It is critical that primary care physicians are better able to detect signs and symptoms that may be indicative of ovarian cancer in order to bring about earlier detection and ultimately, a better prognosis for patients. Because of this, Grand Rounds was initiated by MOCA in 2002 in order to educate physicians about ovarian cancer.

In order to achieve the goal of educating primary care physicians, members of MOCA presented at community hospitals throughout the state. Each physician who attended Grand Rounds received material containing the most up-to-date information about ovarian cancer through presentations given by a gynecologic oncologist or nurse practitioner. Additionally, trained ovarian cancer survivors presented their own personal experience with diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Each presenter was provided specific training to ensure consistency of the Grand Rounds program.

Phase I Grand Rounds

Phase I of this initiative was funded in 2002 by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance [OCNA]. Upon completion, MOCA had conducted 17 Grand Rounds presentations to more than 400 health care professionals. Additionally more than 25 volunteers of MOCA were trained presenters of this program.

Objectives of the Phase I Grand Rounds program were:

• To reach primary care physicians throughout the state
• To increase primary care physicians’ knowledge about ovarian cancer
• To design a useful reference tool about ovarian cancer for primary care physicians, and to provide a support network for physicians to refer women, their families and friends.

Phase II Grand Rounds

The importance of continuing this program is evident for many reasons, one being that almost 95% of women do complain of symptoms to their physicians but often, neither the patient nor the physician link these reported symptoms to ovarian cancer. The launch of Phase II Grand Rounds began in 2006. The objectives of the Phase II Grand Rounds program are the same as Phase I. In 2006, MOCA conducted 11 Grand Rounds presentations to more than 500 health care professionals and more than 15 volunteers of MOCA were trained presenters of this program.

If you would like to be trained to be a volunteer speaker for one or both of these medical education programs, please contact Kathy McGovern at kmcgovern@mnovarian.org or call MOCA at 612/822-0500.