Bridging Cardiology and
Oncology to Improve Lives.

A Collaborative Forum for Education and Innovation.

The Chicago Citywide Cardio-Oncology Rounds (CCCR) bring together cardiologists, oncologists, trainees, and healthcare professionals from across academic and community institutions to advance education, foster collaboration, and improve patient care. By providing a multidisciplinary forum for case discussions, research updates, and professional development, CCCR equips providers with the knowledge and tools to better understand and manage cardiovascular complications of cancer therapies. Our mission is to strengthen expertise, bridge institutional boundaries, and enhance the long-term health and survival of patients living with cancer.

Led by Experts, Powered by Collaboration

The Chicago Citywide Cardio-Oncology Rounds (CCCR) are guided by the Chicago Cardio-Oncology Consortium, a diverse team of academic leaders, community clinicians, and professional society representatives. Together, we foster a collaborative environment where expertise is shared across institutions to improve the care of cancer patients at risk for cardiovascular complications.

Our Leadership & Consortium

Learning Together, Advancing Care

This CCCR session brings together experts from across Chicago to discuss complex cases at the intersection of cardiology and oncology. Trainees will present real-world cases followed by moderated discussions with faculty and oncology specialists. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to apply directly to patient care.

Upcoming Events

Funded by Commitment, Focused on Care

The Chicago Citywide Cardio-Oncology Rounds (CCCR) are made possible through the support of academic institutions, professional societies, and industry partners. Sponsorship helps us provide free, accredited educational programs that connect cardiology and oncology providers across academic and community settings, ultimately improving care for cancer patients at risk of heart disease.

Learn More

We envision a future where every cancer patient receives comprehensive, coordinated care that protects both their heart and their health.

  • Founded in 2019, CCCR began as a collaborative effort led by program directors from Rush, Northwestern, UChicago, Loyola, and other institutions.

  • Engaged over 1,000 providers, bringing together cardiologists, oncologists, trainees, and allied health professionals to share knowledge and expertise.

  • Expanded to more than ten partners, including academic centers, community health systems, and professional societies across the Chicago region.

  • Accredited with CME, CPE, and CNE, ensuring that every session provides high-quality, multidisciplinary education to improve patient care.

Leadership Team

  • Tochukwu Okwuosa, MD

    Founding Chair, Co-Founder, and Advisor
    Rush University Medical Center

    Professor of Cardiology and nationally recognized expert in the field. Dr. Okwuosa is the Cardio-Oncology Program Director at Rush and a founding member of CCCR. Her work focuses on reducing cardiovascular complications from cancer therapy and expanding educational access across Chicago.

  • Nausheen Akhter, MD

    Current Chair and Co-Founder
    Northwestern Medicine

    Dr. Akhter is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Northwestern and a leader in cardio-oncology education. She is committed to mentoring trainees and advancing cross-institutional collaboration.

  • Jeanne DeCara, MD

    Co-Founder and Advisor
    University of Chicago Medicine

    Dr. DeCara is a Professor of Medicine and a nationally recognized cardio-oncology specialist. She brings decades of experience in cardiovascular imaging and survivorship care.

  • Sunil Pauwaa, MD

    Immediate Past Chair and Advisor
    Advocate Health Care

    Dr. Pauwaa is an Advanced Heart Failure and Transplant Cardiologist who represents Advocate Health Care’s leadership in expanding CCCR beyond the city’s core academic centers.

Co-Sponsored by the Illinois Medical Oncology Society (IMOS) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Their support helps us bring accredited, high-impact educational programming to providers across Chicago and beyond.

Partner Institutions

What makes CCCR unique is the diversity of institutions and professionals who contribute to its success. Our leadership spans academic centers such as Northwestern, Rush, UChicago, Loyola, and the University of Illinois, as well as community hospitals and health systems including Advocate, Cook County, and NorthShore. We are also supported by professional societies like the Illinois Medical Oncology Society and strengthened by the active involvement of trainees and fellows who represent the next generation of cardio-oncology specialists. This inclusivity fosters a robust exchange of ideas and best practices that enhance both academic programs and community-based care across Chicago.

United in Purpose

“As an advanced practice provider, CCCR has given me a space to learn alongside cardiologists and oncologists while also contributing my perspective on patient care. The case-based discussions highlight real challenges I face daily in the clinic, and I always leave with new strategies I can apply right away.”

Connected by Learning

“Presenting at CCCR was a career-shaping experience. It gave me the confidence to lead complex case discussions and connect with mentors who are pioneers in the field. I now see cardio-oncology as a central part of my future, and I credit CCCR for opening that door.”

Driven by Impact

“CCCR has become an essential forum for our city. As a practicing physician, I value the opportunity to engage with colleagues across institutions, share expertise, and mentor trainees in a collaborative setting. The discussions are consistently insightful and directly improve the way I approach cardio-oncology in my practice.”

Contact

Feel free to contact us with any questions.