2021 Allied Meeting Highlights from an APP Perspective | Lindsay Tedder, APRN-BC, Moffitt Cancer Center
Lindsay Tedder, APRN-BC
The SGO Allied Health Professionals Meeting made its long-anticipated return on Oct. 8-10, 2021 at the Palmer House in Chicago, IL. The inaugural hybrid structure allowed attendees a unique new experience by implementing a virtual component, in-person component, and pre-recorded sessions. In the middle of the COVID pandemic, the opportunity to host an event that encompassed the flexibility to attend in person or via the comfort of home contributed to a record-breaking year with over 200 registered attendees!
Monica Christmas, MD, hosted the first session as she took guests on a journey through the effects menopause has on the female body as well as safety of hormone replacement therapy in the gynecologic oncology patient population. Other highlights included pharmacodynamics of anticoagulation. There was a phenomenal recorded presentation followed by a live Q&A session with Barbara Moscicki, MD, who focused on cervical cancer with a concentration on younger populations.
Attendees in Chicago were able to experience live in-person networking between sessions in the exhibitor hall, which included on-site representatives ready with resources and information regarding important health care products and tools. Additionally, the receptions and an intimate group dinner allowed participants to socialize with colleagues. Virtual guests attended a virtual happy hour-themed “Rep Your City.” Participants had the opportunity to get to know various colleagues all while showing off their favorite things from their hometown.
Sessions covered a variety of topics particularly focusing on the perspectives of APPs and the future roles of APPs within the SGO membership and leadership. SGO president Diane Yamada, MD, opened an informal session to encourage conversation regarding how to enhance the presence of APPs with the society.
Joshua Kesterson, MD, captivated his audience during his presentation on sentinel lymph nodes in endometrial cancer where he compared recent data on lymph node sampling versus lymphadenectomy. Ilana Cass, MD, was another highlight of the day piggybacking off the cervical cancer presentation to further explain vulvar lesions to include the role of HPV in these lesions. Megan Peterson, NP, opened the floor during her presentation on sexual health to highlight the issues that gynecologic oncology patients encounter as a result of treatment. She provided clinical pearls not only for physical means to help these patients, but also communication strategies to help create open dialogue with patients.
For the first time, there was an onsite skills workshop on endometrial and vulvar biopsies in addition to colposcopy. This session was particularly useful in providing hands-on opportunity to advance skillsets during a weekend filled to the brim with education. Additionally, there were sessions addressing soft skills and time-relevant issues in the health care workplace. A special interest group engaged participants in a candid conversation about microaggressions in the workplace and setting boundaries. Chloe Taub, PhD, conducted a session focusing on the importance of mental health in gynecologic patients and helpful resources for providers.
The SGO 2021 Allied Health Professionals Meeting was an exciting weekend filled with education, networking and just plain fun. In a time where we are slowly emerging from a virtual-based universe, the Allied Meeting embraced a hybrid meeting program and its success was met with eager attendees. Next year is sure to be another great event–mark your calendars for Oct. 14-16, 2022 in Chicago.