Quality Improvement in Breast Cancer Testing: Highlights from ACCC Member Programs

Ms. Ali-Khan Catts received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Spanish from the University of Delaware in 1992 and a Master’s of Science degree in Human Genetics with a concentration in Genetic Counseling in 1995 from Howard University. She was certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling in 1996 and achieved re-certification in 2006. Upon graduation, Ms. Ali-Khan Catts was recruited to the Children’s Hospital of Central California in Madera, California where she was employed as a genetic counselor for seven years. She joined the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, ChristianaCare in 2002. She is the Director of Genetic Counseling and developed the Familial Cancer Risk Assessment Program and the Ruth Ann Minner High-Risk Family Cancer Registry. She has an adjunct scientist appointment in the Department of Biological Sciences, in the College of Arts and Sciences, at the University of Delaware. She is a mentor for Undergraduate students from University of Delaware, University of West Virginia, and Dartmouth College. In addition, she is the primary supervisor for genetic counseling graduate students from Arcadia University and has been a thesis committee member for several genetic counseling graduate students from Arcadia University and University of Maryland.

Ms. Ali-Khan Catts has been active in the National Society of Genetic Counselors, including co-chair and chair of the education subcommittee of the cancer special interest group (2011-2013) and chairing the licensure subcommittee (2010-2013). She has been active in the NCI community Cancer Centers Program and has served as Co-Chair and Chair for the Genetic Counseling Working Group (2010-2012). Ms. Ali-Khan Catts also is the Chair of the Council for Genetic Counselors under the Board of Medical Practices in Delaware.

Jennifer Klemp is Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Clinical Oncology, Director of Cancer Survivorship, and Co-Program Leader for Cancer Prevention and Survivorship at the University of Kansas Cancer Center. Her clinical practice is focused on cancer genetics. She is the founder and CEO of Cancer Survivorship Training, Inc., an eLearning company supporting healthcare professionals, and is Principal of Cancer Resource Partners, LLC.

Dr. Klemp earned a master’s degree in public health at the University of Kansas Medical Center, and a master’s degree in clinical psychology and a doctorate in clinical health psychology from the University of Kansas. She has also completed advanced clinical training in cancer genetics through Fox Chase Cancer Center. She completed her internship at Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, in the Department of Behavioral Sciences.

Dr. Klemp serves on a number of national boards, including Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Living Beyond Breast Cancer Advisory Board and Expert Member, NCI Community Oncology Cardiovascular Task Force, The Lewin Fund Scientific Advisory Board, and the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) Leadership Council, where she serves as the Co-Program Chair for the Survivorship Committee and the Co-Chair for the AONN+ Nurse Navigator Certification on Genetic and Genomic Testing.

She has published and presented work focusing on cancer genetics, alternatives to screening in high-risk women, compliance with a mobile mammography and educational intervention, shared decision-making regarding options to manage breast cancer risk, and the development of cancer survivorship programming.

As the only full-time radiation oncologist on the Outer Banks, Shelton has not only established himself as an expert in cancer services but also has been the champion for The OBH Cancer Committee. In fact, he assisted the committee in achieving accreditation from the Commission on Cancer. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Cancer Committee.
 
Shelton’s educational journey is an interesting one: undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, followed by work as a lab technician for the University of South Alabama, then on to medical school at the same location and then back to UVA for radiation therapy residency. He realized his passion was radiation therapy in medical school following rotations in orthopedics, general surgery and hematology/oncology. Prior to work at the Outer Banks Radiation Therapy Center, Shelton worked as a radiation oncologist in Lewisburg, WV.
 
In his spare time, Shelton enjoys his two dogs, Lucy and Peachy, and his cat Theo (all from the SPCA), as well as playing tennis and engaging in outdoor activities. He loves to travel with his wife and spend time with his four children, two of whom are adopted – one from Russia and one from Kazakhstan.

Those who know Shelton have experienced his fun-loving personality, relaxed nature and, above all, his kind heart. Like the time he volunteered to work with the flash-flood victims in his former hometown of Lewisburg. In 2016, the town was overwhelmed by severe flooding and many homes were destroyed. In the week spent there, Shelton assisted with cleanup and rebuilding of homes. He also worked with others to distribute supplies to the victims.

Dr. Shelton is excited about the new location of the Radiation Therapy Center in Nags Head and is excited to watch how cancer services in the Outer Banks continue to grow.