NORTHEAST REGION
OVARIAN CANCER WELLNESS SYMPOSIUM
Hosted by the Northeast Region of NOCC, and open to ovarian cancer survivors and caregivers across the country, you will learn valuable information that could help you throughout your journey.
About the Symposium
When facing a new diagnosis, a recurrence, or defining a new normal, ovarian cancer can affect an individual’s quality of life – how they feel emotionally and physically. Our Ovarian Cancer Wellness Symposium equips individuals with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to make informed decisions about their care and enhance their quality of life.
Dedicated healthcare professionals will share their expertise on diverse topics such as follow-up surveillance, brain fog, and issues that impact your self-image. The sessions will include informative presentations, with guests having the opportunity to ask questions, share their individual experiences and gain support from one another.
The Symposium is open to both survivors and caregivers. Sessions will take place through Zoom
Session 1: Everything you needed to know but did not have the GUTS to Ask
October 26, 2023
6:30 PM ET - via Zoom
Several gastrointestinal issues impact ovarian cancer survivor's quality of life while living with and through their cancer diagnosis. During treatment, some survivors face loss of appetite, nausea, or chronic diarrhea.
Facing a new normal after surgery with a colostomy or ileostomy bag can overwhelm patients, whether permanent or reversible. Bowel obstructions leave many patients in fear.
We want patients to understand the different gastrointestinal issues they may face and what questions to ask their healthcare team to make the most informed decisions.
Elena B. Pereira, MD
Gynecologic Oncologist, Northwell Health - Lenox Hill
Cecilia Birisan, MD
Surgeon, Northwell Health
Focused on the comprehensive cancer care of gynecologic oncology patients, Elena Pereira, MD, FACOG is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of these malignancies. Highly committed to improving the patient surgical experience, she specializes in state-of-the-art minimally invasive surgical techniques and believes in a global approach to post-operative recovery in order to improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Pereira is trained in both advanced oncologic surgery and the administration of chemotherapy, which allows her to provide individualized care for her patients. Her translational and clinical research has been presented at multiple international meetings and published in peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Pereira continues to participate in innovative clinical trials, offering her patients distinctive therapeutic options.
Cecilia Birisan, MD, is a colorectal surgeon at Northwell, treating a wide range of conditions of the small intestines, colon, rectum and anus, including inflammatory bowel disease, rectal disorders, pelvic floor disorders and colorectal cancer.
After graduating with honors from the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Birisan completed her residency in general surgery at Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, where she was chief resident. She then went on to complete fellowships in colon and rectal surgery at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and laparoscopic and robotic colorectal surgery at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona.
Dr. Birisan often draws diagrams when discussing a diagnosis or treatment plan. She also recognizes the societal stigma and the lack of dialogue surrounding colorectal diseases. “I try to create an environment where my patients feel comfortable talking about these issues, especially since they are so common."
Dedicated to advancing her field, Dr. Birisan has shared her work at conferences, including the New York Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Rurgeons. She is also a member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the American Medical Association.
Andrew W. Menzin, MD, MBA, FACOG, FACS
Chief of Gynecologic Oncology, Northwell Health Physician Partners, Central Region
Session 2: My Treatment Ended - Now What Happens? Surveillance for Ovarian Cancer Patients
November 2, 2023
6:30 PM ET - via Zoom
With an overwhelming concern of a recurrence, patients will gain an understanding of the factors that determine surveillance after their initial treatment. Are specific guidelines followed, and what methods are used to detect a recurrence? Learn the difference between the use of imaging studies, understand what factors determine if maintenance therapy is right for you, and explore the potential use of blood tests or liquid biopsies to monitor cancer progression. Together we will learn how surveillance may change depending on where you are on your journey.
Dr. Menzin is the Chief of Gynecologic Oncology in the Central Region of Northwell Health as well as the Vice Chairman of Academic Affairs for the OBGYN service Line. He is also a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.
Since completing his training in gynecologic oncology, Dr. Menzin has been actively involved in the care of women with gynecologic malignancies and those who harbor pre-cancerous conditions of the reproductive tract. His activities include clinical care and research, and a significant portion of his effort is directed toward educational activities involving undergraduate and graduate medical trainees. He is a past scholar and faculty member of the Harvard Macy Institute’s Program for Educators in the Health Professions. Dr. Menzin also serves as a board examiner for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Menzin is actively engaged in professional organizations, such as the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, of which he is a full member and has served on several of its committees. He is a fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has served in a number of capacities on national, district, and section levels. A fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Menzin serves on its Brooklyn-Long Island Chapter’s Board.
Active in his local community, Dr. Menzin has also served as a trustee on two independent school boards.
