Oakland University - News Archive - Improving Quality of Life for Cancer Patients and Survivors

When we think of cancer treatment, we sometimes forget that the physical and mental consequences can be long-lasting. In a recent profile of Oakland University's Dr. Deborah Doherty, P.T., PhD, she said, “Assisting cancer survivors is a cause that is near and dear to my heart. Life is never the same after a cancer diagnosis. Everyone who undergoes treatment for this disease has to find and adjust to their ‘new normal.’ There are many ways to cope with these changes, and incorporating physical therapy practices helps patients to regain a sense of confidence in their lives.”

That is the focus of the Third Annual Oncology Rehabilitation Symposium to be held at Oakland University on August 24th & 25th.

Participants -- who must be licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapist assistants, or graduate students in an accredited physical therapy program -- will be provided information and skills related to clinical management of individuals living with, living through, or living beyond cancer. The presentations this year will include functional massage, oncology nutrition, and emotional support techniques. The Symposium will also include updates on program development, cardiopulmonary exercise training techniques, oncology research, and a networking and sharing session.

The Symposium is limited to the first 40 registrants in order to accommodate lab practice and case study problem-solving. Take advantage of early registration discounts and reserve a seat soon. An additional discount is available for APTA Oncology Section members.