Patient & Caregiver Symposia
Nov 22, 2025
Saint John’s Cancer Institute Patient & Caregiver Symposium
Register NowDate 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
Google MapsAbout 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