APP Oncology Symposium: Cancer Care from Prevention to Survivorship
Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s second annual symposium will explore the full spectrum of cancer care and offer professional development opportunities.
Ongoing cancer research and resources continue to bring new hope to patients and families facing a cancer diagnosis. But the constant influx of new information can be overwhelming for busy clinicians to digest and integrate into their practices.
Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) are invited to attend Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center’s second annual APP oncology symposium to explore the latest approaches in cancer care, from prevention to survivorship, and professional development opportunities.
“As cancer care becomes more dynamic and complex, APPs are becoming increasingly integral to the health care system,” said program director Jessica MacIntyre, D.N.P., MBA, APRN, NP-C, AOCNP. “Sylvester is committed to providing them with the knowledge and resources needed for the best patient outcomes and support.”
The 2024 APP Oncology Symposium, “Caring Throughout the Continuum and Beyond,” will be held on August 22-23, 2024, at the Loews Coral Gables Hotel in Florida. Physician assistants, nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, pharmacists, oncology nurses, dietitians, social workers and other allied health professionals from throughout the community are welcome to attend.
Welcome remarks will be given by MacIntyre and Ellie Smith, D.N.P., RN, UHealth chief nursing officer.
Engage with Cancer Experts
As APP roles expand to meet the changing needs of patients and health care organizations, they are taking on more responsibility in acute care, mitigating physician shortages and enhancing team-based care. Attendees will have opportunities to engage with national experts through discussion and Q&A sessions, improving their skill sets and practices through the exploration of major areas of cancer care.
“Symposia like this enable real-time communication of the latest best practices compiled and summarized by experts in the field,” said Douglas Houghton, D.N.P., APRN, UHealth’s associate chief nursing officer for advanced practice providers. “APPs can refresh their knowledge, engage with fellow clinicians and support each other in the challenging field of cancer care.”
Topics will cover patient care throughout the cancer continuum, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, supportive care and survivorship. Sessions will address cancer genetics, high-risk cancer screenings, retinoblastomas in pediatric cancer patients, clinical trials, novel treatments, case discussions, psychosocial issues and other cancer site-specific topics.
Experts will also provide information on addressing and managing supportive care issues in cancer patients, such as distress, nutrition and exercise. They will review the many oncology support services available at Sylvester, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, to help patients with their physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs before, during and after cancer treatment.
“A cancer diagnosis and treatment affects every aspect of a patient’s life,” said MacIntyre, executive director for Sylvester’s clinical operations and president of the Oncology Nursing Society. “Our holistic approach at Sylvester extends beyond just treating the disease. We focus on treating the whole person.”
Leadership Panel and Keynote Speaker
A leadership development panel has been added to this year’s symposium to inspire APPs to become health care leaders. April Kapu, D.N.P., past president of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, is one of the many well-known speakers who will discuss the various APP roles in oncology. Attendees will be able to network and connect with fellow APPs, potentially leading to future leadership opportunities.
“APPs play a critical role on the cancer care team and have the ability to significantly impact patient care, health care delivery and the overall effectiveness of the health care system,” said MacIntyre. “Their unique skills and perspectives make them valuable leaders in the evolving landscape of health care.”
Olympic gymnast and ovarian cancer survivor Shannon Miller will deliver the keynote address. She will share insights on the resilient mindset needed to win a gold medal and fight cancer, and offer tips on supporting cancer survivors and patients. She will also discuss how this mindset benefits health care professionals treating patients.
“We are grateful to Sylvester and UHealth leadership for their constant support of APPs and providing ways for them to continue to build their careers, grow in their professions and thrive in the health care field,” added MacIntyre.
Tags: Advanced Practice Provider Oncology Symposium, cancer research, Douglas Houghton, Elizabeth Smith, Jessica MacIntyre, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center