Partner, Hematology Oncology of Indiana, a Division of American Oncology Network and President and CEO, Indy Hematology Education Inc. Clinical Professor, Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Ruemu E. Birhiray, MD is an attending physician in medical oncology, hematology, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at Hematology-Oncology of Indiana, and at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana. After completing his internal medicine residency at Columbus Hospital in Chicago where he also served as Chief Medical Resident in 1994, he was a postgraduate fellow in bone marrow transplant at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland where his research included gene therapy and adoptive cellular immunotherapy strategies in bone marrow transplantation. Dr. Birhiray’s professional experience has also included serving as an attending physician, and Director of bone marrow transplantation and a member of Marshfield Clinic, Wisconsin and a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin from 1998 to 2001. Additionally Dr. Birhiray was appointed an Associate Professor of bone marrow transplantation at Rush University, Chicago, Illinois in 2001, prior to joining Hematology Oncology of Indiana. Subsequently, Dr. Birhiray, served as and director of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Institutional Principal Investigator for the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project of the National Cancer Institute at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis. Currently, he is also, Clinical Professor, Marian University School of Osteopathic Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, and an Editorial Board Member of The Journal of Blood Transfusion and Hematopathology. Projects for which Dr. Birhiray is principal investigator include reduced intensity allogeneic transplantation in hematologic malignancies, and a trial of Interferon A, CHOP, and rituximab therapy in advanced-stage follicular lymphoma, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer. Additional collaborations have included major phase III clinical trials. Additionally Dr. Birhiray founded the Clinical research program at Hematology Oncology of Indiana. His awards include, “Intern of the year” from Columbus Hospital, Hope award from the Indiana Wellness community and named “best physician” by the Indianapolis monthly magazine and “top doctor” by Castle Connelly. In 2002, Dr. Birhiray founded and has served as Chair of the annual “Indy Hematology Review”, a nationally respected program providing education for hematologists and oncologists nationally and regionally, and he is also President and CEO of Indy Hematology Education, Inc. A member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Medical Association, Dr Birhiray has published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Leukemia, Gene Therapy and Therapeutic Apheresis, Journal of Blood Transfusion and Hematopathology, Human Immunology, Familial Cancer, Annals of Pharmacotherapy, American Journal of Health System Pharmacists, Pharmacotherapy, in addition to multiple abstracts. Dr. Birhiray is married to Donna Marie (nee Baynard) since 1995, and they are blessed with 3 children, a daughter, Maya, born in 1999, and a son, Dirin, born in 2003, and an older daughter Meaghan who was born in 1990.

Pfizer

With 25 years in oncology and 17 years of success in pharmaceutical and biotech sales, Susan Ambruso, BSN, MSN is a results-driven professional passionate about advancing cancer care through innovative therapeutics and education. Abruso would define her career by the launch of several precision medicines, market share expansion, and driving the adoption of groundbreaking therapies in breast, colorectal, lung, and GI cancers.

I specialize in strategic KOL engagement, market insights discovery, and fostering high-impact collaborations across multidisciplinary teams. My ability to navigate complex healthcare systems—including IDNs, GPOs, and hospitals—has led to sustained business growth and stronger provider relationships.

A natural leader, I have a track record of developing and executing territory business plans that surpass sales objectives, mentoring teams, and designing impactful speaker programs. I am committed to empowering healthcare professionals with the latest scientific advancements and ensuring patients gain access to life-changing therapies.

Recognized with multiple sales performance and leadership awards, I take pride in a value-driven work style rooted in integrity, excellence, and a patient-first mindset. Always eager to collaborate and innovate, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact

Director of Pharmacy, Precision Genomics Oncology, Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (IUSCCC) (Indianapolis, IN)

Christopher Fausel, PharmD, MHA, BCOP is the Director of Pharmacy for Precision Genomics Oncology at the Indiana University Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center (IUSCCC) in Indianapolis, Indiana where he coordinates the institutional molecular tumor board. He graduated from Albany College of Pharmacy with a BS Pharmacy in 1993 and Pharm.D. in 1996 and completed residency training at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany, NY.

In addition, he is the Chairman of the Board of the Hoosier Cancer Research Network, a non-profit organization that conducts clinical trials and translational research in cancer and serves as the administrative headquarters of the Big Ten Cancer Research Consortium.

He is the founding Residency Program Director for the PGY2 Oncology Pharmacy Residency and has previously served as a clinical specialist in hematology/oncology/stem cell transplant and as a clinical manager for oncology pharmacy for over 20 years at Indiana University Health. He serves as Chair for the Indiana University biomedical IRB. He is a long-standing member of ASHP, ASCO and HOPA.

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute

Heather Niccum Haag, MCR, BSN, RN, CCRN is a dedicated neuro-oncology research nurse. She earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Columbus State Community College, her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana Wesleyan University, and her Master’s in Clinical Research from The Ohio State University.

Heather began he health career as a familial caregiver, worked as a home health aide and phlebotomist during nursing school, and began her nursing career as a trauma and critical care nurse. Her broad healthcare experience enables her to thoughtfully navigate and respond to the needs of her patients and their carepartners. As an inaugural fellow of the Nursing Research Fellowship at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, she served as co-principal investigator, examining advance directives, depression, and performance status among patients with glioblastoma. She currently leads the content development for the Oncology Nursing Society’s (ONS) Neuro-Oncology Biomarker Database, contributing clinical expertise to the ONS biomarker build initiative.

