Ellen Tobin, Oncology Consultant

The Ellen Tobin Memorial Lecture is named in memorial for a long time friend of ACE.
Ellen died in December, 2002 after a lengthy battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Described as one who championed the needs of cancer patients, her interest in cancer began with her mother’s cancer diagnosis and death. After working as a developmental psychologist and administrator in the healthcare field, she established the first of her own businesses in 1981.

Ellen Tobin specialized in conducting focus group research. While most of her work was done with cancer patients, Ellen also did focus groups with physicians and organizations. She assisted ACE in the Association’s early development by conducting member focus groups to see what would best meet membership needs. Ellen’s oncology clients included many community and academic cancer centers, as well as the NCI, the Southwest Oncology Group and many other organizations and companies.

Even prior to Ellen’s diagnosis of lymphoma, she was very interested in palliative care and end of life care concepts and approaches. As her own cancer progressed, she became a great communicator and even greater advocate for the needs of patients in palliative care and supporting patients in maintaining greater personal control through provider options / choices in care decisions.

Ellen cared a great deal about what happened to patients with cancer. The main emphasis of her focused group work was helping cancer centers all over the country learn how to serve cancer patients better. Due to Ellen’s compassion for patient care, and her commitment to ACE, it is only fitting that this lectureship be named in her honor. Each year, a speaker will be selected to focus on patient care issues, particularly those issues related to symptom management, palliative care, and patient choices in care.

Past Lecturers Have Included:
2005 – Creating World-Class Service – Dennis Snow
2006 – "Battling the No People –Nick Mezacapa

Ellen Tobin Memorial Fund
Contact ACE at info@cancerexecutives.org for more information.