About this Event
Join us Tuesday, October 28 at 6 p.m. for an insightful expert discussion during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This panel of distinguished medical professionals will offer enlightening insights on early detection and medical advancements, while raising awareness and inspiring hope.
The conversation will feature specialists from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, including:
- Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman, nationally renowned breast cancer surgeon, Professor and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery, Division Chief of the Breast Surgical Oncology Division
- Dr. Maya Michelle Hicks, author and co-author of multiple peer-reviewed publications, including eCancer Medical Science, Gynecologic Oncology, and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons
- Dr. Daniela A. Ochoa, an instructor of surgery in the Division of Breast Surgical Oncology
- Dr. Jourdaen Librada Sanchez, general surgeon
- Pamela Smith, Communications Director, Little Rock School District, will moderate the panel
During this conversation, Dr. Henry-Tillman and the panelists will share about their pioneering work in cancer research and efforts promoting impactful community service. Dr. Henry-Tillman will also discuss her innovative approaches and significant contributions to the field of breast cancer surgery.
In 2000, President Bill Clinton significantly expanded treatment options for women diagnosed with breast and cervical cancer by enacting the Breast and Cervical Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act. The law provides cancer screenings as well as access to treatment to uninsured and underinsured women.
The program will be available on our YouTube channel the following day.
ASL interpretation is available during our events.
This program is presented in partnership with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Presidential Library.
About the Panelists:
Dr. Maya Michelle Hicks was born and raised in Metro-Detroit. She graduated magna cum laude from Wayne State University before earning her medical degree from Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Annapolis, Maryland, and is currently a Breast Surgical Oncology fellow at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
Dr. Hicks has a strong commitment to advancing women’s health through research. Shehas contributed to projects at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has authored and co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications in journals including eCancer Medical Science, Gynecologic Oncology, and the Journal of the American College of Surgeons. She has presented her research at national and international conferences such as the National Medical Association, the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. Among her most meaningful experiences has been her work with Friends of Africa, a collaborative group of gynecologic oncologists and breast surgical oncologists focused on building surgical capacity for the management of cervical and breast cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.
Although early in her career, the foundation of Dr. Hicks’ professional path is deeply rooted in her passion for being able to provide comprehensive women’s health care and address the unique milestones and illnesses that women encounter. Her dedication is also personal: having immediate family members affected by cancer, she finds it both an honor and a privilege to perform breast cancer care and surgery, enabling patients to continue living full and meaningful lives.
Dr. Daniela Ochoa sees patients in the second-floor clinics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute and serves as an instructor of surgery in the Division of Breast Surgical Oncology in the UAMS College of Medicine.
Ochoa’s practice focuses on the surgical treatment of malignant and benign breast disease. Fluent in Spanish, she also plans to help ease the language and cultural barriers Hispanic patients sometimes encounter when facing diseases of the breast. A graduate of Texas A&M University System Health Science Center College of Medicine, Ochoa recently completed her fellowship training in diseases of the breast at UAMS. She is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Society of Surgical Oncology and the Association of Women Surgeons.
Dr. Ronda S. Henry-Tillman is Professor and Executive Vice Chair of the Department of Surgery, Division Chief of the Breast Surgical Oncology Division, and a nationally and internationally renowned breast cancer surgeon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, recognized for her innovations and contributions in the field of breast cancer surgery. Since 2017, she holds the endowed chair, Muriel Balsam Kohn Chair in Breast Surgical Oncology, a gift from the Tenenbaum Foundation. This foundation provides humanitarian assistance to Arkansas residents, promotes awareness of breast cancer and funding research. Additionally, she serves as Director of Health Initiatives and Disparities Research and Co-Leader of the DiseasesOriented Committee (DOC) on Breast at UAMS. As a graduate of University of California San Diego School of Medicine, Dr. Henry-Tillman completed her surgical residency at UAMS, as well as fellowship training with the UAMS fellowship in Diseases of the Breast. She has been on the surgical faculty team for 24 years. Dr. Ronda Henry-Tillman authored or co-authored at least 81 journal articles and numerous book chapters. In a partnership with Friends of Africa and the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation, she has developed an early detection program for breast cancer and established a breast surgery training program at the University of Zambia in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital in Kinshasa. On September 12, 2022 she was recognized as honoree for the 2022 UAMS Dr. Edith Irby Jones Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Lifetime Achievement. On October 14, 2023, she was one of six preeminent, distinguished inductees named the prestigious Arkansas Black Hall of Fame. On April 16, 2024, UAMS Dean’s Honor Day, she was awarded the Clinical Excellence Physician of the Year Award.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Clinton Presidential Center, 1200 President Clinton Avenue, Little Rock, United States
USD 0.00
