Cancer Treatment Centers of America Hosts Continuing Medical Education Symposium on Advancements in Cancer Research and Treatment

CTCA REVIEW brings leading oncology physicians and researchers together to share knowledge for the continuous improvement of patient care

CHICAGO, April 18, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) will host the CTCA REVIEW, a continuing medical education symposium featuring some of the nation's preeminent researchers and clinicians in the fields of hematology and oncology on Saturday, July 13 at The Peninsula Chicago.  The clinical conference will provide healthcare and oncology professionals with in-depth knowledge on the latest medical advances, research trials and patient management strategies through an open exchange of information.

"This symposium draws a cross section of the best and brightest minds in the war on cancer," said Maurie Markman, MD, Senior Vice President of Clinical Affairs & National Director of Medical Oncology for CTCA®. "It is an honor to host this esteemed group as we come together to share knowledge and collectively work to continuously improve the care we all provide to cancer patients."

The medical education conference will offer two tracks, oncology, led by Markman, and hematology, led by Syed A. Abutalib, MD, Assistant Director, Stem Cell Transplant and Cell Therapy Program at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center.  Sessions will include interactive presentations, patient case studies and faculty panel discussions.

"The goal of this seminar is to help attendees better interpret recently presented data in the fields of hematology and oncology.  We'll review recent studies, break down the results and discuss how to incorporate the information into current practice," said Markman. 

The seminar offers an impressive list of presenters from the nation's top medical centers.  Expert presenters and panelists include:

Oncology Track:

• Dr. Maurie Markman, MD
  Cancer Treatment Centers of America
• Dr. Everett Vokes, MD
  University of Chicago
• Dr. Ravi Salgia, MD
  University of Chicago
• Dr. Timothy Kuzel, MD
  Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Dr. Al B. Benson, III, MD
  Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Dr. William Gradishar, MD
  Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Dr. Kim Margolin, MD
  Seattle Care Cancer Alliance

Hematology Track:

• Dr. Syed Abutalib, MD
  Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center
• Dr. Istvan Redei, MD
  Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center
• Carolyn Lammersfeld, RD
  Cancer Treatment Centers of America
• Dr. Farhad Ravandi-Kashani, MD
  MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Dr. Ayalew Tefferi, MD
  Mayo Clinic
• Dr. Guillermo Garcia-Manero, MD
  MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Dr. Jerald P. Radich, MD
  Seattle Cancer Care Alliance
• Dr. Michael Keating, MD
  MD Anderson Cancer Center
• Dr. Andrzej Jakubowiak, MD
  University of Chicago
• Dr. James O. Armitage, MD
  Nebraska Medical Center ONC

"After the successful launch of last year's program and receiving feedback from the presenters and attendees on the need for more programs like the CTCA REVIEW, I am excited to once again be a part of this collaborative effort," said Abutalib. 

CTCA has partnered with Dannemiller Inc. and Athena Medical Group to create rich educational content for CTCA REVIEW that will provide continuing education credit to physicians, nurses and pharmacists who attend the symposium. Certificates documenting attendance will also be available for other healthcare providers.

CTCA REVIEW registration is free for hematology and oncology physicians, fellows and nurse fellows.  The registration fee for other physicians is $150, and $75 for other attendees, including naturopathic providers, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists and chiropractors.  To register for the symposium, or for additional information including video interviews of faculty who attended the 2012 conference, visit http://www.ctcareviewcme.org.

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America^®
Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Inc. (CTCA) is a national network of hospitals focusing on complex and advanced stage cancer.  CTCA offers a comprehensive, fully integrated approach to cancer treatment and serves patients from all 50 states at facilities located in Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tulsa.  Known for delivering the Mother Standard^® of care and Patient Empowerment Medicine^®, CTCA provides patients with information about cancer and their treatment options so they can control their treatment decisions. For more information about CTCA, go to www.cancercenter.com. CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois was recently named a Certified Quality Breast Center of Excellence by the National Quality Measures for Breast Centers Program.

About Dannemiller, Inc.
Dannemiller Inc. (Dannemiller) is a leader in continuing medical education.  Beginning in 1984, Dannemiller has grown to become a leader in continuing education. The company annually accredits more than 250 medical education programs and provides more than 50,000 credit hours in a variety of therapeutic categories.   Today, with roots firmly planted in Anesthesiology and Pain Management, Dannemiller continues to expand its offering to a wide range of specialties in the medical community.

About Athena Education Group, LLC
Athena Education Group, LLC (Athena) is an innovative medical education company based in New Jersey which creates high-quality and unbiased educational content and programs for healthcare providers. Athena's educational programs are offered in a variety of engaging and interactive formats, including live symposia, online programs, and new media/print enduring materials. Athena has been active in the development of medical education programs in the hematology and oncology space, including for oncologists, hematologists, oncology nurses, primary care providers, and pharmacists.

SOURCE Cancer Treatment Centers of America