Breast Cancer Options hosts a panel of experts to discuss the benefits of medical cannabis use for cancer patients, the latest research, and where this research may lead us in the future.

We will be joined by the Vice Chairperson for the Cannabis Advisory Board for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management, Dr. Junella Chin, DO, Head Pharmacist at Etain Health, Sang Choi, R.Ph, and the Physician Associate at the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine, Kaitlin Surber, PA-C. This informative discussion on medical cannabis will be hosted by Christie-Rose Schubert of Breast Cancer Options. 

Dr. Junella Chin has been a national leader in integrative medicine for over 20 years. Through her work, she has created medical cannabis protocols for the industry and internationally accepted methods for cannabinoid formulations, research, education, and training programs. 

She is currently Chief Medical Officer at Leafwell, professor at New York University and Syracuse University, and is Vice Chair of the Cannabis Advisory Board for the New York State Office of Cannabis Management. She is the author of Cannabis and CBD for Health and Wellness.

Sang Choi R.Ph is the Head Pharmacist for Etain Health. Sang has over 20 years of experience practicing in specialty pharmacies focused on HIV and infectious diseases, oncology, transplants, compounding, and fertility. She received her degree from Long Island University College of Pharmacy and served as the Pharmacist-in-Charge and manager of a specialty pharmacy counseling patients with complex drug regimens prior to working with Etain.

Through her extensive experience as a pharmacist, Sang brings strong competencies as a pharmacy manager and patient consultant to Etain. Sang prides herself on her ability to interact with patients, and believes in the importance of both high-quality medicine and committed counseling in providing compassionate care to the patients of New York State.

Kaitlin Surber, PA-C is the Physician Associate at the Stram Center for Integrative Medicine. Kaitlin says: 

“Patient connections are one of the most inspiring parts of medicine for me. As a physician associate in integrative medicine, I care about encompassing a proactive and long-tern plan of treatment for each of my patients. I take the time to  understand your health history and unique needs in order to optimize your health outcomes as best as possible.

My approach to providing care for patients involves fostering a lasting relationship with each person. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I provide a safe and inclusive space supported by open communication. I firmly believe in honesty and transparency with my patients as a building block of establishing the patient-provider relationship. 

In order to accomplish these goals, I constantly strive to learn and grow in medicine and as an individual. I continuously learn about the most up-to-date modalities in integrative medicine, while personally being passionate about living a healthy and well-balanced life outside of work including nutritionally, physically and spiritually. This often looks like spending time with my partner and our cat and dog, going on hikes, plant-based cooking, listening to podcasts, taking care of our many plants, and going for a run or bike ride. I am incredibly excited to be a part of the team at the Stram Center as we work together closely to help better understand and accomplish our goal of providing therapeutic and integrative care for every patient we see.”

Christie-Rose Schubert is an 11 year inflammatory breast cancer survivor. Christie received her Stage IV diagnosis shortly after graduating magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in conservation biology. She left Syracuse and traveled back to her home in the Hudson Valley to begin her very long and intensive cancer treatment. 

When a new FDA approved drug was declined by her insurance and the hospital after receiving several different unsuccessful cancer treatments, Christie met Hope Nemiroff, Founder and Executive Director of Breast Cancer Options. Hope connected Christie with someone who advocated on her behalf for Christie to receive the new drug that ultimately saved her life.

During her five years of cancer treatment, Christie used medical cannabis to alleviate the symptoms caused by this regimen. Christie found that medical cannabis was a helpful addition to her symptom management toolbox. 

Christie now dedicates herself to the organization that helped save her life and the people it continues to help. Christie fully believes in its mission and understands the important role Breast Cancer Options has in the community. Christie’s early passion to help the planet is now conveyed in her devotion to empower those on their own cancer journey. 

Breast Cancer Options is a nonprofit organization based in Kingston, NY whose mission is to provide education, support, and advocacy for breast cancer patients as well as promote public awareness regarding cancer risk reduction. For nearly 25 years, Breast Cancer Options has been providing free, direct services for women and their families facing breast cancer in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Breast Cancer Options offers 5 monthly support groups via Zoom, free massage and acupuncture for breast cancer survivors, public educational events, an annual metastatic breast cancer retreat, and Camp Lightheart- an annual free sleep-away camp for children of breast cancer survivors or children who have lost their caregiver to the disease. Breast Cancer Options was founded by a group of survivors who believe everyone deserves to be fully informed and supported when making decisions about their own healthcare.