APAO 2026: Colleen Tetzlaff on Navigating Evolving Oncology Landscapes

Navigating rapid, continuous scientific breakthroughs is one of the most significant challenges facing modern advanced practice providers (APPs) in oncology today.

At the 29th Annual Oncology Symposium for the Healthcare Provider, hosted by the Association of PAs in Oncology (APAO) from August 13 to 16, 2026, at the New York Marriott Marquis, clinical leaders gathered to discuss clinical practice standards and professional longevity. The four-day symposium welcomed more than 200 healthcare professionals with the goal of sharing best practices and translating clinical vision into reality.

A central highlight of the event was the recognition of Colleen Tetzlaff, MHS, PA-C, of Fox Chase Cancer Center, as the recipient of the 2026 APAO Lifetime Achievement Award. In an interview with Oncology Nursing News conducted at the symposium, Tetzlaff reflected on her extensive career and offered practical advice for fellow PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs) striving to keep pace with an increasingly complex therapeutic environment in daily practice.

Embracing a Rapidly Changing Field

Reflecting on her two decades of clinical practice, Tetzlaff highlighted the extraordinary speed of oncology research. "One thing I've learned over 20 years in oncology is how much the field changes and how rapid it is," she observed. She noted that while clinicians are fortunate to witness these rapid discoveries and clinical advancements because they directly benefit patients, staying on top of the swelling volume of new data and clinical information can quickly become overwhelming.

To prevent clinical burnout and maintain professional excellence, Tetzlaff emphasized the importance of active engagement. She recommended that APPs regularly attend professional conferences, such as the prestigious APAO Annual Symposium or the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting, to digest synthesized clinical updates. Beyond passive attendance, however, Tetzlaff urged oncology PAs and NPs to actively contribute to the scientific community.

Professional Growth Through Active Involvement

"Really staying reading and contributing," Tetzlaff advised, is essential for professional growth. She noted that professional development is deeply tied to active participation within specialty organizations. Indeed, Tetzlaff encouraged APPs to seek out volunteer opportunities, join professional board of directors, or participate in committees.

Additionally, she emphasized that teaching is one of the most effective ways to solidify one's own clinical knowledge. "I think sometimes just getting involved in these organizations or saying yes to doing these lectures really helps to keep you on pace with the changing landscape in oncology," Tetzlaff remarked. By presenting lectures and sharing expertise with peers, APPs are forced to deeply engage with the latest clinical data and research, which in turn directly benefits their own patient populations.

As oncology therapies become more personalized and complex, the role of the APP as an expert caregiver, clinical leader, and educator continues to expand. For Tetzlaff, the secret to a long, impactful, and rewarding career in cancer care lies in embracing this evolution. By combining lifelong learning, active lectures, and organizational involvement, oncology PAs can successfully navigate the rapidly shifting clinical landscape and continue to deliver optimal, state-of-the-art care to their patients.