by Sarah L. Minor, MS

With each meeting of the Gulf Coast Hematology and Oncology Summit, a stronger, more collaborative cancer care community is emerging in the South. Thanks to a new partnership of event organizers, attendance at the annual CME event is growing rapidly, reaching more cancer care professionals than UAB could alone.

Pankit Vachhani, M.D., UAB associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, got involved in organizing the UAB conference back in 2018. He recognized that there were many more providers who could benefit from the experience of learning and networking than were actually attending. So, he set about connecting with other organizations and expanding the audience to create a more dynamic event.

Vachhani invited the Alabama Cancer Congress and the Mississippi Oncology Society to join the effort, and within the first two years, the new partnership has seen a 167% increase in attendance. The attendees are now comprised of physicians, APPs, nurses, and pharmacists, uniting them in their mission to improve patient care across Alabama and beyond.

The impact of this meeting goes beyond the numbers. It creates a space for professionals to exchange insights and strategies, learning from each other's experiences across various types of cancer. For Dr. Vachhani, a leukemia physician, understanding how peers approach different cancers are invaluable. These interdisciplinary discussions often spark innovative ideas and improve patient care by fostering a broader perspective.

“We had a discussion on the ‘victory bell’ initiative,” Vachhani explains. Traditionally, a bell was rung by patients at the end of their treatment to signify success. However, this practice could be disheartening for those who never reached the final milestone.

“Recognizing that victory comes in many forms, we now celebrate all achievements, no matter how small, throughout the treatment journey,” he continues. The more inclusive approach ensures that every patient’s progress is acknowledged and honored.

Vachhani is encouraged that the spirit of learning, sharing, and supporting each other has the potential to lay a foundation for better patient outcomes and to transform the landscape of cancer care in the South.