Saint John’s Cancer Institute Patient & Caregiver Symposium

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.

Explore the Event Agenda Below: 

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     Sunscreens and Skin Care in Cancer Treatment

Dr. Sonia Batra, Dermatology

9:40AM – 10:00AM     Can We Use Blood Tests to Predict Outcome in Melanoma

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

10:00AM – 10:10AM     BREAK

Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.

10:10AM – 10:30AM     Recognition and Management of Lymphedema in Melanoma Patients

Emmaline Mauritson, NP Cedar’s

10:30AM – 10:50AM     Diet and Nutrition in Melanoma Care and Skin Cancer Prevention

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

10:50AM – 11:10AM     Surgery for Small-Volume Metastatic Melanoma – When and If?

Dr. Hans Schoellhammer, City of Hope

11:10AM – 11:30AM     Using the Immune System to Defeat the Toughest Cases of Melanoma

Dr. Yan Xing, City of Hope

11:30AM – 12:00PM     LUNCH

Lunch will be provided.

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

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

12:20PM – 12:40PM     Genetic testing for the Patient and Family in Melanoma

Molly Frankle, Saint John’s Clinical Cancer Genetics

12:40PM – 1:00PM     Patient Panel: My Experience with Melanoma – Family and Friends

1:00PM – 1:10PM     Closing Remarks

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

1:30PM     ADJOURN