Select 2022 Presentations
“Yoga Therapy Across the Cancer Care Continuum: Creating a Safe, Evidence-Informed , Inclusive Practice for People with Breast Cancer”
Workshop Chairperson and Speaker; Pre-Conference 4-Hour Workshop, Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Annual Conference: Delivering Multidisciplinary Integrative Oncology Care Across Communities, October 20, 2022.
“Mind-Body Medicine in Oncology”
Moderator, Mind-Body Concurrent Session 2: An Assessment of Mind-Body Interventions in Young, Middle and Older Adult Cancer Survivors (Sarthak Singh); Mindfulness Group Visits for Diverse On-Treatment Patients (Chloe Atreya); Randomized Controlled Trial of Hypnosis for Managing Chronic Pain in Cancer Survivors (Linda Eaton); Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Annual Conference: Delivering Multidisciplinary Integrative Oncology Care Across Communities, October 21, 2022.
“Approaches to Health Equity: the Society for Integrative Oncology Approach”
Poster, Contributing Author; Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO) Annual Conference: Delivering Multidisciplinary Integrative Oncology Care Across Communities, October 20-23, 2022.
“Yoga for Recovery: Healing from Addiction and Eating Disorders (3-Day Symposium)”
Speaker and Member of Symposium Planning Committee; Virtual, September 21-23, 2022.
“Effect of Sukshma Vyayama Yoga on Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer: A Feasibility Study Conducted on Facebook”
Oral Presentation during afternoon session titled: Why Consider Buprenorphine for Cancer-Related Pain?; Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) / International Society of Oral Oncology (ISOO), Toronto, Canada, June 23, 2022.
“Step up to health, Nigeria! utilizing information from abuja's world cancer day walks for equity-based cancer prevention interventions.”
Abstract; ASCO, 2022. L. Leigh Leibel, Runcie C.W. Chidebe, Chinonso Ipiankama, Duygu Altinok Dindar, Aviane Auguste, Agha A Agha, Ashish Shrestha, Batuhan Kisakol, Darlingtina Esiaka
“The Necessity of Integrative Medicine”
Speaker; Prevention and Wellness Series, Prisma Health Cancer Institute, Center for Integrative Oncology and Survivorship, Greenville, South Carolina, Virtual, August 11, 2022.
“Sensitive Practice for Survivors of Domestic Abuse During Radiotherapy”
Grand Rounds Speaker; Michigan Radiology, Virtual, 2022.
“Yoga Therapy Across the Breast Cancer Care Continuum: Creating a Safe, Inclusive, Evidence-Informed Practice”
Workshop Chairperson and Speaker; Pre-Conference 3-Hour Workshop, Symposium of Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR), Chicago, Illinois, June 9, 2022.
“Yoga Therapy and Integrative Cancer Care: Evidence-based Practices to Manage Common Treatment Side Effects Across the Care Continuum”
Workshop Chairperson and Speaker; Pre-Conference 4-Hour Workshop, Academic Consortium of Integrative Medicine and Health, International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (ICIMH): Transforming Healthcare through Collaboration, Phoenix, Arizona, May 23, 2022.
“Yoga and Yoga Therapy in Cancer Care: Practical Implementation and Safety Considerations”
Speaker/Panelist; British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) Integrative Oncology UK 2022: Integrative Oncology – Emerging Directions and Bringing Evidence into Practice, May 14, 2022.
“Trauma Informed Radiation Therapy: Sensitive Practice for Survivors of Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse”
Keynote Speaker; Michigan Radiation Oncology Consortium of Quality Control (MROQC) Virtual Quarterly Meeting, February 25, 2022.
“Step up to Health, Nigeria! Utilizing Information from Abuja's 2022 World Cancer Day Walk for Equity-Based Cancer Prevention Interventions”
Principal Investigator; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04248881; World Cancer Day Walk, Abuja, Nigeria, February 4, 2022.
Select 2021 Projects
“Yoga Therapy in Cancer Care: Evidence”
Panel Moderator, British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO), Virtual, December, 2022.
“Yoga Safety Awareness for Cancer Patients and Survivors, Health Care Providers, and Yoga Teachers and Therapists”
Senior Author, 18th International Society for Integrative Oncology Conference: The Science of Living Well with Cancer, Baltimore, Maryland, September 26, 2021. Abstract Awarded “Best of SIO”.
“The Role of Yoga for Managing Anxiety, Depression and Stress in Oncology”
Workshop Presenter; 18th International Society for Integrative Oncology Conference: The Science of Living Well with Cancer, Baltimore, Maryland, September 26, 2021.
