Registration is now open, confirm your spot.
Join Us: Friday, September 18, 2026
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!
2026 Conference Program
Program Overview
2026 Conference Theme: “Voices in Oncology”
Elevating the voices that shape oncology: the insights of providers, the strength of caregivers, the discoveries of researchers, the lived experiences of patients, the quiet internal voice, and the lasting legacy of those no longer with us.
Friday, September 18, 2026
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 of abbreviations of approved credits.
Registration for the Women’s Health and Cancer Conference, taking place in-person and virtually on Friday, September 18, is now open!
Opening Plenary
How Are You, Really?
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Presenter: Nora McInerny; Author, Speaker and Host of "Thanks for Asking" Podcast
Description: Grief, cancer, and loss don't come with a roadmap—and neither do the emotions that accompany them. With her signature blend of honesty, humor, and compassion, Nora McInerny creates space for participants to acknowledge what they're truly feeling, rather than what they think they're supposed to feel. Through personal stories and reflective exercises, she encourages emotional honesty as a source of strength, helping participants develop practical ways to care for themselves while continuing to support patients, families, colleagues, and loved ones. Attendees will leave with a renewed understanding that resilience isn't about pretending everything is okay—it's about making room for the full range of human emotions while moving forward with intention and grace.
Concurrent Session One: Choose one
When a Parent Has Cancer: Helping Children Understand and Cope
10:10 - 11:00 AM
Presenters: Ali Waltien, MA; Child Psychologist Jess Rabidoux, CCLS, RWWP, Certified Child Life Specialist III (UVMMC), Celia McClintock; Camp Kesem Counselor
Description: When a parent has cancer, children often need support that is tailored to their age and stage of development. This session explores how child life services, therapy, and camp-based programs can help children cope and strengthen family connections. Attendees will learn practical communication tools and age-appropriate strategies for talking with children about a parent’s diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
The Stories We Carry: What is Narrative Medicine?
10:10 - 11:00 AM
Presenter: Sakshi Jasra, MD; Assistant Professor of Medicine, Medical Director; Hematology and Oncology, UVM Medical Center
Description: Stories are at the heart of Voices in Oncology. This session introduces the practice of narrative medicine and explores how stories can shape our understanding of cancer, our experiences, and one another. Attendees will learn what narrative medicine is and reflect on how its practices may be helpful in their own lives.
Concurrent Session Two: Choose one
Surgical Decision Making in Breast Cancer
11:10 AM - Noon
Presenters: Michelle Sowden, DO; (moderator) Surgical Oncologist at the UVM Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Surgery
Patient - Jaclyn Combes, PA
Patient - Stacy Burnett, MSW
Patient - Susan Powers
Description: Breast cancer surgery is not a one-size-fits-all decision. This session explores the range of surgical options available and the many factors that influence individual choices. Through expert insight and patient perspectives, attendees will gain a better understanding of how decisions are made and how personal values, preferences, and goals can shape the surgical experience.
Writing as Healing
11:10 AM - Noon
Presenter: Patricia Fontaine, MACP, MATLA
Description: In a conference dedicated to Voices in Oncology, this interactive session highlights the healing power of putting thoughts and experiences into words. Participants will experience relaxation techniques to help settle the body and mind, practice a simple exercise for brainstorming a short piece of writing, and have the opportunity to share their work aloud if they wish.
Keynote
From Social Media to the Clinic: Bridging Real-World Questions with Evidence in Women’s Health and Cancer Care
12:45 - 1:40 PM
Keynote Speaker: Eleonora Teplinsky, MD; Board Certified Medical Oncologist, Valley Health System, NJ
Description: Social media and online resources have made health information more accessible than ever, but they can also create confusion and spread misinformation. This session explores common questions related to women’s health and cancer care, including survivorship, menopause, screening, and wellness. Attendees will gain a better understanding of the evidence behind frequently discussed topics and learn how to apply reliable information to support informed healthcare decisions and strengthen patient-provider communication.
Concurrent Session Three: Choose one
Patient Centered Overview of Cancer Treatment: Cancer Therapies 101
2:00 - 2:50 PM
Presenters: Sienna Searles, MD; Hematology and Oncology fellow and former Internal Medicine resident at the UVM Medical Center
Meredith Ryan, MD; Hematology/Oncology Fellow, UVM Medical Center
Description: Cancer treatment can involve many different approaches, and understanding the basics can help patients feel more informed and empowered. This session provides a patient-centered overview of modern cancer therapies, including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. Attendees will learn how these treatments work, the goals of each approach, and how different therapies may be used in cancer care.
Caring for the Whole Person: Supporting Emotional Wellness After Cancer
2:00 - 2:50 PM
Presenter: Giselle Perez, PhD; Mass General Hospital/ Harvard Medical School
Description: Recovery after cancer involves more than physical healing. This session explores the role of whole-person care in supporting emotional wellness and overall well-being after treatment. Attendees will learn at least two evidence-informed techniques for managing and regulating stress in real time and gain insights into how whole-person care can support post-cancer recovery and quality of life.
Closing Plenary
The Evolving Landscape of Cancer Therapy: Targeted, Immune, and Emerging Modalities
3:00 - 4:00 PM
Presenter: Shahid Ahmed, MBBS; Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University
Description: Advances in cancer care are changing how treatments are developed and delivered. This session explores the evolution and clinical impact of next-generation sequencing (NGS), its current applications in oncology, and its emerging potential in cancer care. Attendees will learn about the different types of targeted and immune-based treatments and their role in cancer care.
Accreditation
The event offers continuing education credit to a number of health-related professions including but not limited to:
HC = Health Coaching |
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.
2026 Conference Planning Core Committee
Jane Bensimhon, MSW
Julia Smithfields
2026 Conference Committee Accreditation Reviewers
Health Coaching: Jessica Coleman
Pharmacy: Jacob Barker
Dietician: Jen May
Nursing: Amy Buenaflor
Physician: Molly Barry / Rohit Singh
APP (PA and NP): Katherine Bezio
2026 Conference Committee Support
CMIE: Carrie Ferguson
CMIE: Annette Edwards
UVMCC: Rachel Zwynenburg
UVMCC: Ayla Yersel
UVMCC: Kate Strotmeyer
Contact UsFor questions about this year's conference, please email the committee at whcc@med.uvm.edu
For questions about CME Credit, please email uvmcmie@med.uvm.edu
Many thanks to our presenting sponsor: The Patti O'Brien, MD Women's Health and Cancer Fund