Join the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and Providence Saint John's Cancer Institute for a patient symposium about cutaneous (skin) melanoma from 8:00am - 1:30pm 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     Sunscreens and Skin Care in Cancer Treatment

Dr. Sonia Batra, Dermatology

9:40AM - 10:00AM     Can We Use Blood Tests to Predict Outcome in Melanoma

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

10:00AM - 10:10AM     BREAK

Snacks, coffee, and tea will be provided.

10:10AM - 10:30AM     Recognition and Management of Lymphedema in Melanoma Patients

Emmaline Mauritson, NP Cedar’s

10:30AM - 10:50AM     Diet and Nutrition in Melanoma Care and Skin Cancer Prevention

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

10:50AM - 11:10AM     Surgery for Small-Volume Metastatic Melanoma - When and If?

Dr. Hans Schoellhammer, City of Hope

11:10AM - 11:30AM     Using the Immune System to Defeat the Toughest Cases of Melanoma

Dr. Yan Xing, City of Hope

11:30AM - 12:00PM     LUNCH

Lunch will be provided.

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

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

12:20PM - 12:40PM     Genetic testing for the Patient and Family in Melanoma

Molly Frankle, Saint John's Clinical Cancer Genetics

12:40PM - 1:00PM     Patient Panel: My Experience with Melanoma - Family and Friends

1:00PM - 1:10PM     Closing Remarks

Dr. Rick Essner, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

Dr. Kim Margolin, Saint John’s Cancer Institute

1:30PM     ADJOURN

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