AONN+ Blog

Pausing to take a breath between events is a luxury for members of AONN+’s Conference Planning Committee. But the fast pace seems to suit Committee Co-Chairs Clara Lambert and Kristina Rua, MSN, RN, OCN, ONN-CG, whose energy and enthusiasm is equally matched by their passion for navigation and AONN+.

Optimistic isn’t a word people commonly use when first discussing cancer. But a brief conversation with Mark Liu, Senior Director of Oncology Strategy, Transformation & Analytics at Mount Sinai Health System and member of AONN+’s Leadership Council, is all it takes to understand why he has a glass-half-full outlook on the future of cancer treatment and patient care.

Recently, Mark was recognized with the 40 Under 40 in Cancer Award for his work to enhance care and outcomes for patients with cancer in the communities served by Mount Sinai.

In July, Arati Prabhakar, PhD, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, joined Colorado Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, AONN+ member Andrea Dwyer, Director of the Colorado Cancer Screening Program at University of Colorado Cancer Center, and Presidents and Chancellors from all the University’s schools for a meeting highlighting navigation.

Colorectal cancer is on the rise among adults under the age of 50. And while patients are presenting with symptoms similar to those of older patients, a recent study shows there is a disconnect in diagnosis due to age. Navigators can play an important role in helping educate and raise awareness among patients and their communities to change the trajectory of these numbers.

Georgia may have been singing her sweet song, but navigation was on the attendees' minds at the AONN+ Midyear Conference (sorry, Mr Charles).

Over 4 days in mid-May, more than 500 nurse and patient navigators gathered in person at the Loews Atlanta or tuned in remotely to learn from experts in oncology and navigation and hear from exhibitors about the latest innovations available to help them enhance patient care.

The AONN+ Midyear Conference wasn’t the only meeting where AONN+ leaders were spotted this past spring. Find out what’s been keeping Sharon Gentry and Monica Dean busy!

Since 2019, the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators (AONN+) has been working to create unique partnerships with a variety of organizations through its National Alliance Partnership program. This program was designed to be flexible and mutually beneficial to both the partner organization and to AONN+, its mission, vision, and membership.

AONN+ would like to congratulate Leadership Council member Dr. Robert Winn who was recently recognized with the 2024 Clinical Research Award at the Association of Community Cancer Care Centers 50^th Annual Meeting & Cancer Center Business Summit. This award recognizes individuals whose research has significantly and positively impacted the oncology patient, family, and/or community. Joining him at the event was fellow Leadership Council member Mark Liu.

Linda Burhansstipanov, MSPH, DrPH, President, Native American Cancer Initiatives, Inc., is a long-time AONN+ member and a strong voice for the healthcare needs of Indigenous people with cancer. In March, she traveled to Melbourne, Australia, to take part in the 3rd World Indigenous Cancer Conference, an event aiming to reduce disparities in Indigenous cancer.

AONN+ Leadership Council members Sharon Gentry, Editor in Chief, and Elizabeth Franklin, Head of US Public Affairs & Patient Advocacy in Oncology, Sanofi, recently participated in “Health Equity Heroes: Advocates Making a Difference” at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library in Washington, D.C. Sanofi sponsored the event.