PPA Board Member Speaks with "Day One" Med Students

Michael L. Campbell, Pheo Para Alliance Vice-Chair, spoke with 165 students during their first day of medical school in early August. Michael discussed his journey as a patient at the U. of Connecticut where he was diagnosed and treated for pheochromocytoma paraganglioma. Interviewed by Dr. Sandra Scippa, Michael had a unique opportunity to answer questions from the new recruits, which included, “How do I know if I have the empathy to be a good doctor?”

Michael is part of the Pheo Para Alliance Speaker’s Bureau, which is comprised of patients, caregivers, clinicians and researchers. The bureau’s goal is to raise awareness of the illness and educate groups on the complexities of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma. If you are interested in requesting a speaker, please reach out using the link below.

PPA Attends NANETS Symposium

The Multidisciplinary NET Medical Symposium presented by the North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society was held on October 4-6 in Montreal, Quebec. Stephanie Alband, Executive Director of the Pheo Para Alliance and President-Elect of the International Neuroendocrine Cancer Alliance, attended. In addition to updates on research and best clinical practices, highlights included:

• Patient advocacy representatives held a special session with NANETS leaders to strategize on how we can work more collaboratively together.
• NANETS unveiled their 7-pillar strategic plan which included working with patients more closely.
• Bonnie Bennett, Nurse Coordinator at UPenn Neuroendocrine Tumor Program, won Allied Health Professional of the Year.
• A handful of posters and oral abstracts focusing on pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma were shared.