Of the 55 accepted posters and abstracts presented at the 2017 Association of VA Hematology/Oncology Annual Meeting, 3 were recognized for their innovation and importance. A panel of judges examined each abstract and poster and talked to the presenter before recognizing the 3 winners.
In addition, AVAHO also recognized Katherine Faricy-Anderson, MD, MPH, of the Providence VAMC as the recipient of the inaugural AVAHO Research Schoalrship Award for her submission titled, “Optimization of Palliative Oncology Care within the VA Healthcare System – Assessing the Availability of Outpatient Palliative Care within VA Oncology Clinics.” This $10,000 scholarship challenges applicants to develop research initiatives that foster collaboration across multiple medical facilities. Five reviewers evaluated submissions for “the merits of (1) innovation, (2) likelihood that findings will improve patient outcomes, (3) relevance to veterans and the VHA, (4) subject matter expertise (or available mentorship), (5) likelihood of collaboration with other VA investigators, and (6) opportunity to support the pursuit of future funding.” AVAHO announced plans to continue this scholarship program next year and increase the award to $25,000.
The abstract award winners were:
1. Staging and Survival of Colorectal Cancer in Octogenarians: Nationwide Study of U.S. Veterans
Virk G, Jafri M, Ashley C, Mehdi S
Awarded $1,000
2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer Versus Veteran Symptom Assessment Screen: Year in Review at the Cleveland VAMC
Smith J, Arfons L, Cmolik B, Fox D, Dimick J, Berman S, Woods K, Simon J
Awarded $500
3. Hypertension Among Veterans Affairs Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Matched Case-Control Analysis
Zullig LL, Lindquist J, Smith VA, Williams CD, Weinberger M, Povenzale D, Jackson GL, Kelley MJ, Danus S, Bosworth HB
Awarded $250
Click here to view all the 2017 abstracts.