Passionate about advocacy, she recently attended CCONS Nurses' Day at the Statehouse to champion healthcare policy reform in her home state of Ohio, striving to improve outcomes and support for patients facing oncology and general healthcare needs. Her work has been published in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, notably the article “A New Era of Management of Von Hippel-Lindau Disease-Associated Tumors With Belzutifan.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, she is a devoted wife and mother who enjoys gardening, brewing coffee, and crafting homemade pantry staples—currently nurturing nine batches of vanilla extract and a sourdough starter named "Dougha Mater".

Indiana University Health

Cassie has worked in Radiation Oncology for the past 9 years where she oversees nurses at two centers in Southern Indiana. She received her Oncology Nursing Certification in 2018. Cassie helped develop the IU Health Bloomington and Bedford HDR radiation programs from inception in 2021. She has been the IU Health South Region Survivorship Committee Coordinator since 2022 where she collaborates with oncology professionals for Oncology events and survivorship plans for cancer patients. She takes pride in collaborating with other offices and hospital staff for the care and education of radiation patients.

Community Hospital Oncology Physicians

Sarah Hayes, MSN, AOCNP has 15 years experience as a nurse practitioner with 12 years focused in hematology and oncology. This has allowed Hayes to focus on patient centered care for specific disease states with a high level of autonomy. Her skills include patient education, diagnosing, prescribing, physical assessment, procedures (bone marrow biopsy), symptom management of disease and therapies, and working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.

Community Health Network, Symptom Management Group

Rosemary Freedman, NP, CNS is a nurse practitioner and clinical nurse specialist. She has been a part of the palliative care team at Community Health Network since 2013. Freedman has a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing and literature, a Bachelor of Science in nursing, a Master's degree in nursing education, MFA, and post-master's certificates as a psychiatric nurse specialist and nurse practitioner.

Freedman lives at Ballynahinch Cottage where she tends her roses, garden, koi, 16 ducks, and two chickens. She also has three board certifications: psychiatric clinical nurse specialist, psychiatric nurse practitioner and hospice and palliative care. Freedman prides herself on her straight forward, "keeping it real" approach and believes that trust is a very crucial part of the relationship between a patient and provider.

Hendricks Regional Health

Shantaniece Sherrell is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with advanced certification in oncology (AOCNP), bringing over 20 years of dedicated experience in Hematology and Oncology care.

She currently serves patients at Hendricks Regional Health Cancer Center, where she specializes in providing supportive care for individuals undergoing cancer treatment and delivering survivorship care to those navigating life after treatment.

Shantaniece's career has spanned some of the most respected institutions in oncology, including Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now City of Hope) in Zion, Illinois; the IU Simon Cancer Center in Indianapolis; and collaborations with MD Anderson Cancer Center. She has also lent her expertise to roundtable discussions for Cancer Support Community and has presented on a range of oncology topics at local professional conferences.

A proud alumna of Hampton University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Shantaniece went on to receive her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Indianapolis.

Hematology Oncology of Indiana

Leigh Flegge-Schlie, DNP, FNP, RN is a dedicated oncology nurse practitioner with nearly a decade of experience guiding patients and families through the complexities of cancer care. Known for her compassionate, patient-centered approach, Leigh has built her career around the belief that both patients and providers thrive when care is personalized, holistic, and rooted in human connection.

Leigh earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice from Saint Mary’s College of Notre Dame, where her scholarly work focused on oncology nurse retention—an issue she feels passionately about as both a clinician and an advocate for the nursing profession. Her work aims to not only improve outcomes for oncology patients but also to elevate the wellbeing and longevity of those who care for them.

Currently, she practices at Hematology Oncology of Indiana, where she is proud to contribute to a team that prioritizes excellence, innovation, and empathy in cancer care. Her previous roles have included clinical leadership and hands-on care at institutions such as the VA Hospital Fort Wayne, Ascension St. Vincent, and IU Health Joe & Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center.

Leigh is committed to advancing the future of oncology nursing through continued research in nurse retention and aspires to merge clinical practice with academic work to shape the next generation of nurse leaders.

Union Health

Jacqueline Hart, FNP-C, MSN has a nursing background in cardiac and critical care services. She also spent five years as a collegiate nurse educator at Ivy Tech Community College. She began her APP career with the Union Health Palliative Care service line in 2022. In 2024 she transitioned to medical oncology, primarily caring for inpatients. Hart serves on the Union Health Oncology and Ethics committees.

James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati

Dr. Schwartz received a Bachelor of Science at the College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois and a Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Texas. She completed a fellowship in oncology drug development at the University of Texas.

Dr. Schwartz began her oncology pharmacy career in clinical practice at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. She was Director of Oncology Pharmacy Services at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and maintained an active clinical practice at the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center during that time.. Dr. Schwartz was Vice President of Clinical Content and Pharmacy Operations at McKesson Specialty Health and worked closely with The US Oncology Network. Dr. Schwartz currently is Professor of Pharmacy Practice at the James L Winkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati and practices at the UCHealth Barrett Cancer Center in ambulatory oncology and Phase I clinical research.

Dr. Schwartz has taught and lectured extensively including the pharmacy schools at University of Cincinnati, University of Pittsburgh, Duquesne University, University of Maryland, Charleston College of Pharmacy, University of Houston and Misr International University in Cairo, Egypt.

Rowena is an active member of the American Society of Health System Pharmacist, Hematology and Oncology Pharmacy Association, Oncology Nursing Society and the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practice.