“Between the Inhale and Exhale: Role of Yoga in Smoking Cessation to Reduce Cancer Risk”
Speaker; Indian Society of Clinical Oncology (ISCO), International Conference on Tobacco Control and Smoking Cessation: Evidence to Action, New Delhi, India, August 22, 2021.
“Yoga Therapy Grand Rounds”
“Society for Integrative Oncology: Wellness Wednesdays”
Select 2020 Projects
“Diversity, Engagement, Access: AYAs and Integrative Therapies Across the Cancer Care Continuum”
Produced Workshop: Presented by Dr Giselle Perez (Harvard/MGH), Dr Khincha (NIH), Ms Amanda Coffaro, Ms Stella Snyder, and Ms Marsha Banks-Harold, Society for Integrative Oncology 17th Annual International Conference, October 2020.
“Embracing Wellness Across the Health Disparity Continuum”
Producer: Morning Wellness Session led by Dr Kelli Bethel and Ms Marsha Banks-Harold, Society for Integrative Oncology 17th Annual International Conference, October 2020.
“Love is the Heartbeat that Heals: Mind, Body & Soul “
Moderator: Fundraiser for Navajo Nation with Grammy Nominee and Native American Music Award Winner Mr Tony Redhouse, Society for Integrative Oncology 17th Annual International Conference, October 2020.
“COVID and Beyond: Coping with Stress – Lifestyle Issues “
Moderator: Panel Discussion with Dr Linda Carlson, Dr Jennifer Ligibel, Dr Sheila Garland, and Ms Sandra Wood, Society for Integrative Oncology 17th Annual International Conference, October 2020.
Integrative Oncology Talk Podcast
Guest.
“Step up to Health, Nigeria! Utilizing Information from Abuja's 2020 World Cancer Day Walk for Equity-Based Cancer Prevention Interventions”
Principal Investigator; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04248881; Abstract presented at the Trans NCI-NIH Conference on International Perspectives on Integrative Medicine for Cancer Prevention and Cancer Patient Management, October 2020. Manuscript in preparation.
Society for Integrative Oncology “Wellness Wednesdays”
Producer and Moderator of Series; Wellness Wednesdays is a 15-part wellness series that aired every Wednesday from Memorial Day to Labor Day in 2021. Leigh developed the franchise and produced more than 14 hours of programming (14 round table webinars and 12 experiential videos) presented by 26 expert panelists. The series drew more than 600 registrations from 15 countries. All 26 videos are available on SIO’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaTB9ZezHhRwcshiPfvmPIw/videos
Wellness Wednesday Master Schedule for 2020
• June 10th - Introduction to Mindfulness with Ms Carol Shear and Ms Erika Long
• May 28th - The New Now: Skills for Coping with Uncertainty During Challenging Times with Dr Sameet Kumar, Dr Ian Sadler, and Dr Santosh Rao
• June 17th - Yoga Therapy Across the Cancer Care Continuum: Benefits and Contraindications with Ms Smitha Mallaiah, Dr Robyn Tiger, and Ms Tari Prinster
• June 24th - Bringing Mind-Body Practices to the Infusion Chair and Hospital Bed: A Team Approach with Ms Gigi Robison and Ms Tina Walter
• July 1st - Life Cycle of a Crisis: Seen through a Somatic Experience with Ms Patricia Kuusisto and Ms Millie Elia
• July 8th - Music in Medicine: Exploring the Art and Science with Ms Marissa Emple and Ms Missy Hall
• July 15th - Diversity in Cancer Care and The Role of Yoga Therapy in Advocacy and Community Building with Dr Eleanor Walker and Ms Marsha Banks-Harold
• July 22nd - A Native American Healing Meditation with Flute, Drum, and Voice featuring Grammy- nominated Navajo musician Mr Tony Redhouse. This was a special Yoga SIG fundraiser to support the purchase of PPE and hand sanitizer for the Navajo Nation’s Tuba City Cancer Clinic.
• July 29th - Living Well Beyond Cancer: The Research Proven Benefits of Yoga Therapy and Meditation for Symptom Relief from Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) with Dr Mary Lou Galantino and Dr Robyn Tiger
• August 5th - A Family Approach to Cancer Care: Strengthening Patient and Carer Relationships through Yoga for Couples with Ms Smitha Mallaiah
• August 12th - Supporting Mental Health Needs of Adolescent Young Adults Across the Continuum with Mind Body Practices with Dr Giselle Perez and Ms Amelia Coffaro
• August 19th - How Can Mindfulness Help People Living with Cancer? with Dr Linda Carlson
• August 26th - Self-Care 911: Practical Tips for Creating a Personal Emergency Toolkit During a Crisis with Dr Kelli Bethel and Ms Beena Patel
• September 2nd - On the Road Less Traveled: Exploring the Effects of Biofield Therapy in Oncology with Dr Lorenzo Cohen
“The New Now: Skills for Coping with Uncertainty During Challenging Times”
Producer; Covid-19 Webinar in recognition of “Mental Health” month with Dr Sameet Kumar, Dr Ian Sadler, and Dr Santosh Rao. Part of SIO’s educational webinar series, May 2020.
