Local doctor becomes President of State Oncology Society
File/ eExtra News
Dr. Sucharu Chris Prakash has been nominated as the President of Texas Society of Clinical Oncology (TxSCO), the largest oncology professional organization in the state. He will lead a powerful community of oncologists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other multidisciplinary care providers involved in the treatment of patients with cancer throughout Texas. “This is an honor, and a recognition of my efforts to fight for our patients and providers” Prakash said. TxSCO collaborates with other organizations across the state to support its mission of improving patient outcomes and the treatment of cancer in the State of Texas.
As President of TxSCO, Dr Prakash will be actively involved in efforts to advocate on state and federal legislative issues impacting patient access to quality cancer care. TxSCO has been instrumental in many important legislative passages over the past several years, including Prior Authorization reform, PBM Reform, and other cancer care access issues impacting patients in Texas.
Dr. Prakash said “The Texas “Gold Card” legislation in 2021 was an important victory. It led the way for other states across the country to introduce similar legislation. Eight in 10 Texas physicians report having to obtain prior authorization for medical procedures and even common, generic prescriptions. 85% report that prior authorizations delayed patient care, often leading to adverse events for patients. The new Gold Card law will allow Texas physicians to earn a “gold card” exemption from health plans’ prior authorization requirements, greatly improving their ability to provide timely care for cancer patients”.
TxSCO also promotes several educational activities geared towards community and academic oncologists. A primary focus is to foster research among fellows in Oncology programs, and promising research projects are awarded at the Annual meeting. In his role, Dr. Prakash will be actively advocating to the Texas legislators, on issues involving cancer care delivery to patients across the state. To this end, a “leadership day” in Austin is planned for next year.
Dr. Prakash is recognized as a leader in his field. He is the Medical Director of Texas Oncology and the Chair of Quality for Texas Oncology. He also serves on ASCO’s Rural Cancer care Task Force and TMA’s Committee on Cancer. Chris Prakash has been with Texas Oncology Paris since 2000 and has made it his goal to improve cancer care for people in Lamar County and surrounding areas, and all Texans.