Everything Cancer

Part 1 - Dr. Alique Topalian, PhD, MPH: Legislative and Academic Warrior for All Cancer Survivors, Pediatric and AYA Cancer Survivor and Thriver

Jill Squire, Oncology Certified Nurse Episode 17

Episode Description:

In this first part of our interview with Dr. Alique Topalian, we explore her incredible journey as both a pediatric and young adult cancer survivor. Dr. Topalian shares her experiences with self-advocacy, the challenges of finding a bone marrow match, and her involvement in bio-marker insurance coverage legislation. 

She discusses her shift from psychiatry to Health Promotion Education in oncology. 

Tune in for an inspiring and informative conversation.

Key Topics:

- Dr. Alique Topalian's early diagnosis and treatment for acute myeloid leukemia.

- The significance of biomarker testing in her treatment plan.

- Challenges faced in finding a bone marrow match and the importance of donor registries.

- The role of supportive services like The Gathering Place in her recovery.

- Legislative advocacy for biomarker testing and copay assistance program transparency.

 

Highlights:

- [00:00] Introduction: Overview of Dr. Topalian's journey and the focus of her advocacy work.

- [01:32] Early Diagnosis: Dr. Topalian's diagnosis with acute myeloid leukemia at age four and her treatment journey.

- [03:32] Relapse and Biomarker Testing: The role of biomarker testing in her treatment after a 22-year remission.

- [05:02] Career Transition: Moving from psychiatry to cancer survivorship and supportive services.

- [08:32] Supportive Services: The impact of The Gathering Place and supportive services on her recovery.

- [11:15] Advocacy Journey: Dr. Topalian's involvement in cancer advocacy and her legislative efforts.

- [18:57] Biomarker Testing Advocacy: The importance of biomarker testing and the barriers to access she is working to overcome.

Dr. Topalian’s LinkedIn LinkedIn.com/in/alique-topalian-phd-mph


Next Episode Teaser:

Join us for the second part of our interview with Dr. Alique Topalian, where we delve deeper into her legislative advocacy efforts, the how she has met the challenges of navigating healthcare costs and AYA cancer survivorship.

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Here is the link for the acclaimed cancer self-advocacy guide by Jill Squire, host of Everything Cancer Podcast
"Cancer Journey Guide and Journals: Empowerment in Diagno...