“Effect of Joint Loosening Yoga on Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Post Menopausal Breast Cancer Survivors”
Principal Investigator; ClinicalTrials.gov NCT0404287; Abstract published in Journal of Clinical Oncology; JCO.2019.37.15_suppl.e23129, published online May 26, 2019; Manuscript in preparation.
“Doctoring in the Digital Age: Modern Stressors; Ancient Strategies to Cope”
Co-Author with Gregory Mears, MD, Professor of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center; The ASCO Post, February 10, 2020, pp 91-92.
“Changing the Way Africans Think About Cancer: A Grass Roots Blueprint for Success”
Session for World Cancer Congress, Muscat, Oman, October 2020. (Congress canceled due to Covid-19.)
“Effective Collaboration to Address the Challenges of Cancer: Cross-Sector Partnering and the Importance of International Fellowship Programs”
Session for World Cancer Congress, Muscat, Oman, October 2020. (Congress canceled due to Covid-19.)
“Trauma-Informed Radiation Therapy #TIRT “
Plenary Speaker, American Association of Medical Dosimetry (AAMD) 45th Annual Meeting: Sailing into the Future of Treatment Planning, Baltimore, June 14, 2020. (Conference canceled due to Covid-19.)
“Yoga Therapy and Integrative Cancer Care: Evidence-based Practices to Manage Common Treatment Side Effects Across the Care Continuum”
Chairperson and Speaker, Pre-Conference Workshop, Academic Consortium of Integrative Medicine and Health’s International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health (ICIMH): Transforming Healthcare through Collaboration, Cincinnati, Ohio, April 28, 2020. (Congress canceled due to Covid-19.)
“Role of Chair Yoga in a Longitudinal Exercise Practice for Breast Cancer Survivors to Improve Overall Survival”
Poster Presentation, American College of Sports Medicine 67th Annual Meeting: Bridging Research and Practice, San Francisco, California, May 2020.
“Yogic Management of Arthralgias Secondary to Hormone Therapy in Breast Cancer”
Poster Presentation, International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health, Cleveland, Ohio, April 2020. (Congress canceled due to Covid-19.)
“Advancing Integrative Palliative Care: Let’s Increase the Reach to Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC’s)”
Manuscript submitted for publication.
“The Community Wellness Initiative: Role of Yoga for Cancer Prevention in Underserved Populations”
Author, Project Concept Paper submitted for NIH-NCI Cancer Prevention and Control Summer Fellowship.
“Role of Sukshma Vyayama in the Management of AI-Induced Arthralgias”
Poster Presentation; 23rd International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and its Application (INCOFYRA): Yoga as Lifestyle Medicine, Bengaluru, India, January 2020. Awarded 2nd Prize for Best Scientific Abstract.
Select 2018-2019 Projects
“Role of Yoga in the Management of Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgias”
Poster Presentation; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s 2nd Congress: Interventional Cancer Pain Symposium 2019, New York, New York, October 2019.
Trauma Informed Radiation Therapy - #TIRT
Poster Presentation; Society for Integrative Oncology’s 16th International Conference: Advancing the Science and Art of Integrative Oncology, New York, New York, October 2019.
Effect of Sukshma Vyayama on Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study Conducted on Facebook
Poster Presentation; Symposium for Yoga Research (SYR), Kripalu, Massachusetts, October 2019. Awarded Swami Kuvalayananda Prize for Excellence in Yoga Research.
“Role of Yoga Therapy Across the Cancer Care Continuum”
Poster Presentation; Advancing the Science and Art of Integrative Oncology, Society for Integrative Oncology’s 16th International Conference, New York, New York, October 2019.
“Changing the Experience of Pain Through Mindful Breathing: An Experiential Workshop for Clinicians and Caregivers”
Speaker; Fourth Biennial Contemplative Care Symposium: Building a Community of Care, New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care in Partnership with The Garrison Institute, Westchester, New York, November 2018.
“Therapeutic Yoga in Cancer Patients: Research Methodology and Clinical Application”
Speaker and Panelist, Post-Conference Half-Day Workshop, Society for Integrative Oncology 15th International Conference: From Research to Practical Applications, Scottsdale, Arizona, October 2018.
“Simple Yoga Intervention for the Management of Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Breast Cancer Survivors”
Oral Presentation; World Cancer Congress: Strengthen, Inspire, Deliver, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 2018.
