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
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: Details TBA
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: TBA
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: TBA
Key
CME KEY P=Physician; N=Nursing Contact Hours; MH=Allied Mental Health; Psych=Psychology; PT=Physical Therapy; RD=Registered Dietician; SW=Social Work
* Denotes UVM Cancer Center member
2025 Conference Planning Committee
Jamie Kelly, PA-C
Hematology
Physician Assistant
University of Vermont Cancer