Two Days. One Mission. Transforming Precision Cancer Care.
Madison, WI
September 25-26, 2025
September 25-26, 2025
Celebrating 10 Years of Precision Oncology in Wisconsin
This September, Madison will host a landmark program recognizing a decade of progress in precision oncology. For the first time, Advancing Pathology Education (APE) and Advancing Precision Oncology (APO) will be presented together in Wisconsin for a two-day educational experience that honors past achievements while charting the path forward.
Program Format
Advancing Pathology Education
Where diagnostic excellence drives treatment success.
Co-chairs Dr. Juan Felix (MCW) and Dr. William Rehrauer (UW) convene a program demonstrating how today’s pathology drives tomorrow’s oncology. Sessions will explore:
- Advances in biomarker testing and interpretation
- AI-driven image analysis and computational tools
- Molecular techniques including NGS, IHC, PCR, and liquid biopsy
- Actionable insights into biomarkers such as HER2-low, C-Met, BRAF, Trop-2, FOLR1, and FGFR2b
Ideal for: Pathologists, molecular scientists, laboratory directors, translational researchers.
Advancing Precision Oncology
Celebrating 10 years of innovation in Wisconsin oncology.
Under the leadership of co-chairs Dr. Jeremy Kratz and Dr. Dustin Deming (UW), we’ll look back at ten years of advances—and look ahead to what’s next in precision oncology. Sessions will include:
- Expert keynote presentations from leaders in cancer research and translational science
- Advances in early detection, novel target development, and therapy innovation
- Integration of molecular diagnostics into treatment planning and delivery
- Reflections on the history and future of precision medicine in Wisconsin
Ideal for: Oncologists, hematologists, oncology nurses, advanced practitioners, translational scientists, and multidisciplinary cancer care teams.
Why Attend?
- Celebrate 10 years of Wisconsin leadership in precision oncology
- Two days of expert-led education spanning pathology and oncology
- FREE registration and FREE CME credits
- Practical strategies you can apply immediately in clinical practice
- Opportunities for networking and collaboration with regional and national leaders
Join us in Madison to celebrate a decade of excellence and help shape the future of precision oncology.
Agenda
Thursday – September 25, 2025 | |
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12:00PM | Registration & Check-in |
1:00PM | Welcome and Introductions – Program Chairs Juan Felix, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin William Rehrauer, PhD, University of Wisconsin |
1:10PM | Breast Cancer Biomarker Testing Julie Jorns, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin |
1:50PM | MMR/MSI Testing in Colorectal Cancer: Pathology-Driven Precision Care Saryn Doucette, MD, University of Wisconsin |
2:30PM | Gynecological Cancer Juan Felix, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin |
3:10PM | Exhibits/Break |
3:40PM | Beyond Single Mutation Paradigms:How Mutant-Wild RAS Crosstalk Shapes Response to Targeted Therapies Tommy McFall, PhD, Medical College of Wisconsin |
4:10PM | Lung Cancer William Rehrauer, PhD, University of Wisconsin |
4:40PM | Liquid Biopsy and Digital Pathology Juan Felix, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin |
5:10PM | Networking |
- Interpret tumor-specific biomarkers and molecular tests—e.g., HER2-low, BRCA, PD-L1, KRAS, and methods such as NGS, IHC, PCR, liquid biopsy/ctDNA and digital pathology—to inform diagnosis and treatment selection across breast, lung, gynecologic, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
- Apply precision-oncology tools—omics-based profiling (KRAS in lung), computational methods, early detection strategies, and ctDNA/MRD—to case scenarios to optimize therapy sequencing and response assessment.
- Integrate hereditary cancer risk evaluation and clinical trial opportunities into multidisciplinary care and identify policy/legislative considerations in Wisconsin that impact implementation of precision medicine.
Joint Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Kneed Communications. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163 Professions in scope for this activity are listed below.
Physicians (ACCME) Credit Designation
Amedco LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (ACPE) Credit Designation
Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 8.75 knowledge-based CPE contact hours.
NOTE to Pharmacists: The only official Statement of Credit is the one you pull from CPE Monitor. You must request your certificate within 45 days of your participation in the activity to meet the deadline for submission to CPE Monitor. Credits are generally reported during the first week of each month for those who claimed during the month prior.
Nurses (ANCC) Credit Designation
Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 8.75 ANCC contact hours.
American Board of Pathology (ABPath) MOC
This activity is registered with the American Board of Pathology Maintenance of Certification Program for Self-Assessment Module (SAM) for 8.75 credit hours.
You must request your certificate within 45 days of the activity to meet the deadline for submission to PARS. Credits are generally reported during the first week of each month for those who claimed during the month prior.
Acknowledgement of Financial Commercial Support
No financial commercial support was received for this educational activity.
Acknowledgement of In-Kind Commercial Support
No in-kind commercial support was received for this educational activity.
Satisfactory Completion
Learners must complete an evaluation form to receive a certificate of completion. Your chosen sessions must be attended in their entirety. Partial credit of individual sessions is not available. If you are seeking continuing education credit for a specialty not listed below, it is your responsibility to contact your licensing/certification board to determine course eligibility for your licensing/certification requirement.
Joint Accreditation Statement
