Conference Agenda

*Nursing Contact Hours Available
**Social Work Contact Hours Available

VCC Member

For more information about each session, click on session titles.

11:00-11:45 AM — SESSION THREE

  • 3-1. Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Breast Cancer: Answers to Common Questions *
    A bout with breast cancer is likely to leave one eager to do all they can to prevent a recurrence. This often means gathering information and advice about food choices, physical activity, and dietary supplement use to improve quality of life and survival. However, the information out there can be confusing, conflicting, and sometimes even harmful. The goal of this presentation is to address some common questions about the role that diet and physical activity play in the prevention of both initial diagnosis and recurrence of breast cancer.
    Jennifer May, RD, CD
     
  • 3-2. Genetic Counseling and Testing *
    This session will review the features of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and who might be a candidate for referral for genetic counseling and possibility genetic testing. Included is a review of what happens during a genetic counseling session and discussion of the risks, benefits and limitations of undergoing genetic testing for cancer risk.
    Wendy McKinnon, MS
    Wendy McKinnon is a certified genetic counselor who specializes in genetic counseling and testing for familial cancer. Ms. McKinnon is the genetic counselor for the Familial Cancer Program of the Vermont Cancer Center at Fletcher Allen Health Care, which is a multidisciplinary program for individuals and families at-risk for hereditary cancer.
  • 3-3. Integrating Complementary and Alternative Therapies with Standard Medical Care for Breast Cancer *
    This session will discuss how complementary therapies such as healing touch, Reiki, acupuncture, and massage can be included in a comprehensive plan of care for breast cancer. How to enhance communication between physicians and complementary providers will be reviewed. Case reports from the session leaders will be used to illustrate a practical approach to integration of these therapies.
    Allan Ramsay, MD
    Dr. Ramsay is Professor and Associate Chair of Family Medicine at the University of Vermont and Director of Inpatient Family Medicine Services and Palliative Care Services at Fletcher Allen Health Care. Dr. Ramsay practices at the Colchester Family Practice and is Medical Director of Green Mountain Nursing Home in Colchester, Vermont.

    Jane Birnn, RN, MS, MEd
    Jane Birnn is a part time Clinical Assistant Professor in the University of Vermont Department of Nursing. She is certified as an advanced practice holistic nurse, a Healing Touch practitioner, and in integrative guided imagery.
  • 3-4. Constructing a Cure: New Information and Tools to Cure Breast Cancer
    Patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer are faced with an overwhelming amount of information. Attempts to access information can be difficult and can lead to undue anxiety and frustration. Dr. Krag will discuss how to uncover and assess the latest information about breast cancer treatments, and offer a look ahead at some of the promising research underway.
    David Krag, MD          
    David Krag, MD, is S.D. Ireland Professor of Surgical Oncology, with a research career focused on developing innovative methods to diagnose and treat cancer. He pioneered the development of radiotracer-guided surgery of sentinel lymph nodes in cancer, and is now working to achieve targeted delivery of cancer therapeutics to tumors. He is also an entrepreneur, with a new venture, Plomics, built around a new method for organizing and delivering biomedical information.
  • 3-5. Breast Health Disparities **
    Studies have shown a wide variation in the quality and outcome of breast health among different populations and communities. Particular ethnic and socioeconomic groups tend to have worse overall breast health. This talk will explore some of the issues and factors thought to be responsible for this trend, and discuss approaches to achieving equality in breast care for all women.
    Ted James, MD          
    Dr. James is a Surgical Oncologist at the Fletcher Allen Health Care Breast Care Center, and Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University of Vermont. His research interests include cancer prevention, tumor biology, and cancer health disparities.
  • 3-6. Komen Champions
    This session will focus on state legislative issues related to breast cancer, including the need for increased funding for Ladies First, Vermont's free breast cancer screening program for low-income and uninsured women. A representative from Susan G. Komen for the Cure headquarters will be discussing advocacy on important national issues including translational research funding, the oncology nursing shortage and the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
    Rebecca Gray
    Rebecca Gray is a writer working for Dartmouth College. She has published in many magazines, and is an editor for the 75th Anniversary edition of "Joy of Cooking," and is currently at work on her ninth book about food. She received her degree in Journalism from Boston University. A nine-year breast cancer survivor, Rebecca also served on the Board of Directors of the VT-NH Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
  • 3-7. Couples Lymphatic Massage Workshop - Learn How to Help your Partner Through Lymphatic Massage
    Lymphatic massage is a gentle massage that can not only be relaxing and supportive, but will also help move lymphedema. Bring your support person or partner so that they can learn this technique. This will be a "hands on" actual teaching session, so come prepared for receiving a massage.
    Julia A. Child, PT, CLT-LANA
    Julia Child is a certified lymphedema therapist trained in the Casley-Smith, Dorit Tidar, and Vodder methods of lymphedema management practicing at Middlebury Physical Therapy in Middlebury Vermont.
  • 3-8. Living With Cancer - Christian Principles for Survivors
    Along with a cancer diagnosis come many questions. Many of these questions (perhaps the most important ones) are spiritual in nature. The goal of this session is to see how the Christian faith addresses some of these spiritual questions and to provide some practical advice for "Living" with cancer.
    Brent Devenney, RN, OCN, MDiv
    Brent is a Clinical Program Coordinator at the Vermont Cancer Center at Fletcher Allen Health Care. He has been an oncology nurse for most of his 15 year career in nursing, working in both the hospital and outpatient settings. He also holds a Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, TX and serves as Pastor at Daybreak Community Church in Colchester, VT.
  • 3-9. Chair Yoga
    Yoga can be done in a variety of positions. This session is specifically geared for people who prefer a relaxation and restorative Yoga session that can be done sitting in a chair. Loose clothing may be helpful.
    Ellen Fein, LCSW, RYT
    Ellen Fein is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a certified yoga teacher. She teaches yoga to those with serious illness and also runs workshops and groups about healing and mind-body techniques such as imagery and meditation.
  • 3-10. Return to Exercise During and After Cancer Treatment
    Join a exercise session in the gym, led by a physical therapist. We will begin exercise using the concept of progressive resistive exercise - Weight Training! Wear comfortable clothing for the class. All levels are welcome. Goals include how to safely stretch for flexibility, guidance on how and where to start using weights and/or machines, and cardiovascular conditioning.
    Kristi C. Johnson, PT, CLT-LANA
    Kristi practices physical therapy at Timberlane Physical Therapy, and has been a certified lymphedema therapist since 1999. Kristi specializes in lymphedema treatment and post mastectomy/lumpectomy surgery. Her experience as an orthopedic physical therapist and an avid sport enthusiast has complemented her focus for individuals who are interested in exercise and sports.
  • 3-11. Yoga
    Yoga
     
     
  • 3-12. Fly Casting Workshop – Casting for Recovery
    Orvis has a long history of providing fly casting as a technique to help women with breast cancer. Their "Casting for Recovery" program as been seen on national TV programs and is a wonderful way to relax, enjoy nature and get your arms moving. These free demonstrations and guidance sessions will be held outside as weather allows.