Join the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute for a patient symposium about cutaneous (skin) melanoma from 8:00am - 1:00pm ET on Saturday, November 22, 2025.  During this symposium, participants will learn the latest in diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care.

IMPORTANT: If you plan to attend in-person, please note a government issued ID (i.e. driver's license or passport) will be required to enter the building.

To view additional information on important topics to melanoma patients, visit the MRF's YouTube Page. The symposium will be recorded and available on-demand following the event. 

* One registration required per in-person attendee. Walk-in/Day-of registration is NOT available. *

Agenda

8:00AM - 9:00AM Registration & Breakfast

9:00AM - 9:10AM Welcome & Announcements

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

9:10AM - 9:20AM MRF Welcome

Debbie Churgai, MA, Melanoma Research Foundation

9:20AM - 9:40AM The Dermatologist's Role in Early-Stage Melanoma

Dr. Sonia Batra, Dermatology

9:40AM - 10:00AM Why Do We Do Surgery for Melanoma

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

10:00AM - 10:20AM BREAK

Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.

10:20AM - 10:40AM Recognition and Management of Lymphedema in Melanoma Patients

Emmaline Mauritson, NP Cedar’s

10:40AM - 11:00AM The Role of Nutrition in Melanoma Patients

Ashley Salazar, R.D., Providence-St John’s

11:00AM - 11:20AM Surgery for Small-Volume Metastatic Melanoma - When and If?

Dr. Hans Schoellhammer, City of Hope

11:20AM - 11:40AM Using the Immune System to Defeat the Toughest Cases of Melanoma

Dr. Yan Xing, City of Hope

11:40AM - 12:00PM BREAK

Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.

12:00PM - 12:20PM Vaccine Therapy in Melanoma

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

12:20PM LUNCH

Lunch will be provided.

12:30PM - 12:50PM Patient Panel: My Experience with Melanoma - Family and Friends

12:50PM - 1:00PM Closing Remarks

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

1:00PM ADJOURN

**NOTE: All the times listed above are in US pacific time zone. Thank you.