SMHF Hosts Women In Medicine Event

March 28, 2022 – Sarasota

On March 25, 2022, over 350 guests attended Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s ninth annual Women & Medicine Educational Luncheon held at Michael’s on East. The program featured a panel discussion from leading oncology experts on gynecologic cancers, including genetic testing and personalized treatment. Proceeds from the luncheon will help support the expansion of the Genetics Counseling Program at Sarasota Memorial. 

The program opened with a welcome from event co-chairs and Healthcare Foundation board members, Gwen MacKenzie and Sandi Stuart. Lorrie Liang, President, Sarasota Memorial Hospital–Sarasota presented an update on key initiatives at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System. The educational program, moderated by Stephanie Roberts, co-host and producer of Suncoast View on ABC7, included a panel of women’s cancer experts: Elizabeth Guancial M.D., Medical Oncology/Hematology, Florida Cancer Specialists; Beverly Long, M.D., Gynecologic Oncology, First Physicians Group; and Nicole Wood, M.S., Lead Genetic Counselor, Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute. The discussion primarily focused on hereditary gynecologic cancers, genetic testing for hereditary risk factors, and how genetic testing results affect treatment options. An audience Q&A session followed. 

“The Women & Medicine Educational Luncheon is a unique Sarasota experience where influential women gather to socialize while learning about relevant and actionable healthcare information,” said Sarasota Memorial Healthcare Foundation president Mason Ayres. “Helping fund the expansion of the Genetic Counseling Program ensures this important service is available to help our community make informed decisions about health and treatment plans.”