SPECIAL SYMPOSIUM: Oncology Rehabilitation and Exercise: The Right Intervention for the Right Patient at the Right Time SS9

Thursday, October 30, 2025

1:15 PM - 2:15 PM

Location: ROOM: Conference Room 4C >>> DIRECTIONS Fourth Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left. Room 4C is at the end of the corridor, just beyond 4D

Presenter(s)

Kathryn H. Schmitz, PhD, MPH, FACSM, FTOS, FSBM, FNAK, FSEM (she/her/hers)

Interim Director, Professor
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Pittsburgh, PA, United States

Slides Slides

Dr. Schmitz will explore the evolution of exercise interventions in oncology, highlighting how personalized, evidence-based approaches can improve rehabilitation outcomes for cancer patients. It will focus on integrating exercise into oncology care plans, addressing key barriers such as age, cancer stage, and access to resources. Attendees will gain practical insights into designing and implementing exercise programs tailored to individual patient needs, while considering logistical challenges like distance and mobility. By the end of the session, participants will better understand how to effectively incorporate exercise as a vital component of cancer rehabilitation, ultimately improving patients' quality of life and recovery.

Learning Objectives:

Understand the Benefits of Exercise in Oncology Rehabilitation: Participants will be able to identify the physical and mental health benefits of personalized exercise interventions for cancer patients, particularly in improving outcomes such as physical functioning, reducing treatment side effects, and enhancing long-term survivorship.
Explore Evidence-Based Exercise Interventions: Attendees will gain insight into three research projects led by Dr. Katie Schmitz, learning how personalized exercise strategies can be tailored to address the unique needs of different oncology populations, including rural patients, elderly breast cancer survivors, and metastatic cancer patients.
Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating exercise interventions into oncology care plans, with a focus on overcoming barriers such as distance, age, and cancer stage, to enhance rehabilitation outcomes and patient quality of life.