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Quality Committee

Value Based Task Force

CME

Value-Based, Patient-Centric Care in Surgical Oncology

Saturday, March 7, 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM MST
Location:105A-C
CE: 1.5

This session will introduce surgeons to practical strategies for delivering value-based care (VBC) in surgical oncology and then extend the discussion toward patient-centered decision-making and ethical considerations. Speakers will highlight how enhanced recovery, operative standards, and prehabilitation programs can optimize outcomes, reduce costs, and demonstrate value. From there, the session will shift toward frameworks for defining and measuring value, preparing surgeons to communicate multi-domain tradeoffs—including survival, quality of life, toxicity, cost, and time burden—in ways that resonate with patients and families.

We will then explore how to translate these frameworks into real-world clinical conversations by focusing on shared decision-making (SDM) in high-risk surgical settings, equipping surgeons with tools to communicate complex risks and align care with patient values. Finally, the session will address the ethical and equity dimensions of VBC—particularly for vulnerable or historically underserved populations—emphasizing the need for fairness, transparency, and inclusivity as surgical oncologists navigate high-stakes decisions.

Together, this progression will give surgeons a roadmap: from learning the tools of VBC, to integrating them into patient conversations, to applying them ethically and equitably in practice.

Learning Objectives:

  • Define value-based care (VBC) in surgical oncology and identify surgeon-modifiable drivers.
  • Summarize practical strategies (operative standards, enhanced recovery, prehabilitation) that improve outcomes and efficiency.
  • Compare existing and emerging frameworks (ASCO NHB, NCCN Evidence Blocks, ICHOM, TDABC) for measuring and communicating value.
  • Apply frameworks for shared decision-making in high-risk surgical oncology, including tools for communicating best-/worst-case scenarios and multidimensional risks.
  • Examine the ethical and equity considerations inherent in delivering VBC to diverse surgical oncology populations, with strategies to promote fairness, inclusivity, and patient autonomy.

Presentations:

  • 10:30 AM - 10:35 AM MST
    Opening Remarks & Session Overview
  • 10:35 AM - 10:45 AM MST
    Opportunities to Deliver Value-Based Care in Surgical Oncology

    Faculty: Anita Johnson, MD – St. Joseph's Candler/ Medical of Georgia

  • 10:45 AM - 11:00 AM MST
    Surgeon-Led Leadership, Health Care Transformation

    Faculty: V. Suzanne Klimberg, MD, PhD, MSHCT, FACS, MAMSE – University of Texas Medical Branch

  • 11:00 AM - 11:10 AM MST
    Frameworks to Measure and Deliver Value-Based Care

    Faculty: Casey J. Allen, MD – Allegheny Health Network

  • 11:10 AM - 11:25 AM MST
    Communicating Complex Risk to Patients & Families: What Patients Need and Want to Know

    Faculty: Elizabeth J. Lilley, MD MPH (she/her/hers) – Department of Surgery, Mass General Brigham

  • 11:25 AM - 11:45 AM MST
    Ethical & Equity Considerations in High-Risk Surgical Oncology

    Faculty: Winta T. Mehtsun, MD, MPH (she/her/hers) – University of California San Diego

  • 11:45 AM - 12:00 PM MST
    Panel Q&A