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by Amedco LLC and Kneed Communications. Amedco LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Amedco Joint Accreditation Provider Number: 4008163
Professions in scope for this activity are listed below.
Physicians
Amedco LLC designates this live activity for a maximum of 8.75 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM for physicians. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Pharmacists & Pharmacy Technicians
Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 8.75 knowledge-based CPE contact hours.
UAN: JA4008163-9999-25-207-L01-P | UAN: JA4008163-9999-25-207-L01-T
NOTE to Pharmacists: The only official Statement of Credit is the one you pull from CPE Monitor. You must request your certificate within 45 days of your participation in the activity to meet the deadline for submission to CPE Monitor. Credits are generally reported during the first week of each month for those who claimed during the month prior.
Nurses
Amedco LLC designates this activity for a maximum of 8.75 ANCC contact hours.
American Board of Pathology (ABPath) MOC
This activity is registered with the American Board of Pathology Maintenance of Certification Program for Self-Assessment Module (SAM) for 8.75 credit hours.
You must request your certificate within 45 days of the activity to meet the deadline for submission to PARS. Credits are generally reported during the first week of each month for those who claimed during the month prior.
Objectives – After Attending This Program You Should Be Able To
1. Evaluate how advancements in computational methods, early detection technologies, and pathology-based targeting are shaping the clinical application of precision medicine across cancer types.
2. Describe the evolution of precision medicine over the past decade, including key legislative milestones, historical contributions, and current strategies for integrating genomics and molecular profiling into routine cancer care.
3. Apply knowledge of novel biomarker discovery and targeted therapy development—including hereditary cancer risk and clinical trial integration—to inform individualized treatment planning and improve patient outcomes.
Disclosure of Conflict of Interest
The following table of disclosure information is provided to learners and contains the relevant financial relationships that each individual in a position to control the content disclosed to Amedco. All of these relationships were treated as a conflict of interest, and have been resolved. (C7 SCS 6.1-6.2, 6.5)
All individuals in a position to control the content of CE are listed below.
Name Commercial Interest:Relationship
Mark Burkard: NA
Jane Churpek: UpToDate, Inc:Other
Dustin Deming: Pfizer, Seagen, Eli Lilly, Foundation Medicine, Illumina, Regeneron, Aadi Biosciences, Taiho, Inocras, DoMoreDx, Fortvita, Bristol Myers Squibb, Exelixis:Scientific/Medical Advisory Board Member Merck, Genentech, Bristol Myers Squibb, Aadi Biosciences, Pfizer, Curegenix, Promega, Natera, STRATA Oncology, Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals, Arcus, Guardant Health, Ipsen, Takeda, Eli Lilly, Transthera:Research Grant Site Principal Investigator
Saryn Doucette: NA
Juan Felix: NA
Grzegorz Gurda: NA
Julie Jorns: NA
Mandana Kamgar: 1Cell.Ai:Research Grant Site Principal Investigator Cornerstone Pharmaceuticals:Research Grant Overall Principal Investigator
Paraic Kenny: Corbus Pharmaceuticals:Consultant, Tempus AI:Research Grant Site Principal Investigator
Jeremy Kratz: Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca:Consultant, BMS, Mirati:Other, Bayer, Apollomics, Roche/Genentech, Astellas, Parabilis Medicines, Johnson & Johnson:Research Grant Site Principal Investigator
Thomas McFall: NA
Muhammed Murtaza: Translational Genomics Research Institute:Consultant
Irene Ong: NA
William Rehrauer: NA
Kelda Roys: NA
Deanna Russell: NA
Nigel Russell: NA
Ravi Salgia: NA
Naomi Terlouw: NA
How to Get Your Certificate
1. Go to kc.cmecertificateonline.com
2. Click on the 2025 Advancing Precision Oncology: Celebrating 10 Years of Excellence in Wisconsin Precision
Oncology link.
3. Evaluate the meeting.
4. Print, download, or save your certificate for your records.
5. If you lose your certificate, or need help, go to help.cmecertificateonline.com
Friday – September 26, 2025 | |
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7:30 AM | Registration & Check-in |
8:30 AM | Welcome Address: Precision Medicine in Wisconsin Legislation Senator Kelda Roys, JD |
8:40 AM | Omics of Lung – Precision Oncology of KRAS Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD, City of Hope |
9:05 AM | A Coming of Age for Precision Medicine Mark Burkard, MD, PhD, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center |
9:30 AM | Exhibits/Breakfast |
10:00 AM | Non-CME Session: Expanded Liquid Testing With Genomic and Epigenomic Insights![]() Justin Odegaard, MD, PhD, Guardant Health |
10:20 AM | Break/Exhibits |
10:50 AM | Applying Computational Methods in Clinical Practice Irene Ong, PhD, University of Wisconsin |
11:15 AM | The Future of Early Detection Muhammed Murtaza, MBBS, PhD, University of Wisconsin |
11:40 AM | Hitting the Target: Novel Target Development in Breast Cancer Paraic Kenny, PhD, Kabara Cancer Research Institute |
12:05 PM | Precision Targeting from the Pathology Block Grzegorz Gurda, MD, PhD, Kabara Cancer Research Institute |
12:30 PM | Exhibits/Lunch |
1:00 PM | Non-CME Sponsored Session: Clinical Utility of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing for Decision-Making![]() Steven Sorscher, MD, Natera |
1:20 PM | Break/Exhibits |
1:50 PM | Precision Oncology in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Real-world experience Mandana Kamgar, MD, Medical College of Wisconsin |
2:15 PM | A 10-Year Summary of Developments and Contribution Dusty Deming, MD, University of Wisconsin |
2:40PM | Precision Oncology in Hereditary Cancer Rish Jane E Churpek, MD, MS, University of Wisconsin |
3:05PM | Integration of Precision Medicine with Clinical Trials Jeremy Kratz, MD, University of Wisconsin |
3:30PM | Networking Reception |
Speakers


