MULTIDISCIPLINARY
CANCER CONFERENCES
Glen Friedman, MD Pathology Services Cancer Conference Facilitator
Once a patient has been diagnosed with cancer, their case may be presented at Cancer Conference. These meetings are an important aspect of patient treatment for many reasons. These include: 1) Discussion of possible treatment options for the patient; 2) Exposure to different types of cancers for all physicians; and 3) Opportunities for allied health personnel to learn more about the cancer diagnosis and treatment process. The patient's treating physicians are invited to present the pertinent facts regarding the diagnosis and/or treatment process to that date.
Meeting participants are also able to review pathology slides and imaging studies through computer/LCD generated presentations provided by physician staff members from the Radiology and Pathology Departments at Del Sol Medical Center. Articles or statistics that pertain to the primary sites being discussed are also provided to those in attendance.
Through the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation (ANCC) and the Texas Board of Nurse Examiners both physicians and nursing staff are able to receive continuing medical education credit for their attendance at these meetings. Beginning in 2002, family practice physicians are able to receive CME credits through the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP.)
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd and 5th (if applicable) Thursdays of every month and are extremely beneficial tools for all of those involved in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. They continue to be a great success at Del Sol Medical Center.
In 2001 twenty-six (26) Cancer Conference meetings were held with a total of 68 cases presented for discussion. Twenty-two (22) meetings were dedicated to case presentation. All major cancer sites were discussed (see graph 1.) Four (4) meetings were didactic (presentations on a selected topic) in nature. Didactic presentations were given on the following topics:
"Cancer of the Head and Neck, How to Recognize it in Your Office."
"Advances in the Treatment and Management of Bladder Cancer."
"Nerve Graft for Impotence After Prostatectomy."
"Identifying Hereditary Dispositions and Screening High Risk Groups for Colon Cancer."
Average physician meeting attendance was 24. Average total meeting attendance was 69. The highest attendance at one meeting for physicians was 31; for total attendance the highest number was 90 (see graphs 2-6.)
