Jack Whelan 
Research Advocate - Event Speaker | Jack-Whelan.com
Andover, MA, UNITED STATES
Inspire audience: see Clinical Trials as safe & effective treatment option vs conventional chemo as we travel road to Personalized Medicine
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Biography
Jack lives in Andover MA with his wife Jan, has three ‘fabulous’ daughters and sons-in-law and proud grandparents of twin girls. Jack’s is the principal of a small business focused on Information Technology (IT) investment research coming from industry as a career Sales VP. Diagnosed in 2007 with an active Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia a rare lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma for which there is no cure yet, Jack has participated in four Clinical Trials at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, (DFCI) the most recent, a novel targeting biologic agent has worked nicely. He is also treated at Brigham & Women’s Hospital (BWH).
Jack has first hand experience with many aspects of Clinical Trials and has had a front row seat traveling the road to Personalized Medicine which is still under construction. Jack encourages all patients to explore what treatment options might be available in Clinical Trials as we begin to benefit from the promise of personalized medicine, genomics-based therapy giving patients the right medication in the right dose at the right time.
During treatment at DFCI and BWH over the past six years, Jack has developed close professional and personal relationships with these physicians, nurses and medical pros. He volunteers with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) as event speaker helping recruit for Team in Training and Light the Night and has presented at local LLS’ support groups. He’s a legislative advocate volunteer for LLS, recently helped convince state lawmakers to pass the much-needed Oral Chemotherapy Parity bill; now advocating for Biosimilar clarification, Step Therapy and Specialty Tiers resolution. He regularly participates in lobbying efforts and testifies at the state house, wrote stories for Massachusetts newspapers, conducted email and phone call campaigns to state senators and representatives. See his story in Cancer Today Magazine www.tinyurl.com/CT-Whelan
He’s a member of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) completed this year’s Scientist-Survivor Program. He is also active with the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and completed the Research Advocacy Network Focus on Research Scholars in conjunction with the ASCO 2013 Conference. As an e-Patient with a busy 2013 calendar, you may find Jack speaking at advocacy, healthcare, medical education and similar events around the United States.
Industry Expertise (3)
Pharmaceuticals
Biotechnology
Health Care - Services
Areas of Expertise (3)
Novel Molecular Targeting Agents to Treat Rare Incurable Cancer
Clinical Trials Personalized Medicine
Genomics Based Therapy
Accomplishments (6)
United States Navy Veteran (professional)
Served four years active duty in the United States Navy, expertise in Information Technology, Radar Systems, Fire Control Systems and Navy Tactical Data Systems.
AACR Scientist Survivor Program (professional)
Completed Patient/Research Advocate 2013 Scientist-Survivor Program in connection with American Association for Cancer Research Patient Advocacy programs.
Research Advocate Network Institute Research Advocate Program 2013 with ASCO (professional)
Completed Research Advocacy Network Institute Research Advocate program in conjunction with American Association of Clinical Oncology patient advocacy programs. The Institute helps equip advocates with the tools and resources they need to comprehend research studies and communicate effectively with patients, researchers and one another. The Research Advocacy Network’s overall goal is to channel advocates’ passion into effective interactions with the research community.
Encouraging Sustaining Cancer Advocacy Program Efforts (ESCAPE) (professional)
The Encouraging Sustaining Cancer Advocacy Program & Efforts (ESCAPE Program) is unique five day program held at Mirival near Tuscon AZ which brings together advocates from around the country to help network with other advocates, novice and veteran, share experiences and insights and tools needed by effective cancer advocates, volunteers, fundraising, legislative, donor and other asks. A key goal is to help avoid "burnout" common in advocate/survivor circles. An infusion of preventive experience
AACR Scientist - Survivor Program Science of Cancer Health Disparities Program (professional)
The conference brings together physicians, scientists, health professionals and health care leaders working in a variety of disciplines to discuss the latest findings in their fields, to foster collaborative interdisciplinary interactions and partnerships and to stimulate the development of new research in cancer health disparities to address all levels of basic, population, clinical and transdisciplinary research related to cancer, a patient advocacy education program of AACR.
Education Network to Advance Cancer Clinical Trials (ENACCT) (professional)
Completed a comprehensive series of on line educational courses centered on advocacy for the Advancement of Cancer Clinical Trials. ENACCT's mission is to improve access to cancer clinical trials through education and collaboration with communities, health care providers, and researchers.
Education (1)
University of Rhode Island: BS , Business Administration & Marketing
Affiliations (7)
- American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
- American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
- Drug Information Association (DIA)
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS)
- International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation
- Research Advocacy Network
- Society for Participatory Medicine
Links (2)
Testimonials (1)
Jack Whelan, Research Advocate | Jack-Whelan.com
Testimonial and references are available upon request
Event Appearances (6)
Breakfast Keynote - Unique Patient Perspective of Personalized Medicine in Practice
4th Annual World Companion Diagnostics (CDx) Conference Collonnade Hotel Boston, MA USA
2013-11-13
e-Patient Perspective benefits of Clinical Trials to achieve Progression Free Survival
Press Conference sponsored by PhRMA and Chamber of Conference - Clinical Trial in Massachusetts University of Massachusetts Medical Center
2013-11-12
Personalized Medicine in Practice - From Diagnosis to Advocacy - Patient Perspectives Luncheon Speaker
PhRMA sponsored meeting of advocates, marketing firms, lobbyists University of Massachusetts Business Club, Boston
2013-11-14
The New Paradigm: ePatient / Digital Patient
Optimizing Clinical Research Performance sponsored by CenterWatch in association with iiBIG The Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas Nevada
2013-10-16
Dinner Keynote: Personalized Medicine, Pathways to Precision Treatment and Care
International Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia Foundation Annual Educational Forum/Conference Marriott San Diego CA
2013-05-17
Battling Cancer: Conversation with Jack Whelan
Atlas Venture 2013 Annual Meeting of Limited Partners 60 State Street Conference Center
2013-09-25
Sample Talks (1)
Clinical Trials, Personalized Medicine, Precision Medicine, Molecular Novel Therapies, Blood Cancers
Jack prepares a custom, well-researched presentation for your event that is meaningful and relevant for your audience. As a six year survivor of a rare incurable blood cancer, Jack shares is unique patient perspective with real world experience participating in five clinical trials and variety of therapies, research and care. Jack is a career research analyst in Information Technology making the transition to an effective research advocate for cancer research and care. Fun, helpful, hopeful!
Style
Availability
- Keynote
- Moderator
- Panelist
- Workshop Leader
- Host/MC
Social