Thursday, March 30, 2023

SGO Annual Mtg 2023 Highlights - Participation

I returned recently from an exciting and informative SGO Annual Meeting. Over the next few days I will highlight research results that I found most impactful to patients, survivors and caregivers.  This blog post will be on participation and will cover how other advocates and I  participated in the meeting. 

The Foundation for Women's Cancer held a Patient Education Forum on Friday. They presented information on ovarian, endometrial, cervical rare gynecologic cancers as well as information on exercise, advocacy  and other topics. Some survivors shared the story of diagnosis and treatment. The room was filled with survivors, caregivers and advocates as well as organizations that support women with gyn cancers. 

Later that evening advocates were invited to the Foundation for Women's Cancer reception. Advocates were able to meet each other as well as gyn oncs, researchers and leadership of the Foundation. 

Saturday was a busy day. As a member of the SGO Communication Committee, I had the opportunity to participate in the  Education Forum Media Readiness session. I was part of a role play session on how to use different techniques such as pivot, personalize, deflect,acknowledge, and broaden when being interviewed by the media. As an advocate I am asked to comment on new treatments or breaking news and the tips shared during the session were helpful to me.


During the very next session Annie Ellis, survivor and advocate, presented Long-term survivors speak: perspectives on progress, during a Scientific Plenary Session. Annie and I  held a roundtable Zoom meeting and also surveyed long term ovarian cancer survivors about progress,  patient needs, and what ovarian cancer survivors want their doctor to know. It was so exciting to see Annie present and to hear the applause and comments that followed!

 

 

If you have questions about our abstract, don't hesitate to reach out to me for further details. 

On Sunday, the  Patient Education Committee held a advocate poster walk in which advocates were able view posters and to listen and ask questions of the poster authors. We were also given the opportunity to vote for the  Patient Advocate Hope Award winner. It was wonderful to see so many early career clinicians and researchers present their research. 

 



 I'll continue my highlight blog posts over the next few days.


Dee
Every Day is a Blessing

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