The Chinese Medical Program successfully hosted the 2nd Annual Cancer Support Group event on Saturday, October 12, 2024. About 100 participants came enthusiastically to learn about the latest cancer treatments and cancer-related information and discussions. Keynote speaker, Dr. Andrew Evens, Deputy Director for Clinical Services at CINJ, System Director of Medical Oncology and Oncology Lead for the Combined Medical Group with RWJBarnabas Health (RWJBH); and Associate Vice Chancellor for Clinical Innovation and Data Analytics, within Rutgers Health at Rutgers Cancer Institute, presented to the audience with the newest targeted treatments for blood cancers; as well as the highly anticipated opening Jack and Sheryl Morris Cancer Center in May of 2025.
Dr. Karen Lin, Associate Dean for Global Health and Professor of Family Medicine and Community Health, provided insightful interpretation for Dr. Evens to ensure the audience’s understanding of the complex presentation. She later talked about why selecting a team of excellent cancer providers and their support system can transform a patient’s journey from fear and sadness to strength and health. Guest speaker Peishan Lo from Compassionate Care Hospice opened up a discussion as to how to overcome the taboo of hospice care in Asian Culture. Stephanie Zou, Regional Director of Community Specific Medical Program at RWJBH, introduced the Chinese Medical Program’s services and the team members, including the newly launched services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center this July. The CMP regional team has served the Chinese community in New Jersey for over 14 years, launched at Monmouth Medical Center in 2010. The event ended with a Tai Chi practice session where Master Gang Huang emphasized on how this slow moving ancient martial art can greatly benefit the health of everyone.