scientific advisory board members

The volunteer Scientific Advisory Board is comprised of physicians and scientists from a variety of specialties, along with patient and research advocates to bring a broad range of medical expertise to Consano. They evaluate each project’s detailed scientific abstract, researcher CV, letters of support from their department and administration, as well as any institutional review board documentation (human subjects committee, animal care, etc.). The purpose of this review is to ensure that each project listed on Consano is legitimate, relevant, easily understood, and has the potential to lead to improvements in patient care. Through this vetting process, donors can have confidence that their money will be funding a quality research project. Click on a headshot to learn more about each SAB member.

• Jay Andersen, M.D.

  Jay Andersen, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Hematology/Oncology, with a focus on breast cancer management

  Current position(s)
  Oncologist/Hematologist, Compass Oncology

  Practice Location
  Portland, OR

  Consano provides a unique platform for the public to review options for directed medical research giving/support. With the rapidly changing medical research landscape, Consano links the public with focused research opportunities, which provides the individual with informed flexibility, oftentimes filling a void related to niche projects.
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  Alexandra Anderson, M.D.

  Alexandra Anderson, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Anesthesiology; Liver Transplant Anesthesia

  Current position(s)
  Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology

  Practice Location
  Cedars Sinai Medical Center Los Angeles, CA

  Consano provides the unique opportunity for individuals to support and learn about medical research that personally resonates with them or their family. This can empower people during very vulnerable times, and can advance research that may otherwise struggle to find adequate support. This special connection will improve health and hope at the individual level and for the masses. I look forward to being a part of the connection, education, innovation and healing in this community. 

• Carole Baas, Ph.D.

  Carole Baas, Ph.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Patient Advocacy, Research Advocacy, Biomedical Engineering

  Current position(s)
  Lead Advocate, NCI Physical Sciences in Oncology

  Practice Location
  Dallas, TX

  Consano will provide a much-needed alternative to the traditional funding structure for science, all while working within the traditional academic institutional structure. With the continuing decrease in government funding for medical research, private funding models will become incredibly important – and Consano is an excellent example of an innovative solution to the current dearth of research dollars. Consano will enable scientists with really good ideas to actually be able to do them, providing a viable option for those young researchers – who in the current funding climate really don’t stand a chance – to actually do what they do best: think creatively, outside-the-box, and explore territory which isn’t the safe, R01 model of research.
• R. Bryan Bell, MD, DDS, FACS

  R. Bryan Bell, MD, DDS, FACS
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology

  Current position(s)
  Medical Director, Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Program and Clinic, Providence Cancer Center

  Practice Location
  Providence Cancer Center at Providence Portland Medical Center

  Consano is redefining the philanthropic funding of cancer research.  In the current atmosphere of limited federal grant money for basic and translational research, philanthropy is one of the most important components of cancer research funding.  In my current position of Medical Director of the Providence Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Program, I have witnessed the power of philanthropy in the development of anti-OX40, a promising new immunotherapy that was translated from the laboratory to the clinic, in part by the generous donations of committed patrons who believed in the scientists and physicians at Providence. The commitment was strengthened by the fact that donors knew exactly where the money was going and could see progress as the new discoveries were advanced to clinical trials.   Consano’s approach to grant funding will ensure that money donated is actually utilized for the projects intended—that is finding a cure for cancer, not building new buildings— thereby giving the philanthropist a window into how their generous gifts are utilized.

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• Renee Benson Stromsness, M.D.

  Renee Benson Stromsness, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Pediatric Pulmonology

  Current position(s)
  Pediatric Pulmonologist, Pediatric CF Program Director for Kaiser Northern California

  Practice Location
  Kaiser Oakland

  Consano is an exciting platform which aims to connect the public with the seemingly distant world of medical research by allowing individuals to directly contribute to research projects that are most relevant to the lives of their loved ones. Many of us have personal or family stories of health conditions treated by the latest advancements in medicine, but few of us up to this point have had an opportunity to directly contribute to such advances. I am particularly inspired by Molly's story and her mission of furthering medical science that grew out of a desire to raise her daughters in a world without breast cancer. I am excited to support Consano and its clients to achieve their goals.

