Ballad Health Oncology Symposium to highlight innovations in cancer care with two nationally recognized tumor experts
Free event welcomes medical professionals
Medical professionals across the Appalachian Highlands are invited to the Ballad Health Oncology Symposium, a free event focused on the latest innovations in oncology services and how they are being implemented locally.
The Oncology Symposium will take place on Saturday, Aug. 24, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bristol Regional Medical Center’s conference center. Primary care practitioners, oncologists, nurses, residents and all healthcare professionals from around the region will have the opportunity to engage with national experts, share best practices and explore innovative approaches to cancer care to ultimately improve patient outcomes.
“This event is a wonderful opportunity for clinicians from around the region to come together and learn more about the oncology services that are available right here in the Appalachian Highlands,” said Dwight Owens, interim vice president for Ballad Health’s oncology services. “Those who attend will not only learn more about the latest advances in cancer treatment in our region, but they’ll also have the opportunity to network and connect with oncology experts from around the country.
“This event is an important touchbase for our region’s healthcare professionals to ensure our patients battling cancer are positioned for the best possible care, while staying close to home.”
Panels throughout the day will focus on diagnosis and treatment methods, the importance of care navigation and continuum of care, disease management and multidisciplinary care with a focus on tumor board case discussions. The day will end with a question-and-answer session that gives attendees the opportunity to engage with panelists and local oncology experts.
The symposium welcomes two neuroendocrine specialists to the roster: Denver-based surgical oncologist Eric Liu, MD, and David Metz, MD, retired gastroenterologist and co-director of the Neuroendocrine Tumor Center and Penn NET Treatment Program at the University of Pennsylvania. Both keynote speakers bring decades of experience working with neuroendocrine tumors and essential perspectives as experts in their respective research fields.
Dr. Liu is an internationally recognized surgical oncologist who is considered a pioneer in neuroendocrine research. He previously directed the Neuroendocrine Tumor Center at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville and helped launch the Nuclear Oncology Center at Rocky Mountain Cancer Center in Denver, Colorado, in 2021, where he is the surgical director of The Neuroendocrine Institute. He co-created The Healing NET Foundation, which is focused on optimizing care of patients by building awareness of neuroendocrine cancer, educating healthcare providers and collaborating to address unmet needs, such as the time to diagnosis.
Dr. Metz is a retired professor of medicine and former associate chief for clinical affairs at the Division of Gastroenterology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Among the many achievements of his career was a stint as the president of the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society, earning the organization’s lifetime achievement award in 2021. Throughout his career, Dr. Metz has published more than 200 articles on topics of clinical interest and research.
“We’re thrilled to have both of these dedicated experts with us to share their expertise with the medical professionals of the Appalachian Highlands,” said Brad Price, senior vice president of regional operations and service line development for Ballad Health. “Dr. Liu and Dr. Metz bring a plethora of knowledge about neuroendocrine tumors, yet their different perspectives as clinicians will round out what will be a very constructive day for our healthcare professionals who want to broaden their knowledge of oncology, whether that be diagnosis, treatment or management.”
Following the symposium’s main programming, Drs. Liu and Metz will host an additional panel for patients focused on neuroendocrine tumors from 3:30 to 7 p.m., sponsored by the Healing Net Foundation and the Neuroendocrine Cancer Awareness Network. All are welcome to attend this event. Registration for the additional programming is $10, and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Registration for the Ballad Health Oncology Symposium is free and can be completed here. Those who attend are eligible for CME and CNE credits.
