Cancer Care Conference

2025 Cancer Care Conference
'Navigating Barriers to Local Cancer Care Equity and Access'
May 16, 2025 | Oscar Bergos Conference Center | M State Moorhead Campus
Register for the 2025 conference
2025 conference highlights
Attend our conference to learn about challenges faced by local communities in accessing equitable cancer care. We will explore various barriers - such as socioeconomic factors, geographic limitations, and systemic healthcare issues - that hinder access to cancer treatment and services. The conference also will address the complexity of ensuring cancer care is equitable across diverse populations and discuss potential strategies to overcome these barriers.
Participants will engage in discussions about innovative strategies to improve collaboration across healthcare teams, and evaluate current access to clinical trials, focusing on ways to increase participation from diverse and underrepresented populations. Through expert-led sessions and interactive workshops, attendees will gain practical insights and actionable tools to advance equity and improve cancer care access in their local settings.
Objectives
Upon completion of this conference, you will be able to:
Identify and analyze the barriers to equitable cancer care access
Explore factors contributing to disparities in cancer treatment and prevention
Discuss strategies for enhancing collaboration among healthcare providers to improve care delivery
Evaluate current access to clinical trials and developing strategies for increased participation
Provide actionable tools and resources for allied health professionals to improve cancer care outcomes in their communities
Focus topics
- "Essentia’s Community Co-Design: Engaging with Area New Americans"
- "Ethical Considerations for Long-Term Care Related to Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment"
- "Bridging Oncology and Oral Surgery: TMJ, Third Molars, and Oral Pathology"
- "Health in Action: Understanding the Role of Community Health Workers"
- "Improving Access to Research and Clinical Trials for Rural Cancer Patients"
2025 conference speakers

Melissa Buffalo, a citizen of the Meskwaki Nation, has nearly 20 years of experience advancing public health and equity for Indigenous communities. As CEO of the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF), she leads efforts to reduce cancer disparities and improve outcomes for tribal nations and Indigenous communities nationwide.
Under her leadership, AICAF has expanded culturally tailored cancer prevention programs, strengthened tribal partnerships, and raised national awareness of Indigenous health inequities. Melissa’s advocacy extends through her service on various boards and committees, where she amplifies Indigenous voices and champions better standards of care.
Community Outreach Program manager, Essentia Health
Community health specialist, Essentia Health
Women's Way Program coordinator, public health nurse, Fargo Cass Public Health
RN, Essentia Health Oak Crossing

Staci Metzger has been a dedicated member of the Hospice of the Red River Valley team since August 2014, currently serving as Lead Social Worker. She holds a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of North Dakota, earned in 2005, and is a licensed social worker in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Staci is also proud to be one of the first social workers in North Dakota to become Advanced Palliative Hospice Social Worker - Certified, demonstrating her expertise in palliative and hospice care.
In her role, Staci provides compassionate support to patients and families, ensuring their end-of-life journey is met with dignity and comfort. She clinically supervises social work staff, ensuring that the team delivers exceptional, person-centered care and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team to create personalized care plans that address both the emotional and physical needs of patients.
Outside of her work at hospice, Staci has demonstrated leadership as the Committee Chair for the Northern Plains Conference on Aging from 2021 to 2024, further showcasing her commitment to the aging population. She is also deeply involved in her community, regularly seeking ways to give back, whether through volunteering or offering a supportive presence to those around her.

Dr. Ryan James Smart, D.M.D., M.D., F.A.C.S. is a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon specializing in head and neck oncology and reconstructive surgery. He is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (summa cum laude) and Harvard Medical School, and completed extensive surgical training at Massachusetts General Hospital and LSU Health Sciences Center.
Dr. Smart is the owner and partner at Prairie Oral Surgery in Fargo, ND, and serves as Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine. He holds medical and dental licenses in North Dakota and Texas, and has earned numerous honors, including the “Golden Stethoscope” recognition for clinical care.
In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Smart is a prolific lecturer and published author in his field, contributing to major textbooks and journals. He has also been featured in media for his innovative jaw reconstruction techniques.
Oncology research nurse West Region lead, Essentia Health
2025 conference planning committee
- Jenna Stammen, Director of Health Training, Workforce Achievement Center, M State
- Matt Flory, Associate Director State Partnerships, American Cancer Society
- Alli Fast, Community Health Program Manager West Market, Essentia Health
- Rashid Hussein, Community Health Specialist, Essentia Health
- Matthew Naugle, Workforce Development Specialist, Essentia Health
- BreAnna Tracy, Administrative Assistant, Workforce Achievement Center, M State
- Sara Anderson, Cancer Center Program manager, Essentia Health
- Kyra Kainz, Care Consultant, Hospice of the Red River Valley
- Crystal Shumake, Dental Faculty, M State