• Jeff Chen, M.D., Ph.D., FAANS, FACS, FCCM

  Jeff Chen, M.D., Ph.D., FAANS, FACS, FCCM
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Neurosurgery, Neurocritical Care, Traumatic brain injury, Brain Tumors, Normal pressure hydrocephalus

  Current position(s)
  Neurological Surgeon at Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Director of NeuroTrauma, Chairman-Neurosciences Leadership Council at Legacy

  Practice Location
  Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland, OR

  Consano provides a novel approach to medical research funding in an era of declining federal support and increasing competition for available research dollars. I am excited to be part of this new venture.
• Brian Chesebro, M.D.

  Brian Chesebro, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Cardiac and Thoracic Anesthesia

  Current position(s)
  Anesthesiologist, Oregon Anesthesiology Group

  Practice Location
  Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR

  No person is removed from the impact of health problems and disease. With Consano, now we all can have a direct and meaningful impact in the fight against those diseases about which we are most passionate.
• AnneMarie Ciccarella

  AnneMarie Ciccarella
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Patient engagement through social media, proponent of cancer research across all types and stages of disease.

  Current position(s)
  Breast cancer advocacy, Grant reviewer Department of Defense CDMRP, PCORI Patient reviewer, NYS Volunteer Leader Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, Patient Volunteer MSKCC, writer and blogger

  Practice Location
  NYC and surrounding suburbs

  I am thrilled and honored to join Consano as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board. Patient participation is a crucial element for the development of meaningful research. Using the internet to bring researchers together with the patient populations they seek to assist is brilliant and unique. The platform developed by Consano will foster creativity, collaboration and innovation. Direct donation will address funding gaps in critical research and holds the promise to catapult medical advances across the entire research paradigm.
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• Lisa Dabby, M.D.

  Lisa Dabby, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Emergency Medicine

  Current position(s)
  Attending Emergency Medicine Physician, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center Clinical Instructor of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA

  Practice Location
  Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center and Orthopaedic Hospital

  I think that it is amazing to have a way to donate money to advance medical research in a field that you are passionate about or has personally affected your life.
• Lisa Diepenhorst, M.D., FACOG

  Lisa Diepenhorst, M.D., FACOG
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Obstetrics and Gynecology

  Current position(s)
  Physician in private practice, Women's Healthcare Associates – Eastbank

  Practice Location
  Portland, OR

  I’m excited to help Molly advance medical science and research through Consano, which allows donors to be more connected to the specific projects they contribute to!
• Robert DuBose, M.D.

  Robert DuBose, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery

  Current position(s)
  Cardiothoracic Surgeon, The Oregon Clinic

  Practice Location
  Portland, OR

  I was thrilled when asked to be a part of Consano. The novel concept of donor directed contributions to specific research labs has been missing from the research industry. By directly linking the philanthropist and the scientist, the hope will be that great medical advances will be made while allowing the donor to feel more connected to their specific causes.
• Paul Finley, M.D.

  Paul Finley, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  General Ophthalmology with practice scope which includes Cataract surgery, Lasik Refractive surgery, Eyelid surgery, non-surgical glaucoma, retina, and pediatric ophthalmology

  Current position(s)
  Partner, Hillsboro Eye Clinic, medical staff Tuality Community Hospital and OHSU

  Practice Location
  Hillsboro, OR

  Consano strives to fill the void left by America's conscious defunding and deemphasizing of medical research. Great researchers spend too much time looking for ways to fund important projects that can help us stamp out disease and lead healthier lives. Large non-profits suffer from high overhead and lack of transparency. In addition, it is almost impossible to know what your donation is really funding. Consano avoids these pitfalls by making very clear where your money is going, and for once linking these passionate researchers to those who truly see the benefit of what they are doing. Having lost a daughter to a rare and poorly understood disease, I feel a personal connection to research when it is specifically directed to achieve a meaningful objective. The onus is on the researcher to present their study in a way that shows a real benefit, and if Consano can find the people through the power of the internet that truly care about these issues, then history will be made.

