Cyndi Knox Named Director of Clinical Research at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

Cyndi Knox previously served in the roles of interim director, team lead supervisor and research nurse in the clinical research department.

  Cyndi Knox, MBA, BSN, RN, OCN, CCRC, has been named director of clinical research at Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. In this role, Knox is charged with setting the overall direction and development of the Cancer Center’s clinical research program. This includes the design, planning and implementation of a portfolio of clinical research projects to help cancer patients and physicians more easily and effectively access leading-edge clinical trials. Additionally, Knox has assumed a leadership role in the Gulf South-Minority Based National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program, an initiative to help provide more Gulf South residents with advanced cancer treatments. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, only three percent of U.S. adults with cancer participate in clinical trials. At Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center, all patients are evaluated for clinical trial eligibility, ensuring they have the choice, if qualified, to participate in research opportunities that may benefit their care. “The Cancer Center’s goal is to expand our clinical research program and become an even greater destination for the most advanced clinical trials, allowing patients to stay closer to home for the highest quality care,” said Renea Duffin, vice president, cancer support and outreach for Mary Bird Perkins. “We believe Cyndi’s wealth of oncology experience in both research and nursing, as well as her business background, will help take our clinical research to new heights, directly impacting the Cancer Center’s ability to offer pioneering treatment options to patients.” Also as part of her role, Knox will lead clinical research efforts for Mary Bird Perkins – Our Lady of the Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge; Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington; Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC in Houma; and Mary Bird Perkins in Gonzales. Knox, who has been at Mary Bird Perkins since 2008, previously served in the roles of interim director, team lead supervisor and research nurse in the Cancer Center’s clinical research department. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans and a Master of Business Administration from Louisiana State University. She also holds Oncology Certified Nurse and Certified Clinical Research Coordinator certifications. Knox is a member of the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, Oncology Nursing Society and is president-elect for the Baton Rouge Oncology Nursing Society.