Symposium Description

The educational information presented at the Chicago Breast & Lymphedema Symposium will impact the clinical practice and behavior of the target audience by updating the knowledge of diagnoses and therapies for breast cancer, lymphedema, and breast reconstruction.

Symposium faculty will illustrate concrete examples of successful patient care through coordinated intervention by breaking down individual procedures and analyzing steps in patient care. Faculty will also discuss technique and challenges encountered in various surgical procedures.

Following the Chicago Breast and Lymphedema Symposium, participants will be able to differentiate when to use various breast reconstruction and lymphedema procedures as well as how to facilitate new relationships across disciplines and professions to promote improved patient outcomes. This activity is designed for healthcare professionals dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and lymphedema. This year, we invite the general public, such as patients, caregivers, or others who have been affected or are interested in breast cancer and/or lymphedema.

Outcomes-focused discussion will include:

Describe updated therapies for breast cancer, breast reconstruction and lymphedema

Identify multidisciplinary strategies available for addressing complex patient diagnoses;

Recognize optimal patients for pre-pectoral implant reconstruction

Select donor sites for auto logo us tissue reconstruction

Determine the expected outcomes from treatment of lymphedema based on analyzed case studies and examples

Relate how to perform various surgical treatments of lymphedema;

Describe the clinical implications and physiological impact of breast reconstruction in terms of physical and occupational therapy in an effort to restore patient's functional mobility and quality of life

Determine opportunities to work collaboratively in inter-professional teams to enhance the quality of patient care and clinical outcomes in the therapeutic areas of breast cancer, breast reconstruction and lymphedema

Apply learned knowledge of different breast cancer related patient concerns to one’s own clinical practices