2025 President-Elect Election
The President-Elect will serve a one-year term beginning on June 1, 2025, and will automatically assume the role of President for the 2026–2028 term.
Meet CAHON's Newly Elected President-Elect!
Dr. Cynthia Ma, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine
Lifetime Regular Member
Professor of Medicine
Washington University
Biography:
Dr. Cynthia Ma, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, is a physician scientist with a research focus in breast cancer biomarker and targeted therapeutics development. Dr. Ma received her medical degree from Beijing Medical University, P. R. China, and her PhD in Developmental Biology from University of Cincinnati. She completed the Internal Medicine Residency training at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, North Carolina and the Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She has been on faculty at Washington University in St. Louis since 2005.
She serves as the Clinical Director of the Breast Cancer Program in the Section of Medical Oncology, Division of Oncology. She is a co-leader of the Breast Cancer Research Program at the Siteman Cancer Center. Dr. Ma has spearheaded numerous biomarker-directed, investigator-initiated trials, including groundbreaking neoadjuvant studies that examine the efficacy of endocrine agents and small molecule inhibitors that target PI3K and cell cycle to overcome endocrine resistance in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. She is the study chair for the Alliance Phase III neoadjuvant ALTERNATE trial, investigating biomarkers of endocrine sensitivity and resistance mechanisms. Her laboratory has focused on biomarkers and resistance mechanisms for agents that target cell cycle and PI3K pathway through analysis of clinical specimens and preclinical studies using breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived xenograft models.
Dr. Ma’s extensive research has garnered significant funding from prestigious bodies including NIH/NCI, DOD, BCRF, Komen, and several industry partners. Her expertise in both translational and clinical research has been instrumental in securing multiple multi-PI grants aimed at developing innovative therapeutic approaches to enhance the outcomes for breast cancer patients. During her career, Dr. Ma has received many awards recognizing her work in translational and clinical breast cancer research, including the ASCO Merit and Career Development Awards, CALGB Clinical Scholar Award, the NCI Clinical Investigator Team Leadership Award, the Komen Scholar Award.
Candidate Statement:
As a Chinese American physician-scientist in the field of Oncology, my professional development journey has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities we face. I am passionate about giving back to the profession and contributing meaningfully to our community. My experience with CAHON has prepared me well to fulfill the role of CAHON President. I served as the Education Committee Chair in the early years of CAHON and was awarded the CAHON Outstanding Service Award in 2022. Last year, I was nominated to serve as the Vice President of CAHON and had the opportunity to work alongside the CAHON President, Board, and committee chairs. With their support and encouragement, I spearheaded surveys and initiatives that facilitated mentor-mentee interactions.
As CAHON President, my vision is to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative community dedicated to advancing the field of hematology and oncology through excellence in patient care, research, education, and advocacy. I am committed to strengthening professional networks, promoting the highest standards of practice, and supporting the personal and professional growth of our members, while emphasizing the unique contributions and perspectives of Chinese American healthcare professionals. In addition, it is important to implement strategies to secure sustainable funding through sponsorships, grants, and fundraising activities to support CAHON's long-term objectives and initiatives.
I will continue the outstanding work of the current leadership to strengthen partnerships with other professional organizations and societies to expand our network and resources, and to develop platforms to facilitate communication, collaboration, and resource sharing among members. I am dedicated to realizing this vision and achieving these goals by working collaboratively with our members, partners, and stakeholders. Together, we will create a brighter future for hematology and oncology, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and the broader medical community.
If you would like to learn more about the election process, please click the following link: CAHON President-Elect Nominating Process