Valerie Burger MA, MS, RN, OCN, CPN
AVP Cancer Services, Eastern Region, Northwell Health
Session 3: Reflections of Beauty
November 9, 2023
6:30 PM ET - via Zoom
The physical changes in appearance from cancer treatments can profoundly affect a patient’s emotional well-being. Some treatments can even cause changes to a patient’s skin. This program aims to provide expertise on appearance-related side effects focusing on skincare, makeup, hair loss, and hair coverings in the hopes of helping survivors regain self-confidence and sustain a good body image.
Valerie Burger has been a registered nurse for 36 years with 33 of them in oncology. She is certified in oncology nursing and in pediatrics. Valerie graduated from Boston University with a BS in Nursing and then from New York University with an MA in Health Administration and an MS in the Delivery of Nursing Service. Not fully satisfied, she continued her studies and received a Post- Master’s degree in Holistic Nursing from the College of New Rochelle. Valerie has a strong passion for education and is committed to easing the burden of cancer while individuals journey through the uncertain terrain a cancer diagnosis brings. Valerie is currently serving the last year of a three-year term on the National Board of the Oncology Nursing Society and is Chair of both the Greater NY area and the Long Island -Board of Advisors for the American Cancer Society.
Jennifer Hernandez, PA
Physician Assistant
R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center
Jennifer Hernandez is a Physician Assistant at Northwell Health Cancer Institute's R.J. Zuckerberg Cancer Center on Long Island, NY. She has worked in medical gynecologic oncology for over nine years. Aside from her clinical practice and research involvement, Jennie is involved with many patient and employee engagement activities and events. Jennie says the most rewarding part of her job is creating relationships with patients and their families.
Yota Batsaras
Look Good Feel Better National Trainer and Volunteer
Yota Batsara is a licensed Cosmetologist with a Bachelors of Science in Marketing & Business Communications.
Known for her creative strategy, an eye for color and a passion for transformations, Yota is an accomplished Hair Stylist, Makeup Artist and Educator who enjoys working on clients either in her studio or on location. Her expertise includes styling, traditional and special effect makeup, wig design, maintenance, bridal and special events. She has also written contributions for, and has been credited in, industry trade textbooks and publications.
Her passion for her trade, education and service lead her to volunteering for the Look Good Feel Better program over ten years ago. She began facilitating workshops for cancer patients as a professional licensed volunteer. Shortly after, as the Los Angeles Area Trainer, Yota began training trainers to support the increasing demand for our program in Southern California hospitals and wellness centers. This effort grew and allowed her to train the trainers’ trainers across our nation. Yota currently serves as a National Trainer for the Look Good Feel Better Program. This program holds a special place in her heart as it has not only helped hundreds of thousands of women worldwide, but also many close friends, family and clients who can attest to Looking Good is Feeling Better.
Yota is keeping busy working on her Trichologist License. Trichology the study of the treatment and care of human hair and scalp in health and diseases. “Keeping current provides the ability to offer my clients the best possible solutions for all of their aesthetic needs. When I am not working or volunteering, I am with my family on a soccer field, hiking a trail or enjoying a walk on the beach. I am proud of my strong work ethic, love for God and service, children and community. You can hear me talking treatments, products, techniques and the arts constantly. I love what I do and I especially love helping people feel great about themselves."
Chanel Davidoff, DO
Attending Physiatrist, Cancer Rehabilitation
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Session 4: Brain Fog – Signs, Symptoms, Coping Techniques
November 16, 2023
6:30 PM ET - via Zoom
Do you find yourself forgetful, having trouble concentrating, and unable to complete tasks? Your treatment plan can impact your cognitive abilities, resulting in brain fog, or what some refer to as chemo brain. Together, we will gain an understanding of what brain fog is, its signs, and symptoms. Discover techniques to cope and navigate through day-to-day responsibilities. Learn how to address this situation with your doctor to get your needed help.
Dr. Chanel Davidoff is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician, who specializes in cancer rehabilitation. As a cancer rehab physiatrist, she supports patients through the entire cancer care journey, from diagnosis to survivorship. Dr. Davidoff's expertise lies in assessing and treating complex neurologic and musculoskeletal impairments related to cancer and its treatments. She employs a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with therapists to tailor individualized treatment plans, which may include detailed exercise prescriptions, non-opioid pain management, bracing and orthotic prescription, and manual therapies.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Davidoff is a passionate advocate for advancing the field of cancer rehabilitation. Her academic interests are centered around rehabilitation outcomes in patients with metastatic cancer, contributing valuable insights to the broader medical community. She has also authored several book chapters on cancer rehabilitation topics, including work on tele-rehabilitation in breast cancer and pain management strategies in lung cancer.
In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Davidoff is an active member of prominent national organizations such as the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR) and the American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM) where she collaborates with fellow professionals and contributes to the ongoing advancement of cancer rehabilitation practices.
This program is made possible by individuals and partners dedicated to providing learning opportunities and a platform for our TEAL community to be inspired.
