The conference on “Advancing Poland-US Success in Health Care”, organized by the Alliance for Innovation (AFI), Alliance for Innovation – Polish American Foundation took place on May 21st with a powerful lineup of speakers and discussions aimed at identifying opportunities for collaboration in the healthcare sector. The opening event, held at the Sheraton Grand Warsaw, brought together key partners from Poland and the United States to discuss current joint activities and explore new areas of cooperation in cancer treatment and mental health.
Dr. Marcin Hańczaruk, Chairman of AFI, set the stage for the conference with his opening remarks, emphasizing the value and timeliness of collaboration between the two countries in driving innovation and progress in healthcare.
Esteemed keynote speakers were led by H.E. Mark Brzezinski, Ambassador of the United States to the Republic to Poland who emphasized the dramatic actions by Poland in the face of recent crises, the value of the Poland and US cooperation and the importance of that cooperation in advancing health care. He was joined by Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Poland Katarzyna Kacperczyk, Dr. Alice Coombs, President of the Medical Society of Virginia (MSV)and Past President of the Massachusetts Medical Society and Dr. Crystal Denlinger, Chief Executive Officer of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Mr. George Handy, President of Alliance for Innovation Supervisory Board introduced the speakers. Mr. Handy was congratulated by Ambassador Brzezinski for his contributions during the past 30 years to Polish and American cooperation.
Prof. Piotr Rutkowski , Head of the Ministerial Team for National Cancer Strategy, emphasized the importance of adapting proven NCCN cancer treatment guidelines for Poland and the region and stated:
“Our goal is to provide the best possible care for cancer patients in Poland and contribute to the global effort to reduce the burden of cancer.”
This was followed by discussions that highlighted the future of ongoing cooperation between NCCN and Poland holds promise for advancing cancer care with leading experts: Prof. Jacek Jassem, Head of the Polish Committee for Breast Cancer Guidelines Adaptation, Prof. Beata Jagielska, Director of the Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology and Dr. Crystal Denlinger, Chief Executive Officer at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN).
Dr. Mark Parascandola, Chief of the Research and Training Branch at the Center for Global Health at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) addressed the conference virtually and stated their intent to continue the joint work of NCI and the Polish and American oncology communities on a set of specific oncology activities. Dr. Karolina Maria Nowak, PhD, MBA, Director of the Innovation and Biotechnology Department at Medical Research Agency offered clear directions for the continuation of joint Polish and American research.
Ms. Beata Biel , AFI Management Board Member & Executive Director, concluded discussions on cancer and stated:
“By working together with organizations like National Cancer Institute and NCCN, we can identify areas for improvement and implement international strategies and standards, and enhance the quality of care for cancer patients in both Poland and the United States.”
In addressing mental health challenges, Prof. Halina Sienkiewicz-Jarosz , Head of the 1st Neurological Clinic at the Institute of Psychiatry & Neurology together with Ms. Melina Davis , Chief Executive Officer of the Medical Society of Virginia stressed the importance of collaboration in breaking down barriers to seeking and providing mental health care. They recommended actions to share knowledge and create innovative solutions to support individuals in their journey towards better mental well-being.
Dr. Sterling Ransone – Chairman of the Board and Immediate Past President for American Academy of Family Physicians and Prof. Łukasz Mokros – Associate Professor in the Second Department of Psychiatry and Editor-in-Chief at the Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology agreed that by working together, we have the opportunity to drive innovation and progress in the mental healthcare sector, ultimately to improve the well-being of our citizens.
Two urgent areas of mental health care were emphasized for action as noted by the following statement:
“By coming together to share resources and expertise, Poland and the United States can pave the way for improved mental health treatment for those experiencing burnout and PTSD. Collaboration in this area is crucial in ensuring that individuals receive the support and care they need to heal and thrive.”
concluded mental health session Prof. Piotr Gałecki, National Consultant in the field of Psychiatry.
This conference showcased the commitment of both countries to working together to advance healthcare innovation and improve patient outcomes. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, Poland and the United States are paving the way for a brighter future in healthcare.
This conference was followed by two days of intensive working sessions with Polish and American leaders and experts on cancer clinical guidelines, patient advocacy and education, mental health priorities for joint action, and the development of a Center of Excellence for Mental Health.
For more information on the conference, the working sessions and the initiatives that were addressed for Poland and US cooperation and to become involved, please visit the AFI website at www.alliance4innovation.org and contact our staff.
Press release in Polish and English is available here:
Contact:
Beata Biel
Alliance for Innovation Executive Director
bbiel@allianceforinnovation.org.pl
Marcin Hańczaruk
Chairman of Alliance for Innovation
mhanczaruk@allianceforinnovation.org.pl