Health care professionals, faculty and students will gather on October 5 to learn how to implement exercise, nutrition and integrative therapies for patients rehabilitating from cancer. Because 39 percent of the population will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lifetimes, according to the National Cancer Institute, even health care providers who don’t specifically treat cancer will see patients affected by the disease.

The Oncology Rehabilitation Conference, hosted UVM Doctor of Physical Therapy program and Vermont Lymphedema Network, takes place from 8:00-4:30 in the Larner College of Medicine. It is offered in conjunction with the UVM Cancer Center’s Women’s Health and Cancer Conference on Friday, October 4 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Burlington.

Keynote speaker Mary Lou Galantino, Distinguished Professor of Physical Therapy at Stockton University, will describe incorporating evidence-based complimentary medicine and integrative practices throughout physical rehabilitation. A cancer survivor and integrative health coach, Galatino conducts research on integrative medicine and chronic diseases and has extensive experience with the HIV/AIDs and cancer populations.

Sessions throughout the day will cover oncology nutrition, exercise and immunity, surgical impact on function, chronic pain therapies, yoga for chronic disease and wellness coaching principles. The topics are relevant to all health care fields

“This conference is great for anyone at CNHS to attend. Every day, we treat people who have had cancer, are going through it or will have cancer, and we want to make their lives as functional as possible,” said Rehabilitation and Movement Science professor, Justine Dee, interim director for the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. “The more health care providers understand how nutrition, exercise and mindfulness help relieve pain, fatigue and anxiety tools and know who to refer patients to, the better the outcomes for patients.”

The $75 conference fee includes breakfast, lunch and materials. Continuing education units are available for physical therapists. 

For more information or to register, visit the conference website or contact Rebecca Ouellette-Morton.