Chappell native Lydiatt appointed vice chair of national thyroid cancer guidelines panel

William Lydiatt, M.D., a professor of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery in the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine, has been appointed vice chair of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Thyroid Guidelines Panel.

Lydiatt – a native of Chappell – has been a member of the NCCN's head and neck committee since the 1990s. He also is a physician at Nebraska Medicine, UNMC's hospital partner.

"This role provides an opportunity to make a real difference in the standards of care for treating thyroid cancers," he said. "The chair and vice chair have an important role in guiding the committee, using best evidence to enhance and improve care nationally."

NCCN, a not-for-profit alliance of 25 of the world's leading cancer centers devoted to patient care, research and education, is dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of cancer care so that patients can live better lives. As one of the 13 original NCCN member institutions, the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine remains committed to the organization's vision by serving as a leader in defining and advancing high-quality, high-value cancer care.

"As founding members of NCCN, our faculty members have been extensively involved in developing and updating yearly comprehensive guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of more than 97 percent of cancers affecting patients in the United States," said Peter F. Coccia, M.D., Ittner Professor and vice chair of pediatrics at UNMC and NCCN board and guidelines steering committee member.

"Thyroid cancer accounts for 4 percent of all cancers and more than 1 percent of people will develop thyroid cancer in their lifetime. Dr. Lydiatt's appointment as vice chair of the thyroid guidelines panel recognizes him as a national expert in the diagnosis and management of thyroid cancer."

"This is not only an outstanding recognition for Dr. Lydiatt and the expertise he has in thyroid cancer but also his talent in collaboration and building consensus with respected colleagues in premier cancer programs," said Theresa Franco, cancer care service line executive director at Nebraska Medicine. "This brings prestige and value to our cancer program and advances the reputation of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center."

"To have this kind of influence in setting standards of care is such an honor," said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. "This appointment reflects Dr. Lydiatt's unwavering commitment to educating the world in best cancer care practices."