Why Attend This Conference?
- Access the latest, evidence-based information about cancer prevention and detection;
- Learn about treatment options across a range of cancers;
- Gain information about support and wellness options to enhance survivorship; and
- Feel inspired and supported!
2025 Conference Theme: “The Leading Edge of Cancer Care”
September 19, 2025
The leading edge of cancer is ever advancing, as today’s research swiftly becomes tomorrow’s standard of care.
2025 Conference Program
Program Overview
At the 28th annual conference we’ll explore AI in oncology, what’s new in clinical trials, learn about leading edge cancer research, connect over patient advocacy, emerging therapeutics, discover the latest in breast cancer care, and so much more.
Location: Dudley H. Davis Center
University of Vermont
590 Main St., Burlington, VT 05401
or virtually over Zoom
Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits are offered at no cost to participants. See below for key, health coaching credit is pending while all other have been approved at this time.
Opening Plenary: "AI at the Bedside"
AI at the Bedside: Transforming the Landscape of Cancer Treatment and Patient Support
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Location: Silver Maple Ballroom
Presenter: Nat Lester-Coll, MD* – Network Chair, Radiation Oncology, University of Vermont Health Network (UVMHN)
Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cancer care by introducing innovative tools that enhance diagnosis, personalize treatment, streamline clinical workflows, and support patient engagement. This session will explore real-world applications of AI across oncology disciplines, including adaptive radiotherapy, predictive analytics in medical oncology, and AI-driven patient communication platforms. Attendees will gain insights into how these technologies are being implemented to improve outcomes and will discuss the ethical and practical considerations of integrating AI into clinical practice.
CME: HC, MH, N, P, PA, Pharm, Psych, PT, RD, SW
Keynote: "The Emerging Crisis of Young Onset Colorectal Cancer"
The Emerging Crisis of Young Onset Colorectal Cancer: Associations and Implications
12:45 - 1:40 PM
Location: Silver Maple Ballroom
Keynote Speaker: Benjamin L. Schlechter, MD – Senior Physician, Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
Description: A welcome by Randall Holcombe, MD, MBA* - Director, University of Vermont Cancer Center, and Molly Barry, MD* – Executive Director, Women’s Health and Cancer Conference; Medical Oncologist.
An increasing number of younger adults are being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. As a result, colorectal cancer has emerged as the leading cause of cancer-related death in men under the age of 50 and will surpass breast cancer in women under the age of 50 by 2030. Younger patients are more likely to have rectal cancer -which increases the risk for the need for an ostomy, are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease, and are more likely to have life-changing impacts from therapy including infertility, bowel and sexual dysfunction, and delayed diagnoses. We will review patterns that may help identify the causes of young onset colorectal cancer and the research being done to address this emerging health crisis.
CME: HC, MH, N, P, PA, Pharm, Psych, PT, RD, SW
Closing Plenary: "Myths and Truths in Integrative Medicine"
Sugar? Soy? Science! Myths and Truths in Integrative Medicine
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Silver Maple Ballroom
Presenter: Amy Voishan Littlefield ND, MSOM, FABNO – Physician; Acupuncturist; Owner, Vermont Wellness Medicine and Integrative Oncology
Description: With a dose of levity, Dr Littlefield will review the most common and the most harmful myths in integrative oncology care. The goal of this lecture is to help patients and their providers evaluate claims, consider evidence and feel confident knowing which complementary strategies may provide the best support.
CME: HC, MH, N, P, PA, Pharm, Psych, PT, RD, SW
Continuing Medical Education (CME) Credit Key
We have submitted for the following credits and have approval from all except Health Coaching:
HC = Health Coaching (pending approval) |
MH = Allied Mental Health |
N = Nursing Contact Hours |
P = Physician CME |
PA = Physician Assistant / Associate |
Pharm = Pharmacist |
Psych = Psychology |
PT = Physical Therapy |
RD = Registered Dietitian |
SW = Social Workers CEU |
If you have questions about continuing education credit, please contact UVM Continuing Medical & Interprofessional Education at UVMCMIE@med.uvm.edu.
* Denotes UVM Cancer Center member
And More for In-Person Participants
Art Exhibit: Project Still
8:00 - 4:00 PM
Location: Jost Foundation Room
Description: Still shines a light on the potential that exists on the other side of choosing to go flat after mastectomy. Despite what society says. Despite what a healthcare provider may say. It answers the questions that many who are facing mastectomies ask. If I choose to go flat will I still feel feminine? Beautiful? Will I still feel like me? Nevertheless, I am Still—a Still Poster Show celebrating the beauty of agency—shares surprising, empowering truths found on the other side of going flat after mastectomy. The unspoken potential. The answers to the very things questioned when considering going flat. And the reality for so many who have made this choice. I am Still.
Integrative Therapies
10:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Chittenden Bank Room
Description: More information coming soon
Sign ups are first come first serve at the Osher Center for Integrative Therapies table in the exhibit hall.
Exhibitors
8:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Livak Fireplace Lounge and Williams Family Room
Description: Explore and discover community partners that offer knowledge, support, and care services to our patients, healthcare providers, and caregivers.
2025 Conference Planning Committee
Jamie Kelly, PA-C
Hematology
Physician Assistant
University of Vermont Cancer