Dustin Deming, MD
Co-Chair
Professor of Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Dustin Deming, MD
Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care
UW Health | University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
Dr. Dustin “Dusty” Deming is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin and a gastrointestinal oncologist at UW Health, where he leads cutting-edge efforts in precision oncology. A recognized leader in translational research and clinical innovation, Dr. Deming specializes in the care of patients with colorectal and gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, liver, pancreatic, and anal cancers.
He serves as Clinical Co-Chair of the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board, Director and Founder of the Colorectal and Anal Cancer Working Group (CRAWG), and Vice Chair of the Chemotherapy Council. He also co-leads the center’s Developmental Therapeutics Program and directs the Oncology Infusion Clinic at the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital.
Dr. Deming’s research program focuses on developing biomarker-driven therapies and individualized treatment strategies using 3D organoid models and other advanced laboratory systems. His lab is at the forefront of translating tumor-specific molecular data into early-phase clinical trials that match targeted therapies to patients most likely to benefit. His work is supported by the NIH-NCI, The V Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and other prominent funders.
As a physician-scientist and educator, Dr. Deming trains future generations of medical students, residents, fellows, and oncology providers, and has received multiple honors for both his clinical excellence and patient-centered care. He has been recognized on the Best Doctors in America list and named a UW Health Patient Experience Physician Champion. Nationally, he contributes to the future of cancer care through advisory roles with the NCI’s Rectal and Anal Cancer Task Force, Fight Colorectal Cancer (FCC), and other leadership panels.
A rectal cancer survivor himself, diagnosed at age 31 at the start of his faculty career, Dr. Deming brings a deeply personal commitment to improving outcomes for cancer patients. His dual perspective as both clinician and patient continues to shape his compassionate, innovative approach to research and care.


