South Georgia Medical Center is pleased to announce Dr. Samuel Ofori, hematologist and oncologist at the Pearlman Cancer Center, has been recognized by the Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education (CORE) as one of "Today’s Innovators" for cancer care for 2023.

According to GA CORE, Dr. Ofori was among 26 recipients honored because he “embraces the original vision of collaboration and advancement throughout the state’s cancer care ecosystem and works today to continue to enhance cancer research and exceptional care for all Georgians.”

Additionally, Pearlman is one of only five Georgia National Cancer Institute (NCI) Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) clinical trial sites in the state. NCORP puts cutting-edge treatments and studies within reach of more Georgians.

According to NCORP, in order to improve cancer care in Georgia, more residents must be able to participate in new treatments and studies that help prevent and control cancer. Such programs are typically offered in cancer centers in high-populated areas; so historically, they’ve been out of reach to many Georgians. And in places where they were offered, many under-served populations weren’t aware they existed.

In the program’s seventh year, 3 out of 4 Georgians are within reach of new prevention, control, and treatment trials. Many are in rural and underserved communities. Pearlman is the only clinical trial site located south of Columbus and Savannah.

Dr. Ofori shared that physicians and scientists conducting studies need broad populations to participate, so that results are more precise and beneficial.

Dr. Ofori joined SGMC's Pearlman Cancer Center in 2009. Pearlman serves a 15-county area, offering a variety of treatment options to include radiation therapy, advanced chemotherapy and biotherapy, surgical oncology, clinical trials, and genetic counseling for cancer-causing genes. The Pearlman Cancer Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and the American College of Radiology. For more information visit sgmc.org.