardless of location—should receive the highest-quality care and the greatest chance of survival.

“With the latest research, innovative technologies and best-in-class providers, cancer patients will get the best chance at survival,” said Dr. Sotomayor. “But prevention is the most effective tool, and early detection is critical to a successful treatment plan. That’s why we’re working together with our government partners, across health care systems and throughout the communities to raise awareness and promote screening.”

The discussions focused on cancer prevention, cancer treatment and navigating survivorship post-care. Researchers revealed the latest data from clinical trials related to cancer treatment and highlighted the importance of rural populations gaining access to these findings.

Peter Chang, M.D., senior vice president and chief transformation officer at Tampa General, discussed the role that artificial intelligence (AI) and teleoncology can play in enhancing cancer care in rural areas and other underserved communities.

The conference concluded with breakout sessions, which focused on solutions to address the challenges discussed earlier in the day. Facilitators led conversations on access to care, survivorship care, delivery models, cancer prevention and regional partnerships.