Juan Felix, MD
Co-Chair
Vice Chair, Director, Professor
Medical College of Wisconsin
Juan Felix, MD
Vice Chair, Director, Professor
Medical College of Wisconsin
Dr. Juan Felix is an expert in the field of cervical cancer. His research has contributed to the field in the areas of diagnosis and treatment as well is in areas of basic science. Dr. Juan Felix practices at the Medical College of Wisconsin as Professor and Vice Chair of Anatomic Pathology, and Director of Surgical Pathology.


Jeremy Kratz, MD
Co-Chair
Assistant Professor
Center for Precision Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Jeremy Kratz, MD
Assistant Professor
Center for Precision Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Dr. Kratz is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and a basic science researcher at both the UW Center for Precision Medicine and the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital. He has served as Co-Chair of UW's Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board, Lead for Targeted Therapeutics within the UW Carbone Cancer Center’s Clinical Therapeutics Discovery and Development Team, and a subject matter expert in gastrointestinal oncology for the VA’s National Precision Oncology Program (NPOP). As a physician-scientist, his laboratory focuses on multiple translational models of hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancer.


William Rehrauer, PhD
Co-Chair
Associate Professor and Director of Molecular Diagnostics
Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, UW - Madison
William Rehrauer, Phd
Associate Professor and Director of Molecular Diagnostics
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Dr. William Rehrauer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health and Director of Molecular Diagnostics in the Clinical Laboratories at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics. He also serves as a Co-Director of the Translational Research Initiatives in Pathology (TRIP) laboratory and is a founding member of the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer/Wisconsin Oncology Network’s Precision Medicine Molecular Tumor Board (PMMTB). Dr. Rehrauer earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan, completed his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry from Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois and conducted his post graduate training at the University of California, Davis, California. His research interests include the development and application of molecular technologies, across all disciplines (genetics, infectious disease, and oncology), in both the clinical diagnostic and translational research laboratory settings.


Mark Burkard, MD, PhD
Director
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
Mark Burkard, MD, PhD
Director, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
C.E. Block Chair of Cancer Research
Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation
Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa
Dr. Mark Burkard is a nationally recognized medical oncologist and physician-scientist specializing in breast cancer and precision oncology. He currently serves as Director of the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and holds the C.E. Block Chair of Cancer Research. He is also a professor in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation at the Carver College of Medicine.
Prior to his appointment at the University of Iowa, Dr. Burkard served as the Associate Director of Genomics and Precision Medicine at the University of Wisconsin Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center. He was also the Mary and Rob Gooze Chair in Metastatic Breast Cancer and Director of the UW–Madison Medical Scientist Training Program. His clinical focus remains on the medical management of breast cancer, and his research centers on genomic instability and the development of targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and other precision medicine approaches to treat breast cancer.
Dr. Burkard earned his MD and PhD from the University of Rochester in New York. He completed his residency in internal medicine at New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Cornell Campus and a fellowship in medical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He has received numerous awards for excellence in patient care, research, and teaching, and is a member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation.


Jane E Churpek, MD, MS
Associate Professor
Divsion of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care
Department of Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Jane Churpek, MD
Associate Professor
Divsion of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care
Department of Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Head
Heriditary Hematology Program
University of Wisconsin
Dr. Jane Churpek is an Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care within the Department of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin – Madison where she is also the Head of the Hereditary Hematology Program. Dr. Churpek is a board-certified hematologist/oncologist/internist who focuses on the care of adults with low blood counts due to acquired and inherited causes, including clonal hematopoiesis, myelodysplastic syndrome, and inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (e.g. telomere biology disorders, GATA2 deficiency syndrome, etc). She also specializes in the diagnosis and management of patients and their families with hereditary cancer predisposition syndromes such as familial leukemia syndromes, Li Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, and BAP1 syndrome.
Dr. Churpek’s research focuses on identifying inherited genetic factors that cause increased risk of cancer and bone marrow disorders, especially among understudied tumors and blood disorders. Her goal is to understand who is at increased risk and how specific exposures increase or decrease risk. She aims to utilize this information to optimize early detection, treatment, and, ultimately, prevention of cancer and bone marrow disorders. Dr. Churpek has contributed to the understanding of several novel hereditary blood cancer predisposition syndromes and the role of inherited predisposition in exposure associated cancers such as therapy-related leukemia and mesothelioma.


