Our Mission

thesecondopinion provides free, comprehensive second opinions to adults in California diagnosed with cancer. Since 1969, we have helped thousands of patients and their families gain clarity, compassion, and hope in the face of a cancer diagnosis.

Our History

Dr. William Lester Rogers, M.D. (1902-1987)

Dr. William Lester Rogers, M.D. (1902–1987) laid the foundation for thesecondopinion, ensuring that cancer patients received the guidance and support they needed. Thanks to his vision—and the dedication of those who followed—we continue his and the founding boards legacy of compassion, expertise, and patient-centered care.

Today, more than five decades later, we honor their legacy by continuing to serve patients with the same commitment to collaboration, compassion, and excellence in care.

The founding board members (all now deceased) included:

  • Milton Rosenberg, M.D., Treasurer
  • Andre Armand, Secretary
  • Francis Curry, M.D.
  • Roberta Fenlon, M.D.
  • Richard E. Gardner, M.D.
  • Henry Kaplan, M.D.
  • Julius Krevans, M.D.
  • Fred Merrill
  • Andre Pechoultres
  • Emmett G. Solomon
  • David A. Wood, M.D.

Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors provides leadership, oversight, and strategic guidance to ensure the success and sustainability of thesecondopinion. Board members serve on various governance committees, overseeing:

  • Agency administration to ensure operational excellence
  • Fiscal accountability and responsible financial stewardship
  • Program development to meet and exceed service benchmarks
  • Marketing and fundraising efforts to expand our reach and impact

Through their dedication and expertise, our Board upholds our mission, ensuring that cancer patients continue to receive the clarity, compassion, and expert guidance they need.

Officers

Kathleen Meeker
Interim President, Owner of My Rose Garden Guest Rooms

Linus So
Treasurer, Senior Director, Business & Strategy Operations, ServiceNow

Alice La Rocca
Secretary, Retired Project Director, CPMC

Members

Ravi Arora
M.D, Retired Medical Oncologist

William (Bill) Wara, M.D.
Retired Radiation Oncologist

Ed Tredinnick
Attorney, Fox Rothschild

Larry Marks, PhD.
Retired commercial property mortgage broker

Ex Officio Members

Howard Kleckner, M.D.
Medical Director

Cheri Livingston
Managing Director

Advisors

Regan Fulton, M.D.
Barry Sherman, M.D.
Carl Thomas, M.D.
Deborah Kass, M.D.
Ann Lanzerotti, M.D.
Robert Ignoffo, Pharm.D
Michael Cunningham, Pharm.D

Staff and Medical Services Team

Howard Kleckner, M.D.
Medical Director

Ravi Arora, M.D.
Panel Chair

Susan Lessin, M.D.
Panel Chair

Peter Gordon, M.D.
Panel Chair

Cheri Livingston
Managing Director

Lori Bode
Director of Programs

Deborah Morris
Program Coordinator

Joan Venticinque
Volunteer, Patient Advocate