100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024: Part 8

This week, we continue our list of 100 Influential Women in Oncology, celebrating the outstanding women who are shaping the future of oncology. Their tireless efforts in research, advocacy, and healthcare innovation are driving forward advancements in cancer care. These leaders inspire us with their stories, influence policies, and create impactful change for patients worldwide.

Here are the next 10 influential women in oncology from our ongoing series of 100:

Carla Bruni, the Former First Lady of France, a model and singer, made a powerful return to the spotlight at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, just one year after revealing her breast cancer diagnosis. Bruni, who has long advocated for regular cancer screenings, used her platform to emphasize the life-saving importance of mammograms. Her bravery in sharing her story has become an inspiration for many women globally.
Follow Carla Bruni on Instagram and X.

Debra Patt is a breast cancer specialist and Executive Vice President of Texas Oncology. She has led healthcare policy initiatives and testified before the US Congress to protect access to cancer care. As the chair of ASCO’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force, Dr. Patt is at the forefront of integrating digital health tools to enhance patient outcomes. She also serves on the ASCO Board of Directors, guiding national efforts to advance oncology care.
Follow Dr. Debra Patt on X and LinkedIn.

Giselle Sholler is the Division Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. She founded the Beat Childhood Cancer Research Consortium, connecting over 55 hospitals worldwide to offer clinical trials for children. Dr. Sholler’s work on targeted therapies has led to the FDA approval of DFMO for high-risk neuroblastoma, making significant strides in pediatric oncology.
Follow Dr. Giselle Sholler on X and LinkedIn.

Abigail Johnston is an attorney and metastatic breast cancer (MBC) advocate, living with stage IV breast cancer since 2017. She founded Connect IV Legal Services, providing pro bono legal support for MBC patients, and plays a crucial role in various organizations like Metavivor, SurvivingBreastCancer.org, and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Johnston’s advocacy work emphasizes the importance of patient support and empowerment.
Follow Abigail Johnston on X and LinkedIn.

Vanina Laurent-Ledru is the Director General of Foundation S and a leading voice on health equity and global healthcare solutions. With a legal background and extensive experience in public-private partnerships, Vanina has spearheaded diversity and inclusion initiatives and health projects for underserved communities, notably at Gavi and Merck/MSD. She is a frequent speaker at global forums such as the UN General Assembly and COP28.
Follow Vanina Laurent-Ledru on X and LinkedIn.

Uta Schmidt-Straßburger is the Scientific Director of the Master Online Study Program Advanced Oncology at Ulm University. With a background in biochemistry and a PhD in chemistry, she has been instrumental in expanding oncology education globally. Dr. Schmidt-Straßburger also edited the open-access book Improving Oncology Worldwide,  and leads “Caring and Sharing” podcast, contributing to the advancement of global cancer care education.
Follow Dr. Uta Schmidt-Straßburger on Facebook and LinkedIn.

Elena Castro is a Consultant Medical Oncologist specializing in prostate cancer at Hospital 12 de Octubre in Madrid. She has conducted extensive research on the genetic and genomic variants in prostate cancer, contributing to clinical trials that offer new treatments for advanced cases. Dr. Castro is a member of ESMO’s faculty panel for prostate cancer and plays an active role in translational and precision medicine.
Follow Dr. Elena Castro on X and LinkedIn.

Ester Demirtshyan is the CEO of the City of Smile Charitable Foundation, Armenia’s largest pediatric cancer charity. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded significantly, funding the country’s first pediatric cancer palliative care clinic. Ester’s work ensures that young cancer patients receive essential care and support, making a profound impact on children’s lives across Armenia.
Follow Ester Demirtshyan on LinkedIn and Facebook.

Amy C. Moore serves as LUNGevity’s Vice President of Global Engagement and Patient Partnerships. A trained virologist and cancer researcher, Dr. Moore has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and led large research initiatives intersecting lung cancer and COVID-19. She is a recognized authority in the field, serving on various advisory boards to advance lung cancer research and patient advocacy.
Follow Dr. Amy Moore on X and LinkedIn.

Laura Vater is a gastrointestinal oncologist at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, specializing in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. She developed the globally recognized SMILE Scale in 2017 to support patient and clinician well-being. Dr. Vater’s research also explores narrative medicine to enhance clinician empathy and improve caregiver support in oncology care.
Follow Dr. Laura Vater on X , TikTok and Instagram.

As we continue to spotlight these influential women in oncology, follow their inspiring journeys on social media and join their mission to make a difference in cancer care. Stay tuned for more next week!

Missed the previous highlights? Check out last year’s list, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, and Part 7 in this year’s series for more inspiration.