Saryn Doucette, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health
Saryn Doucette, MD
Clinical Associate Professor
University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health
Dr. Saryn Doucette is a gastrointestinal, liver, and pancreatic pathologist at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, where she serves as Clinical Associate Professor and subspecialty lead for Gastrointestinal, Liver, and Pancreatobiliary Pathology. She brings more than 16 years of experience spanning academic medicine and national private practice, with prior leadership as fellowship director at both Roger Williams Medical Center/Boston University and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
At UW, Dr. Doucette has advanced biomarker-driven diagnostics by implementing HER2 and Claudin 18.2 testing for GI and pancreaticobiliary cancers and refining protocols for tumor evaluation and hereditary cancer syndromes. She has authored peer-reviewed research, case reports, textbook chapters, and contributed to the 2024 Banff Pancreas Transplantation Report.
A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Doucette also collaborates on translational research in histotripsy, transplant pathology, and pancreatic cancer. She is an invited speaker at national and regional forums and a member of leading pathology societies.
At the Precision Medicine Conference, she will present on MMR/MSI and HER2 testing in colorectal cancer.


Grzegorz Gurda, MD, PhD
Director
Gundersen Cancer Biobank
Kabara Cancer Research Institute
Grzegorz Gurda, MD, PhD
Director
Gundersen Cancer Biobank
Kabara Cancer Research Institute
Grzegorz (Greg) Gurda, MD, PhD, is a dual-boarded in Molecular Genetic Pathology and Anatomic/Clinical Pathology. He is the director of the Gundersen Cancer Biobank within the Kabara Cancer Research Institute.
Dr. Gurda Completed his Undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, and his MD/PhD training at the University of Michigan, with a PhD in Molecular and Integrative Physiology. His residency training was completed at The Johns Hopkins Hospital, and his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).
Dr. Gurda has won several notable awards including a Howard Hughes and Max Kade Foundation Fellowship, as well as the Young Investigator Award from the Americal Pancreatic Association.


Julie Jorns, MD
Professor of Pathology
Director, Surgical Pathology, Breast Pathology and Breast & Gynecologic Fellowship
Medical College of Wisconsin
Julie Jorns, MD
Professor of Pathology
Director, Surgical Pathology, Breast Pathology and Breast & Gynecologic Fellowship
Patient Safety Quality Officer
Medical College of Wisconsin
Julie Jorns completed her MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) followed by Anatomic & Clinical Pathology (AP/CP) residency and breast and surgical pathology fellowships at Michigan Medicine. She was an Assistant Professor of Pathology at Michigan for six years before returning to MCW. Dr. Jorns is now Professor of Pathology and serves as the Director of Surgical Pathology, Breast Pathology, and the Breast & Gynecologic Pathology Fellowship with the MCW Department of Laboratory Medicine and Froedtert Hospital. Dr. Jorns’ responsibilities include breast and surgical pathology as well as teaching medical students, residents, and fellows. Dr. Jorns’ research interests include breast and frozen section pathology and quality assurance.


Mandana Kamgar, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Mandana Kamgar, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine
Medical College of Wisconsin
Dr. Mandana Kamgar is a medical oncologist currently serving as Associate Professor in the Departments of Medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). As a pancreatic oncologist and investigator, she is committed to elucidating the distinctive biology of pancreatic tumors in her patients to facilitate the provision of personalized treatment modalities.


Thomas McFall, PhD
Assistant Professor
Medical College of Wisconsin
Thomas McFall, PhD
Assistant Professor
Medical College of Wisconsin
Dr. McFall is an established cancer biologist whose research bridges the gap between clinical observations and mechanistic understanding in oncology. His work focuses on longstanding controversies in cancer treatment where clinical evidence supports therapeutic approaches that lack clear mechanistic explanations.
Dr. McFall's most notable contribution resolved a significant controversy in RAS signaling by demonstrating why colorectal cancers with KRAS-G13D mutations respond to EGFR inhibitors, contrary to conventional wisdom about RAS-mutant tumors. Using systems biology approaches that integrate computational modeling with experimental validation, he provided mechanistic insight into this clinically important observation.
Currently, Dr. McFall leads a research program supported by an NCI R01 grant (CA276771-01) that utilizes an interdisciplinary approach with expertise in systems biology, MAPK signaling, and nuclear receptor signaling to study extraordinary responders in colorectal and pancreatic cancer treatment. His ultimate goal is translating mechanistic discoveries into improved treatment strategies for cancer patients, particularly those with RAS pathway alterations.


