Clinical oncology is a rapidly evolving field characterized by continual advances in cancer detection, diagnosis, and treatment.  With the advent of advanced imaging, genomic profiling, and targeted molecular therapies, today’s healthcare providers are equipped to battle cancer in more ways than ever before.

By developing an awareness of this ever-expanding field, healthcare providers will be able to direct their patients toward the latest treatment modalities and to gain insight into future directions within the field.  Doing so provides an opportunity to improve the quality of care for cancer patients and to advance the continual battle against this once-devastating disease.

Target Audience

Des Moines University students, staff, and faculty, physicians, nurses, social workers, other medical professionals, healthcare community, and families who have been affected by cancer.

Objectives

• List and describe the variety of emerging treatment modalities available to patients.
• Recognize the role of each oncology subspecialty in the advancement of cancer treatment.
• Discuss the direction of future cancer research efforts.

Agenda

Keynote Speaker

Mohammed M. Milhem, M.B.,B.S.
Clinical Associate Professor of Internal Medicine  – Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa; Deputy Director of Clinical Services at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center; Director of Melanoma and Sarcoma Program, University of Iowa 

• M.B.,B.S, Jordan University, Amman, Jordan
• Internship, Palestine Hospital, Amman, Jordan
• Internship, Al-Bashir Hospital, Amman, Jordan
• Internal Medicine Residency, University of Illinois at Chicago
• Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, University of Illinois at Chicago
• Bone Marrow Transplant Fellowship, University of Illinois at Chicago

Clinical profile

Dr. Milhem indicated he has no financial relationships to disclose relevant to the content of this CME activity.

Cancer Panel Members

• Andrew Nish, MD
  Vascular and Interventional Radiologist, Iowa Radiology, P.C.
  Originally from Elgin, Illinois, Dr. Nish is a graduate of Carleton College and the University of Chicago Medical School. He completed a residency in diagnostic radiology and a fellowship in interventional radiology at Henry Ford Hospital in Michigan. When not focused on vascular and interventional radiology, Dr. Nish enjoys bicycling and gardening.
   
• Justin Anderson
  Brain Cancer Survivor
  Iowa native Justin Anderson was diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of 26.  In 2011, after completing surgery along with an intensive regimen of radiation and chemotherapy, Justin took off for Nepal to climb to the base camp of Mount Everest, along with 18 other cancer survivors.   Justin’s incredible adventure was the subject of a 2011 documentary and CNN story.  Today, Justin serves as Program Director for Des Moines, Iowa based non-profit, Above + Beyond Cancer.  In addition to leading cancer survivors on incredible journeys around the world, Justin’s recent advocacy work was instrumental in getting 2013’s Medicaid expansion passed in Iowa, enabling cancer patients more access to healthcare.  Justin was the recipient  of the 2012 “Outstanding Young Iowan” award, and has been honored by the Iowa Senate for his efforts in cancer advocacy.  He lives in Clear Lake, Iowa with his wife Alicia and their dog Cujo.
   
• Lori Tassin
  Lung Cancer Survivor
  Lori was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in September 2010 at the age of 39. She was not a smoker, nor around 2nd smoke. Just 13 months after her diagnosis, her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. He was very fortunate, he had the tumor removed and recently celebrated 2 years cancer free. While Lori has continued chemo and radiation treatment the past 3.5 years. Just recently it was found that Lori has a rare mutation that allows a highly affective targeted therapy. Best case for the worst scenario. Lori and her husband have traveled world wide and last summer participated in a marathon which 45 of their friends and family stood by cheering them on as they have through their cancer journey. Lori has looked at the diagnosed as a chronic condition and has over come the statistics. She uses her positive attitude to help and give hope to others diagnosed with cancer. This led her to mentor through Imerman Angels, give others diagnosed with lung cancer hope. Craig and Lori have 4 boys ranging from ages 7 to 19. There have been ups and downs the past 3.5 years. This family has overcome so much, but it only makes them stronger and best of all, closer.
   
• Trace Kendig
  Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Survivor
  Trace was diagnosed with Stage 4 Hodgkins Lymphoma in August of 2008.  After a year and a half of chemotherapy and radiation the lymphoma continued to come back.  A stem cell transplant at Mayo was next.  Trace had his final treatment in May of 2010 and has been cancer free since then.  Trace participated in the first Above and Beyond Cancer mountain trek to Mt. Everest Base Camp in 2011.  Trace and his family work to assist families who are affected by cancer.  Each year they organize an adopt a family for a family that is being affected by the disease.  Trace is a Lieutenant at the Windsor Heights Iowa Police Department.  He lives in Windsor Heights Iowa with his wife and daughter.

Everyone in a position to control the content of this educational activity will disclose to the CME provider and to attendees all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. 

Continuing Education Credit

• MD: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Iowa Medical Society (IMS). Des Moines University (DMU) is accredited by the IMS to provide continuing medical education for physicians. DMU designates this live activity for 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
• DO: Des Moines University (DMU) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and approves this live activity for 2.5 Category 2-A CME credit(s).
• Nurse: Des Moines University is Iowa Board of Nursing approved provider #112. This live activity has been reviewed and approved for 3.0 continuing education contact hour(s). No partial credit awarded.
• Medical Assistants: 2.5 Clinical/General continuing education hours.
• Other: This live activity is designated for 2.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.