Dr. Sunil Sharma, a top physician-scientist at HonorHealth Research Institute, is named 'Arizona Bioscience Researcher of the Year' * Share * Post * Share Dr. Sharma, who heads the Research Institute's Center for Translational Science, is honored by the Arizona Bioindustry Association SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. - Sept. 23, 2026 - Sunil Sharma, M.D., FACP, M.B.A., director of the Center for Translational Science at HonorHealth Research Institute, has been named by the Arizona Bioindustry Association (AZBio) as the Arizona Bioscience Researcher of the Year. Dr. Sharma will be honored at the 2026 AZBio Awards, on Oct. 7 at the Phoenix Convention Center. The 23rd annual awards banquet is part of Arizona Bioscience Week, Oct. 5-9. "Recognized for his outstanding contributions to biological research and drug discovery, Dr. Sharma exemplifies what it means to push the frontiers of modern medicine," according to Joan Koerber-Walker, President and CEO of AZBio. "As Chief of Translational Research and Drug Discovery and Director of the Center for Translational Science at the HonorHealth Research Institute - as well as an ASU Research Professor at the John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering - Dr. Sharma has built a career around translating bench science into real-world patient outcomes." "Dr. Sharma has directly shaped global healthcare by contributing to the development of landmark therapies during his tenure in pharmaceutical leadership," said Koerber-Walker. "His work supported the development of breakthrough immunotherapies - including pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) - which train the human immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells, as well as targeted therapies like ceritinib for lung cancer." The Institute's leadership agrees, praising Dr. Sharma for his emphasis on treating patients: * Mark Slater, Ph.D., the Institute's CEO and Vice President of Research for the HonorHealth network: "We here at the HonorHealth Research Institute are so proud to have Dr. Sharma as our head of the Center for Translational Research. What really distinguishes him is his ability as an innovator to not only develop new understandings of disease, but to develop new tools and therapies from that understanding that makes a real difference for patients." * Michael Gordon, M.D., F.A.S.C.O., the Institute's Chief Medical Officer: "He has spent his career focusing on... patient care. When you hear him speaking about treating a patient, he comes to it with a depth of experience that really drives you to appreciate and understand that his goal is patient care." * Chad Adams, M.P.H., the Institute's Chief Operating Officer: "I think Dr. Sharma particularly brings to the table a very strong scientific mind. He also has collaborators from all over the world. He really wants to find solutions. He's willing to collaborate to find solutions to the gaps that exist in healthcare." Dr. Sharma, who describes himself as a physician-scientist, said he has always been interested how basic scientific research can lead to innovation, and how new treatments and new technologies, especially now, can benefit cancer patients. Of his award, Dr. Sharma said, "I think mostly it's recognition for the kind of work that we're doing and it's hopefully a great recognition for translational science in general, that it's important and that it can add something to the (Arizona) bioscience corridor that we're all trying to build." According to Koerber-Walker: "By uniting academic research, industry collaboration, and clinical execution, Dr. Sunil Sharma is not only advancing our fundamental understanding of biological processes - he is actively changing what is possible for patients in Arizona and around the world." For more about HonorHealth Research Institute clinical trials: call 833-354-6667; or email [email protected]. About the HonorHealth Research Institute HonorHealth Research Institute is an international destination that is at the forefront of providing patients with a better quality of life through its clinical trials and innovative treatment options. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the institute's team of physicians and researchers collaborate with experts from across the nation to offer life-changing therapies, drugs and devices. At HonorHealth Research Institute, patients have access to tomorrow's health innovations, today. Learn more at: www.honorhealthresearch.org. For information about the AZBio Awards, visit AZBioAwards.com Share and enjoy!

