2025 Women's Health and Cancer Conference

This conference is free and open to patients, healthcare providers, caregivers, and anyone looking to expand their knowledge of all aspects of the burden of cancer.
Women's Health and Cancer Conference Logo

 

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!
Four people speak on a panel Two people talking at an exhibitor booth at the Women's Health and Cancer Conference Several people sitting in chairs stretch, arms over their heads.

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.

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2025 Conference Program

Overview

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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

 

View agenda at a glance (PDF)

View conference poster (PDF)

Opening Plenary: "AI at the Bedside"

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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

Concurrent Session One: "Cancer Survivorship" and "T Cells and Toxins"

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Cancer Knowledge + Research + Advocacy = Survivorship

10:10 - 11:00 AM

Location: Silver Maple Ballroom

Presenter: Terri Conneran – Founder, KRAS Kickers; Director, KRAS Cancer Connect; Lung Cancer Survivor; Precision Oncology Advocate

Description: This session explores how patients, clinicians, and researchers are working together to shape the Gen-Me era of personalized cancer care—where treatment decisions reflect the individuality of each patient. Grounded in the belief that “Survival of the Strategic” is possible, the session highlights how informed, collaborative choices—powered by knowledge, research, and advocacy—are redefining what it means to survive and thrive with cancer.

CME: Details TBA

 

Target Acquired: Locking Onto Cancer with T-cells and Toxins

10:10 - 11:00 AM

Location: Sugar Maple Ballroom

Presenters:  Sakshi Jasra, MD (moderator) – Oncologist, University of Vermont Cancer Center (UVMCC); Assistant Professor of Hematology and Medical Oncology, UVM Larner College of Medicine (UVM LCOM) 

Jacob Barker, PharmD – Oncology Clinical Pharmacist, University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC)

Robert Cade, PharmD, BCOP – Oncology Clinical Pharmacist, UVMMC
 

Description: In the war against cancer, precision is power.  This presentation will give you an inside look at two of oncology’s newest cutting-edge weapons.  These smart therapies seek and destroy cancer cells with ruthless efficiency: bispecific T-cell engagers that redirect the body’s own immune soldiers toward cancer cells, and antibody-drug conjugates that lock on and deliver lethal payloads with laser-like specificity.  With a front-line view on the science behind these innovations, their place in therapy, and their clinical impact, you’re not just coming to a talk – you’re coming to a strategic briefing on the next era of cancer warfare.

CME: Details TBA

Concurrent Session Two: "Clinical Trials" and "Innovations in Lung Cancer"

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Trial Run: Inside the World of Cancer Clinical Trials

11:10 - 12:00 PM

Location: Silver Maple Ballroom

Presenters: Christa Varnadoe, DNP, APRN, MSN, AGNP-C, OCN, CCRP* (moderator) – Director, Cancer Clinical Trials, UVMCC; Associate Professor of Medicine, UVM LCOM

Alissa A Thomas, MD* – Associate Professor of Neurological Sciences, UVM LCOM; Division Chief of Neuro-Oncology, UVMCC

Patient – TBD
 

Description: In this session, discover how cancer research is transforming care at the University of Vermont Cancer Center. This informative discussion offers an overview of our Cancer Clinical Trials Program, highlighting how clinical research drives innovation and improves outcomes for patients in our region. Hear directly from a UVM Cancer Center investigator about current studies and the importance of clinical trials in advancing treatment. A cancer survivor and trial participant will also share their journey, followed by a Q&A session. This is an excellent opportunity to learn how clinical trials work and why they matter to our community.

CME: Details TBA

 

Pushing Boundaries: Innovations in Lung Cancer Detection and Treatment

11:10 - 12:00 PM

Location: Sugar Maple Ballroom

Presenters: Chris Anker, MD (moderator)* – Professor, UVM LCOM; Radiation Oncologist, UVMCC

Michael Brasino PhD* – Assistant Professor, Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, UVM

Havaleh Gagne, MD – Radiation Oncologist, UVMCC

C. Matthew Kinsey MD, MPH* – Director, Interventional Pulmonary, UVMMC; Associate Professor, UVM LCOM
 

Description: This dynamic session brings together a thoracic surgeon, pulmonologist, and biomedical engineer to explore the cutting edge of lung cancer care. Panelists will highlight recent advances in robotic surgery that enhance precision and recovery, novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches from pulmonary medicine, and innovative screening techniques using genetically engineered bacteria as biosensor probes for lung cancer to increase access to screening. Attendees will gain a multidisciplinary perspective on how science and technology are converging to transform lung cancer outcomes.

CME: TBA

Keynote: "The Emerging Crisis of Young Onset Colorectal Cancer"

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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

Concurrent Session Three: "What is New in Breast Cancer?" and "Talking about Death"

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What is New in Breast Cancer?

2:00 - 2:50 PM

Location: Silver Maple Ballroom

Presenter: Anne Christine Buteau, MD, MPH – Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, UVM LCOM; Breast Oncologist, UVMCC

Description: Meet Dr. Buteau, one of the UVM Cancer Center’s new clinical providers! Learn about the latest in breast cancer detection and personalized treatment methods as well as new treatment options and the impact these have on quality of life for patients with breast cancer. 

CME: TBA

 

Living Life to the Fullest by Talking about Death - the Elephant in the Room

2:00 - 2:50 PM

Location: Sugar Maple Ballroom

Presenter: Kimberley Schmitt PA-CFamily Medicine Physician Assistant; End of Life Doula Course graduate

Description: There is no better teacher than life itself, and in my case, life taught me about death. In particular how to be more comfortable talking about death after several family experiences. As I share my journey you will be able to see how medicine has evolved around end of life care including the use of End of Life Doulas, options for MAiD and how Death Cafes may help all of us live a better life.

CME: TBA

Closing Plenary: "Myths and Truths in Integrative Medicine"

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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

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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

Julia Smithfields

Community Representative Co-Chair