FCDS Director, Gary Levin, Reflects on 35 Years in Cancer Surveillance

With his retirement date fast approaching, I asked Gary Levin, long-time director of the Florida Cancer Data System, to reflect on his 35 years in the cancer surveillance field. Gary was a 2025 recipient of the Calum S. Muir Memorial Award in recognition of his leadership and service to NAACCR and for the promotion of informatics in registry operations. 

What drew you to pursue a career in cancer surveillance?

From a professional level, I wrote the first registry database driven software as a consultant. I was then offered a full-time position as the administrative director and have been with registry ever since. From a personal level my mother and my sister both died from cancer and felt this was a way that I could give back.

What notable changes have you observed during your time in cancer surveillance?

Technology and research have continued to advance. Over my 35 years we have seen such progress in treatments available which prior would have been end of life. Until recently the ability to assist those in the most need has been a central focus and hopefully will become that way again.

How has your involvement in NAACCR shaped your career?

The NAACCR community has opened my eyes to so many things. Meeting and sharing concepts and ideas with other registries has opened so many opportunities to improve and expand the registry. The mentors that I have had the privilege to work with have expanded not only my horizons but the central registry community in general.

What has your participation in NAACCR meant to you personally?

Being part of such a sharing and caring community has led me to many collaborations as well as many friends for life.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

From an operations perspective, working with a team at the registry to develop software automating the multiple primary rules, patient, and tumor consolidation. From a personal level receiving the Calum Muir Award and the NAACCR Board of Directors Resolution was such a surprise and exceeded my wildest imagination.

Would you like to share a favorite memory of your work with NAACCR?

All my favorite memories revolve around the NAACCR Annual Meetings. Being with colleagues and friends at dinner were the best of times. So many laughs. Some other examples include baseball games, sneaking into the press box at Boise State University football stadium, music and dancing in New Orleans and Austin and brewery hopping with our group to some less desirable areas in Pittsburgh. Too many to list.

Any advice for new cancer surveillance professionals?

I will need to steal this one from John Young at my first course in Decatur GA. During the class he said that if you were not a person who can readily accept change then this is not the field for you. That has stuck with me ever since. Additionally having a passion and drive for what you do is important as well.

What’s next for you?

Definitely spending more time with my family and some travel. I would also like to learn to play a musical instrument and possibly get a part time job at a local Meadery. I will remain involved with registry on special projects and any historical perspectives that are needed. I plan to stay involved with the NAACCR Cancer Informatics Advisory Group as a member. From there I am sure things will evolve.

Gary accepts the 2025 Calum S. Muir Award from NAACCR President Wendy Aldinger at the NAACCR Conference in Hartford, CT.