Second-year student Lily McWilliams, RDN, recently presented at the “Spotlight on Stomach Cancer Symposium” hosted by No Stomach for Cancer, an organization providing support to stomach cancer patients and their families.
Originally asked to speak while working as a gastrointestinal (GI) oncology dietitian in 2020, the symposium was postponed due to COVID-19. This month, McWilliams was finally able to share her “Nutrition After Gastrectomy” presentation during the rescheduled event at Trent Seamons Center.
In addition to presenting, McWilliams says she attended events over the weekend where she “met with both Duke and UNC medical and surgical oncology providers as well as patients, families and caregivers of people with stomach cancer or who have the CDH1 gene mutation that strongly predisposes you to getting stomach cancer (many of whom get prophylactic total gastrectomies).”
She heard personal stories from patients and caregivers as well as best practice recommendations and new research from Duke and UNC providers. She said one highlight was reconnecting with former patients and their loved ones she worked with as a dietician.
McWilliams serves as the Stead Society Interprofessional Student Advisory Representative for the Duke Physician Assistant Program.
