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Maxime Caru named director of The ONE Group

Maxime Caru, PhD, PhD, assistant professor and researcher dual-appointed to the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and the Department of Public Health Sciences, has been named the new director of The Oncology, Nutrition and Exercise (ONE) Group at Penn State College of Medicine.

A professional head-and-shoulders portrait of Maxime Caru

Maxime Caru

Caru has a PhD in exercise physiology and a PhD in psychology. He joined the College of Medicine’s Department of Pediatrics in 2021 as a postdoctoral scholar working under the supervision of the former director of The ONE Group, Kathryn H Schmitz, PhD, MPH, and Lisa McGregor, MD, PhD, interim chief of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology. Caru’s role was to develop the field of exercise and pediatric oncology at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and to continue developing new national and international collaborative partnerships. Internally, Caru has opened six research studies in less than two years, recruited dozens of participants and opened an exercise clinic for pediatric patients diagnosed with cancer.

Caru’s research focuses on how health behavior changes through physical activity can improve patient-reported outcomes in children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. He is also interested in how cancer treatments affect long-term physiological and psychological outcomes in childhood cancer survivors. He believes that changes in lifestyle through physical activity and psychological support can be integrated in the care of patients with diseases through research. The importance of research in the medical field is why his initial goal to contribute to the promotion of good health behaviors before, during and after diseases persists today.

Over the last few years, Caru has published over 55 peer-reviewed articles and reviews on children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with cancer. He has presented his research at over 100 national and international conferences. Caru is dedicated to sharing clinical and research knowledge in exercise and pediatric oncology to advocate for the well-being of patients and to contribute to shaping the knowledge of future generations. The impact of his work in the field of pediatric oncology and exercise is significant and recognized by his peers.

“Assuming the role of director within The ONE Group is an amazing opportunity to lead the exercise, nutrition and oncology research at Penn State University alongside the exceptional members of The ONE Group,” Caru said. “Our collective commitment to supporting patients diagnosed with cancer is unwavering. I am eager to continue my research and advance our field at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.”

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