Where Are They Now? Lymphoma Rounds 15 Years In Review

In 2008, the Lymphoma Research Foundation expanded its first-in-class lymphoma education programming and developed Lymphoma Rounds. Lymphoma Rounds programs provide a forum for healthcare professionals to meet regularly and address issues specific to the diagnosis and treatment of their lymphoma patients. Program participants network, share best practices, and learn the latest information on new therapies and advances in the management of lymphoma through interactive case studies presented by lymphoma experts.

The goal of the programs is to enable participants to better summarize the latest developments in lymphoma diagnosis, treatment, and management; apply best practices for treating lymphoma patients; inform patients about potential clinical trial opportunities; and establish a network of healthcare professionals who work with lymphoma patients.

The program series debuted in Chicago and today it is held in eight major U.S. cities including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. Lymphoma Rounds partners with over 60 U.S.-based academic and medical centers to facilitate the planning and case presentations at Lymphoma Rounds activities. In 2021, the program was expanded to include a virtual component. The National Lymphoma Rounds remains a permanent virtual component to the programming, led by the Foundation’s National Steering Committee comprising lymphoma experts from all over the country.

Almost two decades since its inaugural program, Lymphoma Rounds has now become a hallmark of the lymphoma-focused educational activities designed to increase the knowledge, skills, and performance of healthcare professionals and to maximize the quality of care for lymphoma patients. Former Chairman of the Medical Affiliates Board and Lymphoma Research Foundation Scientific Advisory Board member emeritus, Morton Coleman, MD, was instrumental in founding Lymphoma Rounds. He reflected on the impact the program has had on the healthcare professional community concerned with lymphoma.

What was the impetus for developing Lymphoma Rounds?

I observed a group of physicians in New York holding a local breast cancer program. It sparked the idea that it would be a great opportunity for the Lymphoma Research Foundation to bring together physicians in the local community throughout the county to discuss and interact about the latest information on new therapies and advances in lymphoma.

Why were you passionate about being a part of creating it?

I have always been passionate about educating both the public and my fellow physicians about lymphoma. At the time, no programs like this existed for healthcare professionals in lymphoma, and I wanted to make education a cornerstone of what I gave back to the community.

What makes Lymphoma Rounds unique?

It truly is a program that is unique to the Lymphoma Research Foundation. It fosters camaraderie that is hard to find outside of a physician’s own institution and is a step forward in lymphoma education for physicians. Each doctor has dealt with unique cases and therefore has different perspectives to share, and this ultimately helps impact patients.

How have you seen the program evolve over the years?

It has grown larger than anyone could have ever imagined. The program is now hosted in eight major cities. The Foundation partners with over 60 U.S.-based academic and medical centers to facilitate the planning and case presentations. Witnessing it grow and encourage collegial and inter-institutional participants has been both exciting and rewarding.

How does Lymphoma Rounds help to improve patient outcomes?

The knowledge we gain at Lymphoma Rounds is very special and has a direct impact on patients. The education at Lymphoma Rounds provides specific information geared toward treating lymphoma – and there is no other opportunity like this. Lymphoma Rounds truly speaks to the Lymphoma Research Foundation’s commitment to advancing cures and ensuring a brighter future for all those touched by this disease.