Purpose
SSO’s Career Catalyst Mentorship Program (CCMP), provides career and leadership development opportunities for mid-career surgical oncologists. The program focuses on topics meant to educate mid-career surgeons on the diverse pathways to leadership in surgical oncology.
Structure
This is a one-year commitment, beginning at SSO 2027 through SSO 2028.
- A cohort of 8 participants will participate in a pre-meeting session on Wednesday, March 17, at SSO 2027.
- Following the meeting, the participants will each take part in a one-week observership with a US-based SSO member mentor between April 2027 and February 2028.
- The cohort will reconvene at SSO 2027 and may be asked to be involved in the educational activities for future cohorts.
- Monthly virtual sessions (schedule included below in Key Dates section) will take place for the cohort and mentors between SSO 2027 and SSO 2028, along with potential face-to-face networking opportunities at other meetings such as the ACS Clinical Congress.
Award Details
Each of the accepted participants will receive the following:
- A stipend of $2,500 USD to assist with travel arrangements, which will be provided in advance of their institutional visit via electronic means. No checks or cash will be issued.
- Complimentary registration to SSO 2026 and the pre-meeting session.
- A 5-day observership at a US based institution with an SSO Member Mentor.
- SSO will match the participant with a host based on shared professional and scientific interests in areas including but not limited to:
- Hospital Administration
- Hybrid or Community Practice Systems
- Education Leadership
- Academic Surgical Leadership
- Cancer Center Directorship
- Research Leadership
Past Recipients
Learn more about the 2026 recipients here.
Applicant must meet the following criteria:
- An Active member of the SSO in good standing (2026 dues must be paid) to apply.
- 7-15 years post-fellowship or completion of surgical oncology training and currently employed.
- Cannot have previously participated in any of the following SSO programs:
- Presidential Scholars
- International Career Development Exchange
- Career Catalyst Mentorship Program
- If international, must have a current passport and be able to travel to the United States and obtain a travel visa to the United States if coming from a country where one is required.
The SSO reserves the right to evaluate and determine eligibility based on the information and justifications included in the requested materials.
CCMP participants must commit to:
- Complete an online information and agreement form distributed by SSO.
- Submit a summary report about the experience and complete any surveys sent during the program, along with any follow-ups requested by SSO.
- Submit any photos or videos taken during the SSO Annual Meeting and other activities for use on SSO’s social media, website, marketing materials, or for any other use in support of the program.
- Participants may be asked to record audio or video interviews regarding the experience.
- Meet any requirements obligated by the institution where they will complete their observership.
- Commit to participate in SSO 2027 and SSO 2028.
- Commit to participate in at least three quarters of the monthly online sessions that will take place between SSO 2027 and SSO 2028.
SSO member Mentors are an integral part of this program, serving as institutional hosts and long-term professional contacts for participants. Each will be invited to present on their “Journey to Leadership,” outlining their career path and lessons learned along the way.
Mentors will be asked to:
- Participate in the pre-meeting sessions at SSO 2027 and SSO 2028.
- Participate in monthly virtual sessions throughout the year, when available.
- Host their mentee for a 5-day observership at their institution.
- Serve as a long-term professional contact for their mentee.