“Reposition Your Relationship with Your Thoughts: Practical Strategies for Cancer Survivors”
Keynote Speaker; 2nd Annual Cancer Survivors’ Conference, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, September 2018.
“Role of Yoga in Supportive Cancer Care: Mechanism and Practice””
Session Chairperson and Speaker; Symposium on Yoga and Cancer, World Cancer Congress, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 2019.
“Proposition: Can Yoga Inhibit Cancer Cell Growth?”
Grand Rounds Presentation; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, September 2019.
“Eastern Wisdom, Western Mind: Role of Yoga Therapy and Mental Health”
Grand Rounds Presentation; NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center Psychiatry Program, Westchester, New York, April 2019.
“Yoga and Mindful Breathing”
Speaker; Patient Education Program for COPD, Asthma, and Lung Cancer, American Lung Association’s Lung Force Expo, New York, New York, April 2019.
“Looking Toward the Future with Hope”
Speaker/Panel, American Lung Association’s Lung Force Expo, New York, New York, April 2019.
“In Face of a Diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer”
Speaker, Pancreatic Cancer Support Group NY-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, February 2019.
“Stress, Inflammation, and Cancer”
Speaker, New York-Presbyterian/Hudson Valley Hospital, Westchester, New York, February 2019.
“Yoga in the Management of Joint Pain in Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Survivors: A Feasibility Study”
Poster Presentation, 3rd International Conference on Integrative Medicine: Role of Yoga and Ayurveda in the Management of Cancer and Palliative Care, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, June 2018.
“Yoga Across the Cancer Care Continuum”
Chairperson, Cancer Common Interest Committee. Symposium for Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR), International Association of Yoga Therapists, Reston, Virginia, June 2018.
“Customizing Integrative Oncology for Adolescent and Young Adults with Cancer: Peripheral Neuropathy, Psychological Distress, and Sexual Health Challenges”
Workshop; Presented with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2018.
Integrative Medicine and Cancer Patient Self-Care: A Simple Yoga Intervention for Patients to Practice at Home to Help Manage Treatment Side Effects, Enhance Quality of Life, and Improve Clinical Outcome
Poster Presentation with Fred Hutch Comprehensive Cancer Center, International Congress on Integrative Medicine and Health, Baltimore, Maryland, May 2018
Yoga for Kids (Series of 10 Pediatric Videos airing In-Patient Network)
Producer, Yoga Videos for Children with Cancer, Grant from Hyundai Award, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, September 2018
The Elephant in the Room: The Need for Increased Integrative Therapies in Conventional Medical Settings
Co-author, Children 2018, 5, 154
Yoga for Breathlessness
Speaker, Patient and Caregiver Track, American Lung Association: Lung Expo 2018, New York, New York, April 2018
The Life Breath
Speaker, Lung Cancer Track, American Lung Association: Lung Expo 2018, New York, New York, April 2018
Better Breathing: Ask the Experts
Panel, American Lung Association: Lung Expo 2018, New York, New York, April 2018
What Does Health Look Like in Healthcare Today
Panel, Conversations in Healthcare and Therapeutic Transformation (CAT CHATTs), New York-Presbyterian/Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, New York, March 2018
The Future of Cancer Care: A Review
Yoga Therapy Today; Quarterly Journal of the International Association of Yoga Therapists; Spring 2018
A Simple Yogic Intervention for Aromatase Inhibitor-Induced Arthralgia in Post-Menopausal Breast Cancer Survivors
Poster Presentation, 22nd INCOFYRA International Conference on Frontiers in Yoga Research and its Applications: Integrative Oncology – The Future of Cancer Care, Bangalore, India, January 2018
“Can We Impact Cancer? Yes, We Can! “
NY-Presbyterian / Hudson Valley Hospital. Co-founder and facilitator of quarterly Integrative Therapy Program that teaches patients evidence-based, non-pharmacologic ways to minimize effects of cancer and its treatment. Southern Westchester, New York, 2016 – Covid.
“Integrative Medicine and Cancer Patient Self-Care: A Simple Yoga/Progressive Muscle Relaxation Intervention for Patients to Practice at Home to Help Manage Treatment Side Effect, Enhance Quality of Life, and Improve Clinical Outcome”
Workshop, Society for Integrative Oncology: Advancing the Global Impact of Integrative Oncology, Miami, Florida, November 2016
“Hospital Yoga for Cancer Patients in Active Treatment: The Eight Limbs and the Four H’s”
Speaker, SYTAR Conference, International Association of Yoga Therapists, Reston, Virginia, June 2016
“ How to Reduce Stress after a Cancer Diagnosis”
Presentations to Lung Cancer Support Group, Breast Cancer Support Group, Pancreatic Cancer Support Group, Ob Gyn Support Group, New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, New York, ongoing.