Three Texas Children’s Faculty Earn National Leadership Honors

Three faculty members from Texas Children’s Cancer & Hematology Center have been recognized with major national leadership appointments, highlighting the Center’s focus on advancing pediatric oncology, genetic counseling, and global cancer research.

The honors—awarded to Dr. M. Monica Gramatges, Lauren R. Desrosiers-Battu, MS, CGC, and Dr. Casey L. McAtee—underscore the world-class expertise found within Texas Children’s Hospital and its academic partner, Baylor College of Medicine. Each appointment reflects the honorees’ longstanding commitment to improving outcomes for children with cancer and complex blood disorders.

Dr. M. Monica Gramatges Elected to the American Pediatric Society

M. Monica Gramatges, MD, PhD, professor of pediatrics – oncology, has been elected to the American Pediatric Society (APS), the oldest and most esteemed academic pediatric organization in North America. She is among 92 new members selected for 2026.

APS membership is reserved for individuals recognized nationally or internationally for exceptional leadership, scholarship, teaching, clinical care, and policymaking in child health. Members help advance APS initiatives aimed at strengthening the pediatric academic workforce and developing innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges in child and adolescent health.

Dr. Gramatges will be formally recognized during the Pediatric Academic Societies 2026 Meeting in Boston next April.

Lauren R. Desrosiers-Battu Named Co-Chair of NSGC Pediatric Cancer Subcommittee

Lauren R. Desrosiers-Battu, MS, CGC, has been appointed Co-Chair of the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC) Pediatric Cancer Subcommittee, serving a two-year term from January 2026 through December 2027.

In this national leadership role, Desrosiers-Battu will:

• Host and coordinate quarterly educational webinars
• Oversee subcommittee projects, abstracts, and resource development
• Provide updates to NSGC’s Cancer Special Interest Group
• Lead budget planning and decision-making
• Maintain national listserv and referral resources

The Pediatric Cancer Subcommittee supports genetic counselors practicing in pediatric oncology through mentorship programs, practice guidelines, resource sharing, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Recent initiatives include developing pediatric cancer referral guidelines and organizing webinars on emerging surveillance publications and psychosocial considerations in hereditary cancer syndromes.

Dr. Casey L. McAtee Appointed to JCO Global Oncology Editorial Board

Casey L. McAtee, MD, MPH, has been appointed to the Editorial Board of JCO Global Oncology (JCO GO), a journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). His three-year term begins January 1, 2026.

As an Editorial Board member, Dr. McAtee will:

• Serve as an expert peer reviewer for selected manuscripts
• Participate in editorial board meetings and contribute to editorial policy
• Solicit high-impact research in his field of expertise
• Support the Editor-in-Chief and editorial team in shaping the Journal’s scientific direction
• Represent JCO GO at professional meetings

JCO GO publishes research and commentary focused on improving cancer care and expanding research capacity worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.