Emily L. Podany, MD, MPHS, an assistant professor of medicine at WashU Medicine and medical oncologist at Siteman Cancer Center, has been named a 2026 recipient of the NCCN Foundation Young Investigator Award, according to an announcement on Apr. 2 by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and its foundation.
The award highlights Podany’s research project titled “From Screening to Action: Implementing Navigation Interventions for Patients with Breast Cancer and High-Risk Social Determinants of Health.” Her work aims to address obstacles that prevent patients from receiving timely cancer care, particularly among those facing social and economic difficulties.
Podany will receive two years of funding and support through the NCCN Oncology Research Program. The program offers mentorship and oversight to help early-career investigators advance research that seeks to improve cancer outcomes. Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO of NCCN, said, “We have a rigorous peer review process for identifying emerging leaders in cancer research through their work. NCCN Young Investigators go on to lead within their institutions and nationally. This year’s recipients identified particularly pressing needs that impact people with cancer. They are exploring solutions to unlock better outcomes for all in the future. We are honored to play a role in their career trajectory and look forward to seeing where it takes them.”
Podany is one of five early-career researchers recognized this year for projects designed not only to identify patients at risk but also connect them directly with necessary care and resources through targeted patient navigation interventions.
“I am deeply grateful to the NCCN Foundation for this support,” Podany said. “This award will allow us to take meaningful steps toward ensuring that patients facing social and economic challenges are not left behind in their cancer care. Our goal is to translate screening for social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and housing instability, into tangible action by connecting patients to the resources they need to achieve the best possible outcomes.”
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is located in Saint Louis, Missouri; it was founded in 1999 under current president Timothy Eberlein. The hospital includes a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital according to available information.
Podany’s work aligns with the broader mission of the NCCN Foundation: supporting innovative research addressing disparities in cancer care while improving patient outcomes across populations.
