Wilmot Cancer Institute Appoints Karen Mustian as Associate Director for Population Science
Karen Mustian, a renowned figure in her field, has been making significant strides in cancer care at the Wilmot Cancer Institute. As a tenured dean's professor in the Division of Cancer Control, Department of Surgery, Mustian has been instrumental in shaping the institute's approach to patient care.
Mustian's career has been dedicated to integrating exercise and integrative medicine into cancer treatment and recovery. Her work aims to improve patient outcomes and quality of life during and after cancer therapy, offering an approach that complements traditional treatments and reduces symptoms, enhances physical function, and improves overall well-being.
Since joining the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2003, Mustian's research in exercise physiology has been consistently supported. She founded and directed a unique human performance clinical research lab, known as PEAK, in 2009, and her research has led to the recruitment of twelve new members engaged in cancer-prevention research in diverse areas over the past five years.
In her role as co-leader of Wilmot's Cancer Prevention and Control (CPC) research program, Mustian has significantly increased peer-reviewed funding for the CPC program. Since 2019, the funding has grown by 67% to a current total of $9.5 million, with 87% of the increase coming from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This funding boost was part of the $29 million NCORP award received by the University of Rochester Medical Center in 2019, which placed Wilmot at the hub of a national clinical trials research network under Mustian's leadership.
Mustian's dedication to the impact of Wilmot scientists, providers, staff, and volunteers on the lives of patients and their loved ones is evident in her role as a principal investigator and co-director in NCORP leadership positions since 2014. Her contributions have been recognised beyond the institute, with her appointment as a member of the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors.
In addition to her research and leadership roles, Mustian's personal experiences with cancer have fueled her passion for improving cancer supportive care through yoga and exercise. This passion has been evident at Wilmot Cancer Institute events where she has spoken and participated, emphasising her expertise and leadership in these areas.
As of July 1, 2023, Mustian has been promoted to Associate Director of Population Science at Wilmot Cancer Institute. Her ongoing work continues to shape the future of cancer care, integrating exercise and integrative medicine to provide comprehensive, evidence-based support for patients during their cancer journey.
For more detailed information about Mustian's research, clinical programs, or awards at Wilmot Cancer Institute, or to explore her published research on this topic, visit the Wilmot Cancer Institute or scholarly databases.
- Karen Mustian's work in the Division of Cancer Control at the Wilmot Cancer Institute involves clinical trials, aiming to integrate exercise and integrative medicine into cancer treatment and recovery.
- Mustian's research in health-and-wellness areas such as fitness-and-exercise and nutrition has been supported, resulting in an increase of peer-reviewed funding for the Cancer Prevention and Control program at Wilmot by 67% since 2019.
- Since 2014, Mustian has served as a principal investigator and co-director in NCORP leadership positions, focusing on improving patient care and quality of life during and after cancer therapy.
- Beyond her work at Wilmot Cancer Institute, Mustian has been appointed as a member of the NCI Board of Scientific Advisors, demonstrating the recognition of her contributions in science and cancer care.
