Alique Topalian, Research Scientist of Survivorship and Supportive Services at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn about a paper she co-authored with colleagues published in BMJ Family and Community Medicine:
“Advancing Survivorship Care Through Integrated Oncology Primary Care.
I’m thrilled to share that our manuscript, ‘Model for bridging the gap: establishing an oncology primary care clinic for comprehensive survivorship care,’ was published today in BMJ Family and Community Medicine!
This work highlights the development, implementation, and impact of our Oncology Primary Care Clinic at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center—a model designed to strengthen survivorship care and ensure continuity for patients with complex cancer histories.
None of this would be possible without Melissa Erickson who has truly created something remarkable here at UC.
I feel incredibly privileged to learn from such an exceptional physician and leader.
I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact that Oncology Primary Care can have on a patient’s life, and it is inspiring to be part of this work.
I’m also deeply grateful for my mentors—Melinda Butsch Kovacic, and Elizabeth Shaughnessy—and for my brilliant mentees Sophie Kushman and Tess Brewer, who make this journey even more meaningful.
Key highlights from our clinic (2021–2025):
- Cared for 1138 unique patients.
- 87.8% with adult-onset cancers.
- 4% childhood and 8.3% AYA-onset cancers.
- 15.7% with second primary malignancies.
- Over half with cardiovascular comorbidities.
- High patient satisfaction across all domains.
- Oncology providers emphasize the clinic’s essential role in managing medically complex survivors.
What this research shows:
Embedding primary care directly within a tertiary cancer center is not only feasible—it’s transformative.
This model enhances continuity, improves comorbidity management, and supports long-term survivorship in a truly comprehensive way.
Using a dedicated Patient Outcomes Registry (REDCap) has allowed for continuous evaluation and quality improvement, offering a scalable framework for other institutions.
I’m honored to be part of this work—and excited for what comes next.”
Title: Model for bridging the gap: establishing an oncology primary care clinic for comprehensive survivorship care
Authors: Alique Gabrielle Topalian, Melissa Erickson, Tess Brewer, Sophie Kushman, Eizabeth Shaughnessy, and Melinda Butsch Kovacic.
Read the full article in BMJ Family and Community Medicine.
More posts featuring Alique Topalian.