This year’s Rural Minnesota Lung Cancer Summit brings together healthcare providers from across the state to connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas for improving lung cancer survival. With a focused spotlight on biomarker testing and lung cancer screening, the summit will explore real-world barriers faced in rural communities and highlight practical strategies that are already making a meaningful impact.

Why this matters: Lung cancer survival is improving—but there is more work to do. The five-year U.S. lung cancer survival rate is 29.7%, while Minnesota is leading the way at 33.7%, thanks in large part to expanded access to screening and biomarker testing. By learning from one another and sharing proven approaches, we can continue to close gaps in care and push survival rates even higher—especially for patients in rural Minnesota.

Date: June 26, 2026
Time: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Cragun’s Conference Center, 11000 Craguns Dr, Brainerd, MN 56401
Virtual: Virtual attendance available
Registration: FREE

This summit is designed for healthcare professionals involved in lung cancer care including the full multidisciplinary care team; oncologists, primary care providers, and key clinical partners.

AGENDA

8:00 – 8:45 a.m.
Networking Breakfast

Meeting Moderator
Robert Kratzke, MD – Medical Oncologist, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center

8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Welcome & Patient Story
Bonnie Mueller – 13-year Stage IV ROS1 Lung Cancer Survivor

9:00 – 10:30 a.m. | SESSION 1

Optimizing Actionable Lung Cancer Biomarkers; Practical Strategies for Early-Stage Testing
Joe Leach, MD – Medical Oncologist, Allina Health
Daniel Mundt, MD – Medical Oncologist, Minnesota Oncology
Manish Patel, DO – Medical Oncologist, University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center

10:30 – 10:45 a.m.
Break & Exhibitor Showcase

10:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | SESSION 2

Identifying and Utilizing a Multidisciplinary Team in Rural Practice
Delivering High-Quality Care, Centralizing Programs, and Filling Gaps with External Supports
Joshua Pritchett, MD – Assistant Professor of Medicine & Oncology, Mayo Clinic
Wade Swenson, MD – Medical Oncologist, Lakewood Health

12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch

1:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Break & Exhibitor Showcase

1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | SESSION 3

Systemwide Approaches to Improving Lung Cancer Outcomes
Presentations followed by Q&A Discussion

• System Approaches to Improve Early Detection
  (Lung Cancer Screening, Mobile Screening, Incidental Lung Nodule Programs, and the Changing Face of Lung Cancer)
  Anna Kate Bush, MHA, Manager of Physician Practice, Allina Rural Health, New Ulm
  Monica Cook, RN, OCN – Clinical Program Specialist-Early Detection Lung Cancer Program, Allina Health
  Brian Helmrick, MBA, LAT, ATC – Clinical Program Manager, Allina Health
  Anuja Sharma, MD – Pulmonologist, Allina Health

• Centralizing Early Detection Programs to Improve Patient Outcomes
  (Increased adherence to annual screenings—up to 55% vs. 37% in decentralized models—reduced time to diagnosis, and standardized care through dedicated experts)
  Eric Swanson, DO – Pulmonologist, Essentia Health

• Overcoming Financial Toxicity in Lung Cancer Care: Addressing the Elephant in the Room
  Rajini Katipamula-Malisetti, MD – Medical Oncologist, Minnesota Oncology

• Improving the Survivorship Experience Through Meaningful Partnerships
  Teri Cannon, Executive Director, A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation

3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Happy Hour Reception