Keynote speaker Nathan L. Vanderford, Ph.D., M.B.A., of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, presenting his talk on “Taking ACTION to Reduce Cancer Disparities in Appalachian Kentucky” at the UVM Cancer Center’s 2026 Rural Health and Cancer Conference (Photo: Andy Duback)
UVM Cancer Center’s 2nd Annual Rural Health and Cancer Conference Advances Collaboration and Innovation in Care
The University of Vermont Cancer Center hosted its second annual Rural Health and Cancer Conference June 2–4, 2026, at Hotel Champlain in downtown Burlington.
Attended by nearly 80 cancer professionals from 19 U.S. states plus Brazil, and featuring more than a dozen speakers, the conference brought together clinicians, researchers, and advocates committed to improving cancer care delivery and outcomes in rural communities.
A highlight of the conference was a powerful patient story from Andrea and Rusty Ashmore showing the importance of clinical trials. Keynotes and sessions touched on leveraging community engagement and education to reduce disparities in cancer care access and treatment; sharing diverse strategies and research from across the country; and discussing how policy decisions at the state and national levels influence rural cancer care.
Recent UVM graduate Gabriel Sutton, B.S.’26 (left, seated at table), looks on as Larner medical student Haley Moriarty ’29 presents their project “Gaps and Opportunities in Food Insecurity Screening and Referral Practices in Rural Oncology Settings” at the Rural Health and Cancer Conference. (Photo: Andy Duback)
