Forum Session: Two different cancer center plans test the realities of translational medicine

To date, few details exist on what the term "Translational" actually means in terms of real physical or program activity, or if it even works. Here, session leaders detail the underlying theory of how translational medicine and research are supposed to work, and they profile two very different facility, financial, and operating plans for turning the theory into reality -- the Comprehensive Cancer Center Model (all under one roof) at Penn State's Hershey Medical Center, and the Virtual Cancer Center Model (hub with physical and virtual spokes) at University of Alabama -- Birmingham.

This session is approved for AIA Continuing Education credit.

• Kevin B. Sullivan, AIA , Principal - Payette
  
• Paula Buick, RN , Senior Program Manager - Partners Healthcare System, Inc.
  
• Thomas P. Loughran, Jr., MD , Cancer Institute Director - Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center
  
• Jim C. James, AIA , Executive Director, Facilities Planning and Design - University of Alabama, Birmingham