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Karen Knudsen: Ensuring that the people of Hawai’i and the Pacific Islands have access to the most advanced cancer care

Karen Knudsen/LinkedIn

Feb 8, 2025, 08:26

Karen Knudsen: Ensuring that the people of Hawai’i and the Pacific Islands have access to the most advanced cancer care

Karen Knudsen, Executive Strategic Advisor and Immediate Past CEO of ACS, shared a post by Wendy Hensel, President at University of Hawai’i System, on LinkedIn, adding:

“Mahalo nui loa, Wendy Hensel! It’s an honor to serve alongside such dedicated leaders. Together, we are committed to ensuring that the people of Hawai’i and the Pacific Islands have access to the most advanced cancer care and benefit from the high-impact science of University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated center of excellence.

The Hawai’i Cancer Consortium is a remarkable model of what can be achieved through meaningful partnerships, uniting efforts to advance research, improve patient outcomes, and expand access to life-saving innovations. It is truly unique and impactful! I’m inspired by what has already been accomplished – and even more so by the progress ahead.”

Quoting Wendy Hensel‘s post:

“The University of Hawai’i Cancer Center, with its National Cancer Institute (NCI) designation, plays a vital role for the people of Hawai’i and beyond. This week, the Center was visited by its External Advisory Committee (EAC) – a critical body made up of leading cancer experts from across the country — chaired by Dr. George Weiner and Vice Chair Dr. Karen Knudsen MBA PhD.

EAC reported to me how impressed they are with the center’s progress and vision under the leadership of Director Naoto Ueno. The Center, formally recognized as in the top 4% in the country, is a national model of cooperation with its consortial partners in delivering high quality, impactful cancer research, clinical care and community engagement.

A big mahalo to members of the EAC and congratulations to the Center and our Consortium partners, The Queen’s Health Systems, Hawaii Pacific Health, Kuakini Health System, Adventist Health Castle, HMSA – Hawaii Medical Service Association, and the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine. Thank you for your work to conquer cancer in our communities!”