Main Facts: A Convergence of Clinical Expertise
On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the medical community will convene at the Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown for a pivotal educational event: Lymphoma Rounds – Midwest. This high-level symposium, running from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM CST, serves as a critical nexus for healthcare professionals dedicated to the evolving landscape of lymphoma treatment.
Designed specifically for physicians practicing within academic medical centers and community oncology clinics, the program offers a unique environment for the exchange of clinical insights. As the field of hematologic oncology undergoes a period of rapid transformation—driven by advancements in immunotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, and precision medicine—the need for collaborative, peer-to-peer discourse has never been more urgent.
The event is provided free of charge to healthcare professionals, though pre-registration is mandatory. Given the complexity of the subject matter and the high caliber of the presenting faculty, the session is structured as an in-person, immersive experience. The event is accredited by the University of Cincinnati, which designates this activity for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. This ensures that while attendees are gaining practical, real-world strategies for their clinical practice, they are simultaneously fulfilling essential professional development requirements.
Chronology of the Evening
The structure of Lymphoma Rounds is designed to maximize the utility of the limited time allotted. The evening is broken down into a carefully curated sequence:
- 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM | Professional Networking & Registration: The evening commences with a reception, allowing attendees to engage with peers, exchange perspectives on regional clinical challenges, and establish connections that transcend the walls of their individual institutions.
- 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM | Interactive Case Study Presentations: This core segment features the planning faculty guiding participants through complex, real-world clinical scenarios. These are not static lectures; rather, they are dynamic, evidence-based examinations of challenging lymphoma cases. By dissecting these cases, physicians are invited to explore the decision-making processes that lead to improved patient outcomes.
- 7:30 PM – 8:15 PM | Peer-to-Peer Discussion & Strategy Session: Following the formal presentations, the floor opens for a rigorous discussion regarding best practices. This is where academic theory meets community reality, as experts and practitioners discuss how to implement the latest therapeutic advances within diverse clinical environments.
- 8:15 PM – 8:30 PM | Closing Remarks & Networking: The session concludes with a summary of key takeaways and an opportunity for final dialogue, ensuring that every physician leaves with a clear roadmap for integrating the night’s insights into their upcoming patient consultations.
Note: Program times are subject to minor adjustments based on the availability of the presenting faculty, reflecting the reality of high-demand oncology specialists.
Supporting Data: The Faculty Behind the Rounds
The efficacy of Lymphoma Rounds is rooted in the caliber of its planning committee. By assembling a diverse group of specialists from some of the nation’s most prestigious institutions, the program ensures a comprehensive view of the lymphoma landscape.
The 2026 Midwest Planning Faculty includes:
- Dr. Reem Karmali, Northwestern University (LRAB Co-Chair): A leader in clinical research, Dr. Karmali brings expertise in high-grade lymphomas and the integration of novel agents into frontline care.
- Dr. Justin Kline, The University of Chicago: Renowned for his work in the microenvironment of lymphoma and his leadership in immunotherapy clinical trials.
- Dr. Frédérique St-Pierre, Great River North: Representing the critical intersection of community-based medicine and academic research, Dr. St-Pierre provides essential perspectives on patient access and management.
- Dr. Gita Thanarajasingam, Mayo Clinic Rochester: A specialist in clinical trial design and long-term survivorship, Dr. Thanarajasingam offers a unique, patient-centered focus that is essential to the comprehensive care model.
These experts curate the content to ensure that participants receive not just a summary of current literature, but a synthesized, actionable understanding of how to apply it. The focus is consistently placed on the "why" and "how" of treatment selection, helping physicians navigate the increasingly crowded therapeutic landscape.
Official Responses and Industry Engagement
The Lymphoma Rounds program is a significant undertaking that requires the collaboration of both clinical experts and industry partners. The Foundation behind the initiative emphasizes that the educational content remains strictly independent of commercial bias, ensuring that physicians are receiving objective, evidence-based medical education.
However, the event serves as a platform for industry engagement, acknowledging that pharmaceutical advancements are the engine of modern oncology. Representatives from supporting pharmaceutical companies are invited to attend, providing a unique bridge between those who develop life-saving treatments and those who administer them to patients.
For corporations seeking to align themselves with this high-impact educational forum, exhibit opportunities are currently available. National sponsors are required to confirm their attendance by emailing the organizers at least one week prior to the event, ensuring seamless logistical coordination at the Royal Sonesta. The Foundation has made it clear that these interactions are intended to be professional, transparent, and focused on the shared goal of improving patient outcomes through better information dissemination.
Implications for the Future of Oncology
The implications of the September 17, 2026, meeting extend far beyond a single evening in Chicago. As cancer care shifts toward increasingly personalized, molecularly-driven treatment protocols, the traditional "silo" model of medical practice is becoming obsolete.
Bridging the Academic-Community Gap
One of the most significant challenges in modern medicine is the delay between the publication of landmark clinical trials and the implementation of those findings in community settings. Lymphoma Rounds directly addresses this "knowledge gap." By bringing together physicians from major university hospitals and regional clinics, the program fosters a cross-pollination of knowledge that accelerates the standard of care for patients nationwide.
The Rise of Patient-Centered Decision Making
The interactive case studies presented during the event emphasize the importance of patient-specific factors—including comorbidities, lifestyle, and individual goals—when selecting therapy. This is a departure from historical "one-size-fits-all" approaches. By discussing these variables in an open forum, the faculty empowers attendees to advocate for more nuanced treatment plans, ultimately leading to improved quality of life for lymphoma patients.
Sustaining the Educational Ecosystem
The commitment to providing this education at no cost to the healthcare professional is a testament to the importance of the cause. It removes financial barriers to entry, ensuring that even physicians from smaller, under-resourced practices can access the same level of instruction as their peers at major medical centers. This democratizes the knowledge base, which is an essential step in reducing health disparities across the Midwest.
Looking Ahead
As the date approaches, the excitement surrounding the event underscores the medical community’s ongoing commitment to professional growth. The Lymphoma Rounds program continues to serve as a vital reminder that in the fight against cancer, collaboration is our greatest weapon. For those attending, the evening promises to be a transformative experience, offering not only professional development but also the opportunity to join a growing coalition of physicians dedicated to conquering lymphoma one case at a time.
For more information on registration, or to inquire about sponsorship and exhibit opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Foundation directly via their designated communication channels. With limited space available for this high-demand event, early registration is highly recommended to ensure a seat at what promises to be the premier hematology event of the season.
