Speaking & Consulting

As one of the first human subjects in the world for the combination treatment that became Yervoy + Opdivo — and among the very first to have a complete response — I’ve learned a few things.

I know firsthand the risks, concerns, and hopes of patients and doctors in the world of clinical trials. I know that fewer than 5% of individuals eligible for trials enroll in them, and that many of those then drop out. And I know the new ethical challenges that are emerging every day.

I know what both the hype and the reality of immunotherapy look like to individuals facing a serious cancer diagnosis, and how this scientific breakthrough is different from previous forms of treatment.

I also know the emotional and psychological effects that illness and grief can have on individuals and families — the long term effects of the cancer experience that are less discussed. I love being part of the conversation around all of these issues, and exploring together how to improve the patient experience as science advances. Let’s talk.

Organizations I’ve spoken for & worked with include:

Association of Community Cancer Centers

Bristol Meyers Squibb

Cancer Research Institute

Common Spirit/Dignity Health

DIA

Flatiron Health

Jounce Therapeutics

Memorial Sloan Kettering

Nektar Therapeutics

THe Parker Foundation

Pfizer

PRIM&R

WCG Clinical

Weill Cornell Medicine

Columbia University School of JournalisM

The school of the New York Times

and multiple others.

I've also been a member of Stand Up to Cancer's immunotherapy dream team, a Gilda's Club ambassador, and a member of NYU Langone Health’s Division of Medical Ethics Working Group on Compassionate Use & Preapproval Access.

“As one of the first success stories of a cancer patient treated with a combination immunotherapy, MaryElizabeth Williams has been a powerful example to other patients facing a cancer diagnosis of how this new approach to treating cancer, which our organization has pioneered and championed for more than 65 years, can be a game changer. She has spoken at various events we’ve hosted, ranging from our Immunotherapy Patient Summits to intimate gatherings with donors, and continues to advocate for patient self-empowerment. We’re proud to include her among our growing ImmunoCommunity.” – Brian Brewer, Director of Marketing and Communications, Cancer Research Institute

“Mary Elizabeth came to speak to our staff and IRB members, and we’ve never had such a powerful response to a guest speaker. Her openness, honesty, and gift for telling a serious story while adding some laughs along the way are remarkable. We’ve had audience members ask if they can send her notes to tell her how much her talk to meant to them. We look forward to continuing a relationship with her and hearing her important patient perspective.” — Lindsay McNair, Chief Medical Officer at WIRB-Copernicus Group

“Mary Elizabeth is a passionate, articulate, and highly intelligent advocate for the journey of cancer patients and for the role of scientific understanding in their treatment paths. She's a powerful force for good for patients.” — Steve Doberstein, SVP, Research and Development, Chief R&D Officer, Nektar Therapeutics

My conversation with ACCC CANCER BUZZ PODCAST

“The Parker Foundation is honored to have worked with Mary Elizabeth Williams since the inception of our organization. She is an example of someone who is an incredibly selfless force, willing to be of service anytime and in any way. We are very lucky to call her a collaborator and friend of the foundation.” — Nick Dane, Head of Partnerships and Strategy, The Parker Foundation