Teal Impact 2010: New Hope and Future Directions
Ovarian Cancer Symposium

August 15, 2010

 Program Agenda  

Thank you to all who made Teal Impact 2010 New Hope and Future Directions Ovarian Cancer Symposium a huge success!  The symposium was held at the Sheraton Grand hotel in Sacramento, California on August 15th, 2010.  It was the first gathering of California statewide ovarian cancer advocates, survivors, supporters and medical professionals and was the result of months of thoughtful planning.

The program covered the latest ovarian cancer research and clinical trials as well as shared experiences in patient outreach and education. There was representation from 16 ovarian cancer and other related organizations from all across California.  In total, more than 80 individuals were present which included 38 ovarian cancer survivors.  During a special recognition ceremony, survivors were honored as a major source of strength, hope and inspiration to the ovarian cancer community.  Survivors ranged from recently diagnosed to the oldest survivor of 26 years.

Evaluation results: We received completed evaluation forms from 43 participants.  On a scale of 1 to 4—with 1 being poor, 2 fair, 3 good, and 4 excellent—the average scores for the event were the following: 

  • Geographic location: 3.74
  • Meeting facility: 3.91
  • Program organization and staff: 3.95
  • Registration process: 3.77
  • Topics presented: 3.65
  • Networking opportunities: 3.36
  • Learning opportunities: 3.79
  • Overall Symposium: 3.84

Participant Feedback: In addition to rating specific aspects of the event, participants were asked to share general comments about what they enjoyed most and where improvements could be made. The positive feedback was tremendous, and comments abounded with praise for the expert speakers and panelists.  The information and resources were described as excellent, interesting, relevant, and up-to-date.  Participants valued the opportunity to honor and celebrate survivors.  Many expressed their overall appreciation of the event coordination, staff and goodie bags.  In addition, participants provided great ideas and suggestions for future events.   Some suggested balancing technical content about ovarian cancer with information geared for lay audience members.  Others shared ideas for the promotion and timing of the event.  All of the comments were reviewed carefully and the feedback will be incorporated into the planning and implementation of future events. 

We hope that Teal Impact 2010 was a step forward in the movement to improve treatment, outcomes and support of the many women faced with ovarian cancer.  If you would like a binder with program materials, please contact Greta Hicks at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

TOPICS

The theme of the symposium is new hope and future directions.  The topics include research, clinical trials and molecular profiling.  In addition, there will be a component that highlights best practices of community-based organizations for their work in various ovarian cancer efforts.  This session will allow participants the opportunity to glean useful information to take back to their own communities for replication.  The California Office of Women’s Health will also give a presentation on the important Gynecologic Cancer Information Program.

OBJECTIVES

This symposium will enable participants to:   

  • Learn about the symptoms of ovarian cancer.
  • Learn about current and emerging ovarian cancer research issues and findings.
  • Learn the importance of clinical trials in the advancement of ovarian cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
  • Discover new opportunities for networking with those interested in ovarian cancer research, education and survivorship.

TARGET AUDIENCE

The target audiences for this symposium are healthcare professionals, researchers, ovarian cancer survivors, public health practitioners and individuals and organizations concerned about ovarian cancer issues across the state. 

SPEAKERS

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 Afshin Bahador, MD
South Coast Gynecologic Oncology, Inc. 
Dr. Bahador is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with subspecialty board certification in gynecologic oncology. He received his medical degree from the University of Southern California (USC) School of Medicine and residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Los Angeles County (LAC) - USC Medical Center.  He also completed his fellowship in gynecologic oncology at LAC - USC Medical Center.  Dr. Bahador has been named a “Top Doctor” by San Diego Magazine in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.  He is currently practicing in San Diego, CA, where he specializes in the most advanced and up-to-date therapeutic options for gynecologic malignancies.  Dr. Bahador is also considered a leader in minimally invasive and robotic surgery.

Cyllene_FinalCyllene Morris, DVM, PhD
California Cancer Registry
Dr. Morris is an epidemiologist with over fifteen years of experience in surveillance research within the California Cancer Registry (CCR).  She earned her DVM degree from the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, a master's degree in preventive veterinary medicine, and a PhD in epidemiology, both from the University of California at Davis.  Dr. Morris received a New Investigator's Award from the California Breast Cancer Research Program, and has authored many studies and special reports on disparities in cancer treatment and diagnosis.

clip_image004 Anne O. Rodriguez, MD
University of California, Davis
Dr. Rodriguez is currently Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California, Davis, School of Medicine.  She received her medical and undergraduate degrees with honors at Northwestern University and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed a three year fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology at the University of Miami/ Jackson Memorial Hospital.  Dr Rodriguez maintains an active clinical practice in gynecologic oncology, is fellowship program director for the UC Davis fellowship in gynecologic oncology and is active in multiple research endeavors. She has a special interest in complementary medicine and is trained in medical acupuncture.
 

clip_image006Sidney A. Scudder, MD
University of California, Davis
Dr. Scudder directs the Infusion Center at UC Davis Cancer Center. His interests lie in the treatment of gynecologic malignancies, especially ovarian and cervical cancer, and in concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy for these diseases. He participates in basic and translational research with an emphasis on pharmacology and new drug development.

 

 Deborah Zajchowski, PhD
Scientific Director, The Clearity Foundation
Dr. Zajchowski, PhD is a cancer biologist with over 20 years experience in cancer research and drug discovery in the biopharmaceutical industry.  She is also president of Oncology Consulting Services and provides clients with cancer biology/ functional genomics guidance for biomarker, target, and drug discovery/ evaluation.
      

terriTerri Thorfinnson, JD
Office of Women’s Health, CDPH
Ms. Terri Thorfinnson, Chief of the Office of Women’s Health within the California Department of Health Care Services and the California Department of Public Health, serves as the senior level policy advisor for the both Directors and both Departments on women’s health issues.  A well-respected health policy advisor and consultant, she has served in numerous senior level health policy positions and has received a national award for her reproductive health advocacy work in California.  Terri received her J. D. degree from Franklin Pierce Law Center in Concord, New Hampshire and her B. A. degree from University of Wisconsin, Madison in political science and anthropology. She is a member of the New York bar.

PLANNING COMMITTEE AFFILIATIONS

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Sacramento Chapter
California Ovarian Cancer Network
Queen of Hearts Foundation
Ovarian Cancer Alliance of California
Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California
California Office of Women’s Health
Family Health Care Centers of San Diego
Ovarian Cancer Orange County Alliance
Ovarian Cancer National Alliance – Survivors Teaching Students
Women’s Cancer Awareness Group
California Cancer Registry
California Dialogue on Cancer