MBTN announces Dr. Joh Evans Coleman as featured speaker at the 2026 Neuro-Oncology Symposium. The Meningioma Brain Tumor Network, Inc. (MBTN) is proud to announce that Dr. Joh Evans Coleman, Founder and CEO of MBTN, will serve as a featured speaker at the upcoming Neuro-Oncology Symposium hosted by the University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, HonorHealth, and Banner Health on October 17, 2026. This year's symposium brings together leading clinicians, researchers, and patient-advocacy organizations to explore the latest innovations in brain and spine tumor diagnostics, treatments, and multidisciplinary care. Within this forward-looking scientific program, Dr. Evans Coleman will deliver a powerful session titled: "Living with a Brain Tumor - Patient and Family Perspectives" As a meningioma brain tumor survivor-thriver, nonprofit founder, and national advocate for patient-centered neuro-oncology, Dr. Evans Coleman brings a uniquely human lens to a field often dominated by clinical and research discourse. Her session will highlight: * The lived realities of navigating a brain tumor diagnosis * The emotional, cognitive, and physical challenges faced by survivors * The critical role of family and care partner support systems * Gaps in care that patients-survivors-thrivers experience across the treatment continuum * Survivor-Thriver centered strategies for improving quality of life * The importance of advocacy, community, and equitable access to care Dr. Evans Coleman's work through MBTN has helped elevate survivor voices, expand public awareness, and strengthen community-based support for individuals and families impacted by meningioma and other brain tumors. Her participation in this symposium underscores the growing recognition that patient experience is essential to advancing neuro-oncology practice. A Symposium Bridging Science, Innovation, and Humanity The Neuro-Oncology Symposium will convene at the Health Sciences Education Building in Phoenix, bringing together experts across neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, imaging, and survivorship care. While the event will spotlight cutting-edge advancements in tumor diagnostics and treatment innovation, it also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration - including the voices of survivors and caregivers. Dr. Evans Coleman's session ensures that the lived experience remains central to the conversation. MBTN's Commitment to Advocacy and Education MBTN continues to expand its national footprint as a leader in survivor-thriver-centered education, advocacy, and community support. Events like the Neuro-Oncology Symposium strengthen MBTN's mission to ensure every patient/survuvor-thriver, care partner, and family has access to knowledge, empowerment, and compassionate care. MBTN celebrates Dr. Evans Coleman's ongoing leadership and invites supporters, clinicians, researchers, and community members to join this important event.

HonorHealth announces CEO transition; John Neil to succeed Todd LaPorte in March 2027. Jun 16, 2026 HonorHealth announced on June 16 that Chief Executive Officer Todd LaPorte will step down from his role in March 2027, after more than a decade of leadership. The HonorHealth Board of Directors has named John Neil, MD, MMM, currently Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive and Chief Strategy Officer, as his successor. As part of the planned transition, Dr. Neil will assume the role of President immediately and become CEO on March 1, 2027. LaPorte will remain CEO until that date, and then serve as a strategic advisor to the new CEO. LaPorte's tenure included expanding HonorHealth's network to over 270 access points across the region and supporting recovery efforts for distressed hospitals in the Valley. He also focused on enhancing clinical outcomes for patients, strengthening financial performance and sustainability, elevating HonorHealth Research Institute's national profile, navigating through a global pandemic, and deepening community health initiatives. "HonorHealth is in an exceptionally strong position today," said LaPorte. "We have built tremendous momentum, and I am confident about the organization's future. It has been an honor to serve alongside such a dedicated team, and I look forward to supporting the next chapter of leadership." In his upcoming advisory role, LaPorte will continue working on community impact projects and healthcare advocacy initiatives for both HonorHealth and broader healthcare efforts. Dr. Neil brings experience in clinical care and executive leadership within HonorHealth's network. Mike Welborn, Chair of the Board at HonorHealth, said: "John is a highly respected leader who understands our mission, our people and our communities...his leadership will ensure continuity while driving continued innovation and growth." Dr. Neil said: "I am honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation Todd and our teams have created...I look forward to working with our team to continue advancing our mission of improving the health and well-being of those we serve." The transition underscores HonorHealth's commitment to long-term planning for organizational success. The Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce supports community growth by promoting economic development through education programs; it collaborates with local partners including Arizona State University; it advocates for business-friendly policies via its Public Policy Advisory Committee; its services extend throughout Scottsdale, according to the official website.