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Patient & Caregiver Symposia

Nov 22, 2025

Saint John’s Cancer Institute Patient & Caregiver Symposium

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Date and Time

Nov 22, 2025 · 8:00 - 1:00 ESTPT

Location

St John's Cancer Institute

Rand Santa Monica 1776 Main Street Santa Monica, California 90401-3208

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About This Event

Join the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and Saint John’s Cancer Institute for an in-person and virtual patient and caregiver symposium about cutaneous (skin) melanoma. During this symposium, participants will learn the latest in diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

 

Agenda

8:00AM – 9:00AM Registration & Breakfast

 

9:00AM – 9:10AM Welcome & Announcements

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

 

9:10AM – 9:20AM MRF Welcome

Debbie Churgai, MA, Melanoma Research Foundation

 

9:20AM – 9:40AM The Dermatologist’s Role in Early-Stage Melanoma

Dr. Sonia Batra, Dermatology

 

9:40AM – 10:00AM Why Do We Do Surgery for Melanoma

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

 

10:00AM – 10:20AM BREAK

Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.

 

10:20AM – 10:40AM Recognition and Management of Lymphedema in Melanoma Patients

Emmaline Mauritson, NP Cedar’s

 

10:40AM – 11:00AM The Role of Nutrition in Melanoma Patients

Ashley Salazar, R.D., Providence-St John’s

 

11:00AM – 11:20AM Surgery for Small-Volume Metastatic Melanoma – When and If?

Dr. Hans Schoellhammer, City of Hope

 

11:20AM – 11:40AM Using the Immune System to Defeat the Toughest Cases of Melanoma

Dr. Yan Xing, City of Hope

11:40AM – 12:00PM BREAK

Snacks, coffee and tea will be provided.

 

12:00PM – 12:20PM Vaccine Therapy in Melanoma

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

 

12:20PM LUNCH

Lunch will be provided.

12:30PM – 12:50PM Patient Panel: My Experience with Melanoma – Family and Friends

 

12:50PM – 1:00PM Closing Remarks

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

 

1:00PM ADJOURN