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• Michelle Fliman, M.D.

  Michelle Fliman, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Anesthesiology

  Current position(s)
  Anesthesiologist, Oregon Anesthesiology Group

  Practice Location
  Providence Portland Medical Center, Portland, OR

  I chose a career in medicine in order to help heal others. Consano affords me the opportunity to further healing efforts beyond my scope of practice. This is a true gift. It is an honor to serve in Molly’s mission and give back to many many others.
• Roberta Gelb

  Roberta Gelb
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Breast cancer genomics, pathogenesis, prevention and education

  Current position(s)
  President, Chelsea Office Systems, Inc.; Breast cancer navigator, Breast cancer advocate

  Practice Location
  New York City metropolitan area

  As a cancer survivor who has lost many friends to various diseases, I am frustrated at the difficulties researchers experience in getting funding. It is exciting to think that Consano can provide donors a way to direct their funding and be connected to the researchers. At the same time it is critical that the right research gets funded and this is an important role for the scientific advisory board.
• Jason Glover, M.D.

  Jason Glover, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Pediatrics, Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

  Current position(s)
  Pediatric Hematologist/Oncologist

  Practice Location
  Randall Children’s Hospital at Legacy Emanuel

  As traditional government sponsored medical research dollars dwindle with the current economic climate, it is important for researchers to be able continue their work to fight and cure diseases.  Scientific investigators should be at the bench and bedside spending time conducting research not scrambling to fund it.  Consano provides an exciting and novel way to fund research that is near and dear to you.  These reasons make me more than happy to help with Molly’s cause!

• Scott Green, M.D.

  Scott Green, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Orthopedic Surgery; Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery

  Current position(s)
  Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

  Practice Location
  California Pacific Medical Center, San Francico, CA (www.cposm.com), San Francisco General Hospital, UCSF, San Francsico, CA

  We are all affected by disease and need a more user friendly and accessable pathway to link funding and medical research to improve patient outcomes. Consano provides this link without the red tape and often invisible pathways of traditional research funding. Consano gives donor direct control to support specific diseases, many of which are underfunded. As a physician, son, father, husband, and friend, I support Consano as a novel tool for improving access to funding medical research.

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• Michael Gropper, M.D., Ph.D.

  Michael Gropper, M.D., Ph.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Anesthesia and Critical Care

  Current position(s)
  Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care Director, Critical Care Medicine, UCSF Medical Center; Professor of Physiology; Senior Investigator, Cardiovascular Research Institute; President of the Medical Staff

  Practice Location
  UCSF, San Francisco, CA

  In an era of decreasing research support, the Federal Government increasingly wants to fund low-risk research so that it can be assured that the project will be successful. As a result, investigators are hesitant to push for funding of truly innovative work that may have high reward, but carries high risk. Crowd sourced funding allows the public to choose how their money is spent and allows investigators to take risks in areas not covered by traditional funding sources.
• Daniel Hirselj, M.D.

  Daniel Hirselj, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Pediatric and Reconstructive Urology

  Current position(s)
  Pediatric Urologist, NW Urological Clinic P.C.

  Practice Location
  Portland, OR

  As medical professionals we have devoted our lives to the care of others. Regardless of our profession, however, we have all been confronted with medical issues–whether they be our own or those of someone we hold dear. In the vast expanse of clinical and translational research, there are countless investigators doing ‘cutting edge’ work that may directly impact the lives of these special people in our lives. CONSANO is unique in its ability to ‘link up’ the interests of individuals with those researchers making these medical discoveries. It is a beautifully simple idea with potentially profound implications for those looking for answers, for hope, and for discovery.
• Sanford Jeames, DHA/Ph.D.

