Lurie Cancer Center Administrators Network Meet for Annual Retreat

More than 100 Cancer Administrators Network (CAN) leaders from around the Lurie Cancer Center network came together on Friday for our annual retreat.

The retreat was another great opportunity to deepen relationships throughout the network, and the theme – Multiple Locations, One Dedicated Team – speaks to our ongoing efforts to bring world-class cancer care throughout Chicagoland.

Attendees had time to catch up with colleagues before settling into a series of updates, including reviewing the massive expansion of clinical trials in our network locations over the last five years.

Alex also provided an update on the recent submission of LCC’s NCI recertification. It’s complete!  A massive thank you again to everyone who has had a hand in that process. And we’re looking forward to working together to prepare for the site visit in March.

We checked in with teams and regions from around the network, each of whom gave updates on their successes over the past year and what they were looking ahead to in FY25.

After lunch, we were treated to a look at the present and future of cancer care, program design, and patient experience from Melissa Threlkeld from Vizient. A cancer administrator and survivor herself, Melissa’s presentation spoke thoughtfully to planning for the delivery of cancer care in 2030.

To wrap up the day, CAN members heard from four LCC patients and survivors about their cancer journeys and their experiences with LCC and NM. The panel, moderated by Dr. Tim Perman, was a funny, generous, and poignant hour – we saw many eyes wiped amongst peals of raucous laughter.

"When you're dealing with cancer in real time, it can be hard to find the space to reflect - both for the patient and the provider,” said Marcelle Wekony, RN Manager at the Oak Brook Cancer Center. “They were so real. Getting to meet these patients, and hear their stories and the tangible examples they offered was really meaningful to me.” 

These survivors provided first-hand, expert testimony and fielded questions from the audience on ways their treatment, communication, and family support could be improved. We cannot thank them enough for their time and willingness to share their experiences.

We wrapped up the day with a group photo. Many brave souls strapped then on bowling shoes and hit the lanes.

Thank you again to everyone who attended, presented, and helped plan another successful CAN retreat! And a big thank you as well to those whose work on behalf of our patients prevented them from attending this year; you were missed and are appreciated.

Thank you for all of your work, and we’re looking forward to a very successful FY25.