SSO 2018’s expanded content format allowed for greater exploration into innovative multidisciplinary treatments and scientific innovations that pave the way for future progress in treatments. But, cancer care is a spectrum that is not only about surgery, chemotherapy or radiation, but also the leadership role of the surgical oncologist along that path. Outgoing SSO President, Kelly M. McMasters, MD, PhD stated during the SSO Presidential Address, “It is time for us to change the conversation about appropriate care for end-stage cancer patients.”
SSO 2018 provided an engaging and welcoming environment for cancer surgeons from all countries and treatment settings. As such, SSO 2018 set new records for both the volume of content and the number of attendees. Over 1,900 attendees from 45 countries traveled to Chicago including 415 international cancer surgeons. In addition to record-breaking attendance, SSO 2018 welcomed over 400 first-time attendees, a 20% increase over 2017. Abstract presenters represented 20 different countries along with faculty and moderators from 10 countries. 515 surgical trainees joined their mentors in attending the Symposium, many presenting for the first time on an international stage. SSO 2018 also recognized the various achievements of surgeon scientists and cancer activists, as shown in the table below.
| The Charles M. Balch Distinguished Service Award | Norman Wolmark, MD and Bernard Fisher, MD | Drexel University School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh |
| 2018-2020 Clinical Investigator Award | Heather Neuman, MD, MS | University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health |
| 2018 Donald L. Morton Young Investigator Award in Melanoma | Michael Lowe, MD, MA | Emory University School of Medicine |
| Best Clinical Research Paper | Naruhiko Ikoma, MD, MS | University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center |
| Best Clinical Research Poster | Mohammad Y. Zaidi, MD, MS | Emory University |
| Best Basic Science Research Paper | Andre B. Martel, MD | University of Ottawa |
| Best Basic/Translational Research Poster | Brett Ecker, MD | University of Pennsylvania |
| Harvey Baker Traveling Fellow Award | Roheena Z. Panni, MD | Washington University in St. Louis |
| James Ewing Layperson’s Award | Alex Kimura, Sam Kimura and Taylor Shorten | Sharing America’s Marrow |
“Every year SSO’s Annual Cancer Symposium evolves and grows in dynamic and energizing ways. SSO 2018 presented a great range of clinical concepts, treatments, and philosophies that challenged conventional ideas and laid the foundation for moving multidisciplinary cancer care forward,” said Armando E. Giuliano, MD, SSO President, whose term began at the conclusion of SSO 2018.
SSO 2018 Quick Reference Links
SSO 2018 Virtual Meeting
SSO 2018 CME and MOC
SSO 2018 Photo Gallery
Please be sure to save the date for SSO 2019 in San Diego, CA, March 27 – 30, 2019.