While Marshfield Clinic Health System is widely regarded across the United States for its role in oncology research, that level of expertise also is a tool for helping oncologists across the world. Oncology Service Line Medical Director Adedayo Onitilo, M.D., Ph.D.; returns annually to Nigeria to share his knowledge and experience to make oncology care and research more collaborative in his home country.

Dr. Onitilo was a featured speaker this month on the role of clinical trials at the Association of Radiation & Clinical Oncologists in Nigeria (ACON) 7^th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference held at the University of Ibadan. The theme of the conference was Cancer Control In Nigeria: Actions For Impact. His seminars and presentations focused on the theme of scaling up oncology clinical trials in Nigeria. As a practicing oncologist/hematologist, Dr. Onitilo also serves in administrative roles including medical director of Marshfield Clinic Research Institute’s Cancer Care and Research Center.

"Every time I travel abroad, I'm enriched by the experiences and insights shared by colleagues from diverse backgrounds,” Dr. Onitilo said. “It’s fascinating to see how different cultural perspectives and resource availability shape the practice of medicine. I've come to realize that there’s a distinct difference between practicing the 'best possible medicine' and the ‘best medicine possible.’ The former refers to ideal standards, while the latter acknowledges the creative adaptations and resourceful solutions that healthcare professionals employ to deliver exceptional care despite limitations."

This chance encounter demonstrated the power of kindness and encouragement, transcending borders and continents. A simple conversation in central Wisconsin had a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of oncologists in Nigeria.

“Many sub-Saharan countries face significant challenges in conducting and accessing oncology clinical trials,” Dr. Onitilo said. “Controlled resources, infrastructure, and research capacity hinder trial initiation and participation. Additionally, many global trials exclude African populations, leading to a lack of diversity in research data. This gap necessitates localized research efforts to address Nigeria's unique cancer profile.”

Marshfield Clinic served as a model for his presentation, as he discussed a wide range of clinical trial topics including trial design, best practices, patient selection, informed consent, operations, regulatory compliance and trial case studies. Many of the attendees had questions about how they can establish and manage clinical trials internationally, the potential for accessing international collaborative opportunities, developing research capacity and training for healthcare professionals, and joining industry-sponsored clinical trials.

“As a health care professional, I am driven by a global passion for improving cancer care,” Dr. Onitilo said. “With its vast population and growing cancer burden, Nigeria presents an opportunity to make a meaningful impact. My personal connection stems from recognizing the dedication and resilience of health care professionals across the African continent who often face significant challenges in delivering care. By supporting their efforts, I hope to contribute to better patient outcomes and a stronger health care system.”

Team effort for global message

A huge team effort was required to put together material that captured Marshfield Clinic’s quality integrated care and research program for Dr. Onitilo’s presentation. He credited Health System leaders Interim CEO Brian Hoerneman, M.D.; Chief Medical Officer Samantha Klebe, D.O.; and MCRI Chief Research Officer/Executive Director Jennifer Meece, Ph.D. for their support.

Assistance for the presentation from MCRI included Brooke Tesmer, Wendy Schumacher, Maria Rozumialski, Barbie Gildenzopf, Allyssa Peterson, Kim Meissner, Michelle Wellsandt, Deanna Cole and Krystal Boese.

Dr. Onitilo also shared his appreciation for conference organizers and partners who facilitated logistics and coordination, clinical colleagues from participating institutions who shared insights and expertise, and international collaborators who provided valuable guidance and support. “I continue to be blessed by the ability to learn from colleagues on both sides of the Atlantic,” he said.

Help today, better future outcomes

Dr. Onitilo said the highlight of his trip was a heartwarming reunion with an oncologist whose career path was influenced by a conversation with his brother-in-law, a hospitalist he met in central Wisconsin years ago.

“I encouraged the hospitalist to consider oncology, and it was remarkable to learn that he, in turn, inspired his sister-in-law to pursue the same specialty,” Dr. Onitilo said. “This chance encounter demonstrated the power of kindness and encouragement, transcending borders and continents. A simple conversation in central Wisconsin had a ripple effect, inspiring a new generation of oncologists in Nigeria.”

Presentations like Dr. Onitilo’s and others that Health System providers and staff are holding in countries across the world are sharing Marshfield Clinic’s vision to innovate and define the future of health care for generations. Dr. Onitilo also is excited by the potential that our future partner, Sanford Health, has a global medicine section.

“Dr. Onitilo and teaching moments like this highlights our oncology service line and demonstrates how Marshfield Clinic trailblazes at a local, national and international level,” Dr. Meece said. “Our staff who have made a difference in providing care, treatment options and research with local patients, by extension, are now collaborating with colleagues across the world.”

The ARCON conference demonstrated the Nigerian medical community's eagerness to engage with global experts and advance cancer care. The momentum-sustaining goals moving forward include fostering ongoing collaborations and knowledge sharing, supporting capacity-building initiatives for healthcare professionals, and advocating for increased funding and resources for cancer research in Nigeria.

“Working together can bridge the gap in oncology clinical trials and improve patient outcomes in Nigeria,” Dr. Onitilo said. “I’m proud to take what we do at Marshfield Clinic Health System to provide world-class care and research for patients and share it on a global scale.”