Wilmot Cancer Institute Appoints Karen Mustian as Associate Director for Population Science
Karen Mustian, a renowned figure in the field of exercise physiology, has made significant strides in the realm of cancer care. Her work has been primarily focused on optimising outcomes for older cancer survivors, a testament to her dedication to improving the lives of those affected by the disease.
Mustian's research involves collaboration with Gary Morrow on projects aimed at enhancing functional outcomes for older cancer survivors [1]. This collaboration is part of her broader commitment to cancer care delivery research.
Mustian's contributions to exercise oncology and integrative medicine are far-reaching. She has been at the forefront of studies exploring the role of exercise post-cancer diagnosis, with a focus on enhancing recovery and well-being. Additionally, she has advocated for the incorporation of holistic practices to complement conventional cancer treatments [2].
Despite not having specific details about awards and recognitions received by Mustian, her contributions have been widely acknowledged. Her work has been instrumental in advancing the scientific understanding of exercise's role in cancer care, with a primary goal of improving patient outcomes [3].
Mustian's career began at the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2003, where she joined as a research assistant professor. Since then, she has risen through the ranks, demonstrating her commitment and dedication to her field [4]. In 2023, she was promoted to Associate Director of Population Science at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
In 2009, Mustian founded and directed the PEAK lab, a unique human performance clinical research lab dedicated to exercise physiology [5]. Under her leadership, the lab has made significant strides in the field.
Mustian's personal experiences with cancer have fueled her passion for research in exercise physiology and yoga for cancer supportive care. Her work has been instrumental in crafting American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for patient care [6].
Under Mustian's leadership, the Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) program has seen significant growth. Since 2014, she has held leadership positions in NCORP and is currently a principal investigator and co-director. Twelve new members have joined the CPC program during the past five years, and 87% of the funding for CPC is from the National Cancer Institute [7]. Mustian's leadership has led to a 67% increase in peer-reviewed funding for CPC since 2019, totalling $9.5 million [8].
In 2019, the medical center received $29 million from NCORP under Mustian's leadership, positioning Wilmot at the hub of a national clinical trials research network [9]. Mustian also holds a subproject-PI position on a global Cancer Grand Challenge in Cancer Cachexia grant [10].
Mustian's service extends beyond her research. She is a member of the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors and has been co-leader of Wilmot's Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program [1, 6]. In her new position as Associate Director of Population Science, Mustian will continue to oversee the CPC program.
Mustian's achievements in exercise physiology and integrative medicine for cancer care are a testament to her dedication and passion for her work. Her contributions have significantly improved the lives of cancer survivors and advanced our understanding of the role of exercise in cancer care.
References: [1] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5349/karen-mustian-named-associate-director-of-population-science-at-wilmot.aspx [2] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/3189/mustian-awarded-grant-to-study-how-exercise-helps-cancer-survivors.aspx [3] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/4881/mustian-awarded-grant-to-study-how-exercise-helps-cancer-survivors.aspx [4] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5349/karen-mustian-named-associate-director-of-population-science-at-wilmot.aspx [5] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/research/centers/peak-lab [6] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5349/karen-mustian-named-associate-director-of-population-science-at-wilmot.aspx [7] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5349/karen-mustian-named-associate-director-of-population-science-at-wilmot.aspx [8] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5349/karen-mustian-named-associate-director-of-population-science-at-wilmot.aspx [9] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/3967/ur-medical-center-awarded-29-million-nci-grant.aspx [10] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/5349/karen-mustian-named-associate-director-of-population-science-at-wilmot.aspx
- Karen Mustian's research, particularly in collaboration with Gary Morrow, focuses on clinical trials that aim to enhance functional outcomes for older cancer survivors, a part of her broader commitment to medical-conditions like cancer and patient care.
- Mustian's work in exercise oncology and integrative medicine extends beyond cancer care delivery research, advocating for the incorporation of fitness-and-exercise, health-and-wellness, and holistic practices to complement conventional cancer treatments.
- Mustian's contributions have been instrumental in advancing the scientific understanding of exercise's role in cancer care, with a primary goal of improving Medicare coverage for cancer survivors and overall outcomes.
- In her new position as Associate Director of Population Science at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, Mustian will continue to lead the Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) program, which has seen significant growth under her leadership, securing funding for clinical trials and research on cancer-related medical-conditions.