  Sanford Jeames, DHA/Ph.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Disease intervention and prevention; early detection and community based participatory research, with an emphasis on health literacy, health education and outreach to special populations

  Current position(s)
  Executive Director of Massachusetts Prostate Cancer Coalition (MPCC) and Coordinator of Undergraduate Programs at Cambridge College- Springfield Regional Site

  Practice Location
  Massachusetts

  The most attractive component of the Consano approach is the willingness to be open for researchers beyond the traditional academic setting. I am excited about working with Consano because its approach is open to innovation and newer methods. My work occurs in non-traditional settings, but my desire is to build bridges between many layers of disease research through collaboration and communication.
• Nathalie Johnson, M.D.

  Nathalie Johnson, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Breast cancer surgery

  Current position(s)
  Medical Director, Legacy Hospitals Comprehensive Cancer Program; Clinical Professor of Surgery, Oregon Health Sciences University

  Practice Location
  Portland, Oregon
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• Elizabeth Kaplan, M.D.

  Elizabeth Kaplan, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Perioperative and Hospital Medicine Consultation

  Current position(s)
  Attending physician at University of Washington Medical Center

  Practice Location
  University of Washington Medical Center; Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle Washington

  Consano’s platform of giving individuals autonomy to donate to specific projects allows people to feel more engaged with research and empowered to help move medical science forward. It is a powerful mission that I am honored to support.
• C. Jimmy Lin, M.D., Ph.D., MHS

  C. Jimmy Lin, M.D., Ph.D., MHS
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Cancer Genomics

  Current position(s)
  Founder & President / Research Instructor

  Practice Location
  Rare Genomics Institute / Washington University in St. Louis

  I am excited to see how Consano can provide a closer link between the people and medical research. I hope this allows for funding of projects that otherwise will not exist and for diseases that are otherwise not studied.
• William Long, M.D., FACS

  William Long, M.D., FACS
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Trauma and Thoracic Surgery

  Current position(s)
  Director, Trauma Surgery

  Practice Location
  Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland, OR

  Consano provides a unique platform that allows patients to directly support research that matters to them. Since each project is subject to multiple levels of independent and unbiased review, donors can have confidence in the high quality of projects they choose to support. I am proud to be part of this exiting new process.
• Lindsay Mazotti, M.D.

  Lindsay Mazotti, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Hospital Medicine, Internal Medicine, Medical Education, Palliative Care

  Current position(s)
  Hospital Based Specialist, Department of Hospital Medicine, Kaiser East Bay; Clerkship Director, Kaiser-UCSF Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship; Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of California San Francisco

  Practice Location
  Oakland, CA

  Consano is a tangible way for patients and their families to make a very real and tangible impact on medical research. This contribution is normally at the level of the patient- enrolling in a medical trial or trying a new drug therapy. Consano takes the contribution much wider- to allow people to make a financial contribution to a specific researcher and research project that you believe in, that will impact a medical disease or treatment that you personally care about.
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• Shannon O'Brien, MD, FACS

  Shannon O'Brien, MD, FACS
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, with special interests in breast reconstruction, skin cancer reconstruction, pediatric and aesthetic surgery

  Current position(s)
  Private practice, Portland Plastic Surgery Group

  Practice Location
  Portland, Oregon

  Consano is an ingenious program that allows people to donate directly to research projects that are important to them and to rest assured that all of their donation is going to their chosen cause. Medical research is the only way to discover the cures to the diseases that affect us all. I share Molly's hope to protect our children and am proud to be able to contribute to Consano's mission.

• Michael J. Pellegrino, Ph.D.

  Michael J. Pellegrino, Ph.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Neuroscience, Cellular signaling, Biochemistry, Oncology, Immunology

  Current position(s)
  Research Scientist, Oregon Health & Science University

  Practice Location
  Portland, Oregon

  It is becoming increasingly difficult to find the resources to support innovative scientific ideas that will have an impact on human health. Consano allows the public to support the cause and the cure that is most important to them. People can be confident their support is going directly to the work that matters most to them. It also allows the scientists to interact and educate the people who truly care about their success. Everyone knows a loved one or a friend who has faced a serious health battle. Consano provides the perfect platform for anyone to support their fight. I'm ecstatic to be a part of this pioneering program.

