Purpose
The Society of Surgical Oncology’s Foster the Future program aims to attract talented surgical residents from communities historically underrepresented in medicine and/or lower-resourced programs or communities who are interested in a career in surgical oncology. Resident awardees will be invited to attend the Annual Meeting and be paired with SSO member mentors to provide a welcoming experience. The goal is to facilitate the mentees’ personal and professional growth towards surgical oncology fellowship training and a career in surgical oncology by providing guidance, support, and knowledge transfer from the more experienced SSO members.
Structure
- A cohort of 5 Resident Mentees will be paired with at least 2 (two) SSO Member Mentors at SSO 2027.
- Mentee/Mentor groups will meet virtually at least once prior to SSO 2027.
- Group and individual activities will be arranged at SSO 2027.
Award Details
Each of the accepted participants will receive the following:
- A stipend of $2,000 USD to assist with travel arrangements, which will be provided at SSO 2027 via electronic means. No checks or cash will be issued.
- Complimentary registration to the SSO Annual Meeting.
- One year of complimentary Resident membership in the Society.
Past Recipients
Learn more about the 2026 recipients here.
Applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Current categorical surgical resident in good standing in an ACGME-approved surgical residency program, or equivalent if international.
- 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.
Foster the Future Mentees must commit to:
- Attending the SSO 2026 Annual Meeting and activities.
- Actively engaging with SSO mentors prior to, during, and after the meeting.
- Completing an online information and agreement form distributed by SSO.
- Submitting a summary report about the experience and complete any surveys sent during the program, along with any follow-ups requested by SSO.
- Submitting 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.
SSO Mentors are an integral part of this program, serving as long-term professional contacts for mentees. Mentors will be asked to:
- Meet virtually with their mentee at least once prior to SSO 2027.
- Meet with their mentee at SSO 2027 and participate in the program activities.
- Serve as a long-term professional contact for their mentee.