Johns Hopkins Medicine | Oct. 6 2025
Exploring Today’s Treatments, Trials, and Support
Monday, October 6, 2025 |Time: 10:00 AM (ET) | 9:00 AM (CT) | 8:00 AM (MT) | 7:00 AM (PT)
About the Symposium
Join us for a free, in-person and virtual educational symposium designed to empower melanoma patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. Attend in Baltimore or online from anywhere in the country. Registration is required for both options.
This Living With Melanoma Symposium, presented in partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine, brings together nationally recognized experts in oncology, surgery, dermatology, pharmacy, nursing, palliative care, and supportive services. This patient-focused event will provide the latest updates on melanoma treatment, clinical research, and comprehensive care strategies. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or navigating survivorship, this symposium offers valuable guidance, inspiration, and access to supportive resources to help you live well with melanoma.
What You’ll Learn
- How to detect melanoma and skin cancers early through dermatologic surveillance
- Surgical options and when surgery is indicated in melanoma care
- The role of genetics—both inherited and acquired—in melanoma and skin cancer
- Current standard-of-care treatments for advanced melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
- What to expect with immunotherapy and targeted therapy—including monitoring and side effects
- Advances in clinical trials and how to decide if one is right for you
- Understanding the pharmacist’s role in medication management and supplements
- Strategies for palliative and symptom-focused care
- Support services for patients and caregivers—financial, emotional, and practical resources
- How AIM at Melanoma supports patients throughout every stage of their journey
Event Location (In-Person Attendees)
Mount Washington Conference Center
5801 Smith Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21209
Register Now
This is a free event, but registration is required for both in-person and virtual attendance. See below to register.
Individual Presentations
10:00-10:05 AM
Introduction and Welcome
Evan J. Lipson, MD
Associate Professor of Oncology
10:05-10:10 AM
Overview of the Hopkins Melanoma/Skin Cancer Program
Suzanne L. Topalian, MD
Director, Johns Hopkins Melanoma/Skin Cancer Program
Professor of Surgery and Oncology
10:10-10:30 AM
Skin cancer prevention and screening
“Surface Surveillance: Detecting and Defeating Skin Cancer Early”
Meg Gerstenblith, MD
Clinical Associate, Dermatology
10:30-10:50 AM
Surgical management of patients with melanoma
“Cutting Edge: The Surgeon’s Role in Melanoma Care”
Julie R. Lange, MD
Clinical Co-Director, Melanoma/Skin Cancer Program
Associate Professor of Surgery
10:50-11:00 AM
Cancer and patient genetics
“Written in the Skin: Inherited and Acquired Mutations in Skin Cancer”
Jessica Tao, MD
Assistant Professor of Oncology
11:00-11:20 AM
Standard-of-care options for patients with advanced melanoma
“Modern Melanoma Medicine: Standard-of-Care Strategies for Advanced Disease”
William H. Sharfman, MD
Director, Cutaneous Oncology
Associate Professor of Oncology and Dermatology
11:20- 11:30 AM
Standard-of-care options for patients with advanced non-melanoma skin cancers
“From Basal to Beyond: Modern Therapies for Non-melanoma Advanced Skin Carcinomas”
Evan J. Lipson, MD
Associate Professor of Oncology
11:30-11:50 AM
Treatment/monitoring: What to expect (IO and targeted therapy)
“Friendly Fire: The Immune System Unleashed”
Megan D. Schollenberger, CRNP
Senior Nurse Practitioner
11:50 AM -12:10 PM
Lunch Break – Pick up your lunch and rejoin us in the lecture hall
12:10-12:30 PM
Clinical trials/Emerging therapies
“Charting New Paths: Advances in Melanoma Clinical Trials and Therapies”
Govind Warrier, MD, MPH
Assistant Professor of Oncology
12:30 – 12:50 PM
Role of pharmacist, targeted therapy, supplements, SubQ ICI?
“From Prescription to Empowerment: Pharmacists role in Melanoma Treatment”
Stefanie Houseknecht, PharmD, BCOP
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist
12:50-1:10 PM
Palliative care/symptom management
“Melanoma Beyond the Diagnosis: Easing Symptoms, Enhancing Life”
Christine G. Gourin, MD, MPH, FACS
Professor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Attending Physician, Palliative Medicine
1:10-1:30 PM
Social work FAQ (financial, mental health, caregiver support)
“Caring for the Whole Patient: Social Work and Melanoma Support Networks”
Laura Vo, LCSW-C
Clinical Social Worker
1:30-1:40 PM
Beyond Treatment: Tools and Support from AIM at Melanoma
Ann Garst Taylor, CVA
Director of Community Engagement
AIM at Melanoma Foundation
1:40-2:00 PM
Q&A, closing remarks