Muhammed Murtaza, MBBS, PhD
Director
Center for Precision Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Muhammed Murtaza
Director
Center for Precision Medicine
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Muhammed Murtaza started his role as Director for the Center for Precision Medicine in July 2024. As a translational researcher with background in development of genomics-enabled molecular diagnostics, Murtaza’s vision for the Center is to accurate and cost-effective diagnostics to enable early detection and precise interception of disease for patients in Wisconsin and around the world. He is leading the development of research and clinical programs at UW-Madison that will utilize multi-analyte characterization and integrated analysis to help choose the right intervention for the right patient at the right time.
To achieve this vision, the Center is catalyzing research to building the scientific foundations and advance development of multi-analyte diagnostics, training the next-generation of scientists, clinicians and leaders in translational medicine, and building the infrastructure to enable implementation of multi-analyte diagnostics. In addition, the Center is keen to develop partnerships with UW stakeholders such as Center for Genome Science Innovation, UW Biotechnology Center and interested faculty members, as well as with industry partners interested in molecular diagnostics.
In addition to this role, Murtaza serves as Associate Professor of Surgery in the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He leads a computational and molecular cancer diagnostics research lab based in the Center. Before joining UW in 2020, Murtaza served as Assistant Professor and the Co-Director of Center for Noninvasive Diagnostics at the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Phoenix, Arizona. He received a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), from Aga Khan University Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan (where he grew up), and a PhD in Medical Science from Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute and Trinity College, at the University of Cambridge in United Kingdom.


Justin Odegaard, MD, PhD
Senior Vice President of Product
Guardant Health
Justin Odegaard, MD, PhD
Vice President of Product
Guardant Health
Dr. Odegaard is currently the Vice President of Clinical Development and Product at Guardant Health, Inc., a diagnostics company focused on building tools to improve the care of cancer patients. He earned MD and PhD degrees from Stanford University, where he trained in surgical and molecular pathology. Prior to Guardant Health, he worked at Lifecode, Inc. as Director of Molecular Biology, OneOme Laboratories as Laboratory Director, Stanford University on the adjunct faculty, and at the University of California San Francisco as an Assistant Professional Researcher.


Irene Ong, PhD
Associate Professor
Division of Reproductive Sciences
Center for Precision Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Irene Ong, PhD
Associate Professor
Division of Reproductive Sciences
Center for Precision Medicine
University of Wisconsin
Dr. Irene Ong is an Associate Professor, Division of Reproductive Sciences, Faculty at Center for Precision Medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Ong has an impressive portfolio around her research interests of data mining, machine learning, probabilistic methods, dynamical models, with applications to biological and medical data, particularly trans-omics, cancer immunotherapy, and precision medicine.


Kelda Roys, JD
Wisconsin State Senator
Kelda Helen Roys, JD
Wisconsin State Senator
Senator Kelda Helen Roys is a small business owner, attorney, and former nonprofit executive. Senator Roys represents Wisconsin’s 26th Senate District, in the heart of Dane County. Sen. Roys serves on the powerful Joint Committee on Finance, which oversees the state budget, as well as the Joint Committee on Review of Administrative Rules (Ranking member), the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, and the State Capitol and Executive Residence Board. Sen. Roys is the co-chair of the legislature’s Reproductive Freedom working group and is a member of the LGBTQ+ Caucus.
A Wisconsin native, Sen. Roys’ passion for public service was inspired by her mother, a social worker, father, a prosecutor, and stepfather, an environmental lawyer. Graduating from college in 3 years, while working full time during the last year, she earned a B.A. magna cum laude in Politics, Drama, and Cultural Studies from NYU. In 2004, Kelda earned a JD magna cum laude from UW Law School, where, as part of the Wisconsin Innocence Project, she helped pass landmark criminal justice reforms to prevent wrongful convictions.
After law school, Sen. Roys served for four years as executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin, where she developed innovative and successful efforts to expand emergency contraception access through state and local policy. Under her leadership, Wisconsin passed the first pro-choice law in three decades, the Compassionate Care for Rape Victims Act, despite an anti-choice Assembly. Kelda also worked on initiatives to reduce infant mortality and address racial disparities in health care.
Sen. Roys served in the State Assembly for two terms, from 2009-2013, winning her seat by knocking on 20,252 doors and becoming the youngest then-serving state legislator. Kelda’s district spanned Northwestern Dane County, representing a diverse population of urban, suburban, and rural voters. In her second Assembly term, Kelda was elected Democratic Caucus Chair and, during historic protests, helped lead the opposition to Gov. Scott Walker’s attack on long-standing worker protections. Kelda served as vice-chair of the Committee on Health and Healthcare Reform, where she helped 80,000 Wisconsinites gain access to healthcare. She passed laws on a wide range of progressive issues, including health care, economic justice, election and campaign finance reform, consumer protection, child safety, conservation, fiscal responsibility, and criminal justice reform, among other areas. While in the Assembly, Kelda practiced law at Wheeler, Van Sickle & Anderson, helping individuals and small businesses.
In 2013, Sen. Roys founded her small business, OpenHomes, a tech-enabled real estate brokerage focused on lowering costs for customers throughout southern Wisconsin, which she continues to run as CEO. She ran an historic campaign for governor of Wisconsin in 2018, before being elected to the state senate in 2021.
Kelda has been an active community leader for over two decades, serving on many boards and volunteering for organizations including the Clean Lakes Alliance, Way Forward, ACLU of Wisconsin, TEMPO Madison, Common Cause, Wisconsin Women’s Council, Citizen Action of Wisconsin, Madison Repertory Theater, Public Interest Law Foundation, the Dane County Democratic Party’s Executive Board, First Unitarian Society, and the Wisconsin State Bar Legal Services Committee.
Kelda and her partner Dan have five children and live in Madison.


Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair
Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
City of Hope
Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair
Medical Oncology & Therapeutics Research
City of Hope
Dr. Ravi Salgia, MD, PhD, a world-renowned expert in lung cancer, is the Chairman, and Arthur and Rosalie Kaplan Chair in Medical Oncology at the City of Hope.
Previously, he was Professor of Medicine, Pathology and Dermatology, and the Director of the Thoracic Oncology Program, and Aerodigestive Tract Program Translational Research at the University of Chicago. Prior to his tenure at University of Chicago School of Medicine, Dr. Salgia was faculty at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School following an internship and residency in internal medicine at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Dr. Salgia is named as one of the Top Doctors in America and has been honored with numerous awards including the Sun Pharma Distinguished Clinical Research Award and most recently ASCO Excellence in Teaching Award. He is a member of the editorial board for several top Journals and has authored ~500 peer-reviewed publications, reviews and book chapters, and has edited four books.


Steven Sorscher, MD
Associate Medical Director
Natera
Steven Sorscher, MD
Associate Medical Director
Natera
Dr. Steven Sorscher is a retired medical oncologist. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University, graduated from the University of Michigan Medical School where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine. He completed his fellowship training in Hematology /Oncology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Over the past 35 years, Dr. Sorscher has held medical oncology community practice positions at the Gundersen Clinic in LaCrosse, WI and the Marshfield Clinic in Wausau, WI. He also held faculty appointments at UCSD, Duke University in Durham, NC, and Washington University in St. Louis. During the past ten years, Dr. Sorscher was a Professor of Medicine in the Oncology Division at the Wake Forest Medical School, in Winston-Salem, NC, followed by one year as the Medical Director, Oncology at Invitae, Corp. and 1.5 years as Medical Director, Oncology at Biotheranostics. Dr. Sorscher has authored over 160 peer-reviewed publications and four book chapters covering a wide range of topics including hereditary cancer syndromes and the molecular changes that characterize cancers.


Paraic Kenny, PhD
Director, Kabara Cancer Research Institute, Gundersen Medical Foundation
Paraic Kenny, PhD
Dr. Jon & Betty Kabara Endowed Chair In Precision Oncology;
Director, Kabara Cancer Research Institute, Gundersen Medical Foundation
Clinical Adjunct Professor, Precision Medicine and Cancer Biology, University of Wisconsin- Madison
Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Paraic Kenny, Ph.D. is the Director of the Kabara Cancer Research Institute at the Gundersen Medical Foundation in La Crosse, Wisconsin where he holds the Dr. Jon & Betty Kabara Endowed Chair in Precision Oncology. In addition, he is a Clinical Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse. He is the Laboratory Director for the Gundersen Cancer Biobank which started in 2008 and has been continuously CAP-accredited since 2015. Current research interests are centered on the use of NGS to identify and understand personalized treatment options for cancer patients, and to understand emerging mechanisms of resistance to targeted therapy. These interests align with developing robustly annotated cancer biospecimens which we make available to academic and commercial users.
THE LOCATION
Overture Center
201 State Street
Madison, WI
201 State Street
Madison, WI


SPONSOR
Interested in sponsoring the event? Email Nigel Russell by using the link below!