• Daniel Perlov, M.D.

  Daniel Perlov, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology

  Current position(s)
  Private Practice Anesthesiologist, Northern California Anesthesia Partners

  Practice Location
  San Francisco, CA

  When I was young, my grandmother died of cancer. She was diagnosed at 47. I remember wanting to have control and understanding. Answers were hard to find, and I was overtaken by a sense of helplessness. This loss paved my life choice to become a physician. Even though many years have passed, I continue searching for ways to assist those that may not have the tools to help themselves. Consano provides a path to directly sponsor projects that may alter someone’s illness and allows a way to tangibly follow the research you fund. Consano injects control, understanding, progress and hope so that our children can live without the fear and loss felt with disease.
• Brigitte Piniewski, M.D.

  Brigitte Piniewski, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Community Health, Medical Device Integration, Laboratory Medicine

  Current position(s)
  Chief Medical Officer

  Practice Location
  Peace Health Laboratory, Vancouver, WA
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• Eric Schnell, M.D., Ph.D.

  Eric Schnell, M.D., Ph.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Neuroscience, Anesthesiology

  Current position(s)
  Staff Anesthesiologist, Portland VA Medical Center; Assistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, OHSU

  Practice Location
  Portland VA Medical Center

  I am excited about Consano’s mission, as it seeks to harness the global reach of the internet to fund medical research at a “grass roots” level. By allowing individuals to contribute directly to specific projects, Consano will minimize overhead (both financial and administrative) and maximize funding for actual experiments. In an era of increasing specialization in biomedical research, the ability of Consano to facilitate this direct connection between scientists and the rest of the world can not be understated.
• Aaron Schoenkerman, M.D.

  Aaron Schoenkerman, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Cardiovascular Medicine and Interventional Cardiology

  Current position(s)
  Cardiologist, Vancouver Clinic

  Practice Location
  Vancouver, WA

  Consano to me is an example of the importance of the individual’s role in advancing medical science. With so many problems to be addressed in the coming years, Consano empowers us to bring important concepts and projects to the forefront of research.
• Jonathan Singer, M.D., M.S.

  Jonathan Singer, M.D., M.S.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Pulmonology, Critical Care, Lung Transplantation, Internal Medicine

  Current position(s)
  Clinical Instructor, Medicine, UCSF

  Practice Location
  UCSF, San Francisco, CA

  As a physician, my research focuses on advancing the way we practice medicine in order to improve the lives of the patients I care for. Current funding mechanisms uncouple research from the very people we are trying to help. Consano is a novel mechanism that allows individuals to participate in medical research through directly interacting and supporting specific researchers' efforts. I couldn't be more happy to be a part of this exciting and dynamic effort!

• Angele Theard, M.D.

  Angele Theard, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Neuroanesthesia

  Current position(s)
  Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology

  Practice Location
  Washington University, St. Louis, MO

  It is a precious gift to give people a voice in helping those in need as well as advance medicine. We all benefit from the efforts of those who give as well as those who research and help heal. I am honored to be a part of such a project.

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• Alice Wang-Chesebro, M.D.

  Alice Wang-Chesebro, M.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Radiation therapy of cancers including breast, gynecologic/GU, CNS, head and neck, other sites

  Current position(s)
  Radiation Oncologist

  Practice Location
  Providence Portland Medical Center, Clackamas Radiation Oncology Center

  I believe strongly in the healing power of personal connection and hope. To me, Consano creates these connections between those persons working to find the answers to our ongoing medical questions and the sons and daughters who will benefit from these answers.
• Juan Zhai, M.D., Ph.D.

  Juan Zhai, M.D., Ph.D.
  

  Field(s) of expertise
  Anesthesiology, Reproductive endocrinology, Cell and molecular biology

  Current position(s)
  Anesthesiologist, Oregon Anesthesiology Group

  Practice Location
  Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, Portland, OR

  Consano provides donors with a platform to directly connect with research and advance medical knowledge, and ultimately help to provide our children with a better and healthier future.
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