Wilmot Cancer Institute Appoints Karen Mustian as Associate Director for Population Science
Karen Mustian, a renowned researcher in the field of exercise and integrative medicine for cancer care, has been promoted to the position of Associate Director of Population Science at the Wilmot Cancer Institute, effective July 1, 2023.
Mustian, who holds a PhD and an MPH, has been a key figure at the University of Rochester Medical Center since her arrival in 2003 as a research assistant professor. Over the years, she has risen through the ranks, specializing in exercise and integrative medicine to alleviate cancer symptoms and side effects.
Mustian's extensive contributions to cancer control research have been widely recognised. She is a principal investigator or co-investigator on active research projects at the University of Rochester, focusing on optimising functional outcomes and patient health. Her work spans clinical challenges such as drug shortages and improving treatment delivery, as well as patient-centered interventions targeting symptoms and functional outcomes.
One of Mustian's significant achievements is her role in crafting American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for patient care. She has also been co-leader of Wilmot's Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program, broadening the program by recruiting new members engaged in cancer-prevention research in diverse areas.
Under Mustian's leadership, CPC has seen significant growth. Twelve new members joined the program during the past five years, and the program's peer-reviewed funding has increased by 67% since 2019 to a current total of $9.5 million, 87% of which is from the NCI.
Mustian reports to Wilmot Director Jonathan Friedberg, MD, MMSc, and works closely with Deputy Director Hucky Land, PhD. In her new role, Mustian will continue to drive research and innovation in the field of cancer prevention and control at Wilmot Cancer Institute.
References: 1. Mustian KM, et al. Impact of drug shortages on cancer care delivery: challenges in oncology treatment logistics and patient management. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2015;5(1):39-45. 2. Mustian KM, et al. Exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. 2018;36(26):2897-2905. 3. Mustian KM, et al. The impact of exercise on quality of life in breast cancer survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Oncol. 2014;32(30):3594-3601. 4. University of Rochester Medical Center. Faculty Profile: Karen Mustian, PhD, MPH. [Online] Available: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/faculty/profile/Karen-Mustian.aspx [Accessed 15 April 2023].
- Karen Mustian's expertise spans various medical-conditions, including chronic diseases like cancer, as she has been instrumental in designing American Society of Clinical Oncology guidelines for patient care.
- In addition to her work on cancer treatment, Mustian has also conducted clinical trials on fitness-and-exercise and mental-health interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in breast cancer survivors.
- Recognizing Mustian's contributions to patient care, health-and-wellness, and the field of science, she has been promoted to the position of Associate Director of Population Science at the Wilmot Cancer Institute.
- Mustian's new role will involve driving research and innovation in areas like cancer prevention and control, which includes tackling clinical challenges like drug shortages and improving treatment delivery, as well as encouraging patient-centered interventions for symptoms and functional outcomes.
