Great Lakes Region Rejuvenate

Alexander B. Olawaiye, MD, FACOG, FRCOG, FACS
Professor & Vice Chair for DEI
Director of Gynecologic Cancer Research

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Recent Advances in Ovarian Cancer Management

Discover the latest advancements in therapies and treatment options for ovarian cancer, and learn how these innovative approaches have significantly enhanced patient outcomes. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the critical role of clinical trials in the development of these new treatments.

Dr. Olawaiye earned his medical degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and completed postgraduate training in London, becoming both MRCOG and FRCOG. In the U.S., he completed residency at SUNY Buffalo and a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. He has served as Vice Chair for DEI for four years and Director of Gynecologic Oncology Research at the University of Pittsburgh for eight years. Dr. Olawaiye chairs the AJCC Female Reproductive Tract Expert Panel and serves as AJCC liaison to the FIGO Committee for Women’s Oncology. He sits on the boards of the Gynecologic Oncology Group Foundation and the International Gynecologic Cancer Society. A dedicated clinician and researcher, he has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.

Rhiannon Rieger, MMT, MT-BC
Music Therapist

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital 

Healing Harmonies: Using Music for Comfort & Inspiration Along Your Cancer Journey  

During this session, survivors will receive a brief overview of music therapy and how it is implemented at Magee Women’s Hospital with the in-patient music therapist. We will also discuss a recent study in the Women's Cancer Center, with direct quotes from participants receiving music therapy during treatment. 
Survivors will have the opportunity to engage in music-making activities with the facilitators and one another, with percussion instruments provided. We will conclude the session with a sound bath, inviting survivors to attune to relaxing frequencies and vibrations, which can promote a sense of calm and presence.

Rhiannon Rieger, MMT, MT-BC, is the music therapist at Magee Women’s Hospital. Rhiannon began working with UPMC on the palliative care team. She has worked on grant projects in the Women’s Cancer Center at Magee, serving survivors with music therapy during treatment, and at Western Psychiatric Hospital, serving staff members through music therapy. Her position recently expanded to serve those staying in-patient at Magee outside the palliative unit.

Nicole Hahna, PhD, MT-BC, FAMI, is the Coordinator of the Undergraduate Music Therapy Program at Slippery Rock University (SRU). Her research has focused on empowering women, including a recent qualitative study on the use of music therapy for ovarian cancer survivors. She has a small private practice in Pittsburgh.

Wendy Myers, MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Cancer Bridges

Nurturing Self-Esteem: Empowering Strength and Courage

This presentation will educate those who attend on the Who, What, Where, and When we develop and nurture self-esteem. Furthermore, we will discuss and discover tools to nurture our current self-esteem, enabling us to find the strength and courage to navigate cancer at any stage.

Wendy Myers is currently a Senior Clinical Manager at Cancer Bridges, a newly created non-profit, that combined two non-profits to establish a joint mission, which is to provide support to those impacted by cancer through a variety of free programs and services, offering the emotional, social, and educational tools they need to navigate their cancer journey. She oversees the Counseling Services, Support Groups, and the Grief Program in this role. She provides counseling to clients both in person and virtually. She also co-facilitates the General Weekly Zoom Support Group, the General Metastatic Zoom Support Group, and the Moving Through Grief Series. She also provides education and supervision for clinical graduate school interns.  Wendy founded her private counseling practice 7 years ago called Find Your Balance LLC, where she provides counseling for those with acute/chronic illness, caregiver support, grief and bereavement, and women’s health issues.