Jennifer Novak, MD, MS

Prior to joining the faculty at Michigan Medicine, Dr. Novak served on the Patient Rights and Organizational Ethics Committee for two years. She also served as Chair of the Resident and Fellow Forum at her previous institution, delivering feedback from trainees to institutional leadership and Graduate Medical Education. On a national level, Dr. Novak serves on multiple advocacy-oriented committees and organizations. Dr. Novak serves on the American Society for Radiation Oncology Government Relations and Payer Relations Committees. Dr. Novak has attended several of the annual ASTRO Advocacy Conferences and is the recipient of the ASTRO Advocacy travel grant to attend this year's conference in Washington D.C. These conferences provide an opportunity for radiation oncologists to meet with members of U.S. Congress to discuss health policy as it relates to oncology. She also served as Chair of Events and Outreach for the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology, whose mission is to promote gender equity in the field of radiation oncology.

Dr. Novak's research has been largely driven by her passion for advocacy, both as it relates to her patients as well as to her field. Dr. Novak has published as first author and has presented research at academic conferences on advocacy-related topics including prior authorization and insurance-related treatment delays.

Dr. Novak is a dedicated mentor and educator. As chief resident, Dr. Novak led weekly mock oral board didactics sessions for residents as well as monthly topic reviews. She has presented quarterly at journal clubs attended by residents and community radiation oncologists. She also led case-based discussions via webinar for radiation oncologists within the community for purposes of continuing medical education.