In earlier issues of The ASCO Post, we shared unique insights from recipients of the International Development and Education Award (IDEA), whose experiences at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting (ASCO24) had a profound impact on their professional and personal growth. Here are more reflections from others who have received the IDEA. For a full list of the 2024 IDEA awardees, see the September 10, 2024, issue of The ASCO Post.
Haimanot K. Alemu, MD
Haimanot K. Alemu, MD
Oncology Unit, St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
“As a young oncologist from a low-income country, ASCO24 opened opportunities for me to keep up-to-date with the latest evidence in the field of oncology that could be practice-changing. I also was able to network with giants in oncology, which may lead to many collaborations to come. It gave me great insight and hope to know that numerous scientists are tirelessly working to battle cancer and improve its care.
“Unfortunately, I could also observe the gap between low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries in cancer care advancement, which I believe needs attention and global efforts. As part of the IDEA program, I was privileged to visit the City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, California. It was fascinating to observe how a multidisciplinary team worked together in providing standard of care. I had an incredible in-person experience observing the mastectomy specimen from the operating room to tissue processing in less than 2 hours. This gave me a profound understanding of what pathologists convey in their daily reports. I was also able to participate in a research conference on early ongoing clinical trials for breast cancer, sitting alongside the primary investigators. This experience motivates me to aspire to be a leader in cancer care and research in my country, Ethiopia.”
Emmanuella Amoako, MD
Emmanuella Amoako, MD
Clinical Affairs, Yemaachi Biotech, Accra, Ghana
“Attending ASCO24 was an incredibly exciting experience. The exposure to a vast network of clinicians and researchers from around the world provided a unique opportunity for an early-career researcher like me, especially coming from a low- to middle-income country. Witnessing the groundbreaking research and innovative approaches to cancer treatment and management was truly inspiring. The IDEA award came at the perfect time in my career, equipping me with the right tools and resources to connect with leading experts in the field. This award not only facilitated my participation in ASCO24, but also allowed me to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that could have a significant impact on cancer research and treatment in my home country of Ghana. Networking with professionals who are at the forefront of oncology research has broadened my perspective and provided me with invaluable insights I can apply to my work. The conference sessions, poster presentations, and workshops were all instrumental in enhancing my understanding of the latest advancements in cancer research. It was also exciting to see global oncology being discussed in the sessions, bringing disparities that exist in cancer care to the forefront.”
Christina V. Malichewe, MD, MMED
Christina V. Malichewe, MD, MMED
Department of Clinical Oncology, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar Es Salam, Tanzania
“Being an IDEA awardee has given me an amazing opportunity for the first time to attend the most talked-about event in the field of oncology: the ASCO24 conference. First, the leadership training provided by Frank Ferris, MD, along with the other IDEA awardee alumni, was mind-blowing. The knowledge I gained was invaluable. The “elevator pitch” was epic; practicing it during the ASCO meeting was another skill developed; it helped in creating connections and relationships.
“Second, the energy felt by more than 40,000 people at McCormick Place in Chicago was remarkable. The science in the research presentations, posters, and stakeholders in fighting cancer from the preventive measures, treatment, and palliative care was beautifully presented. All these individuals, groups, and institutions joined together in one place, demonstrating their contribution to conquer cancer!”
Lily Gloria Tagoe, MD
Lily Gloria Tagoe, MD
Department of Child Health, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
“The IDEA award was a pivotal experience. The leadership training was the first time I had formally been taught how to effectively give presentations, understand what an elevator pitch is, and master it. I also acquired skills in navigating difficult conversations with colleagues. The days spent at my mentor institution were very instructive. It was exciting to experience the practice of pediatric oncology in a more resourced setting and to pick up ideas and skills that are applicable across settings, irrespective of resource limitations. ASCO24 provided me with an awesome opportunity to establish lifelong networks and collaborations with colleagues from across the world. I aim to build upon this great foundation, as I work together with colleagues to improve the quality of pediatric cancer care across Ghana and Africa as a whole.”
Aigul Semetei Kyzy, MD
Aigul Semetei Kyzy, MD
International Higher School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
“Attending ASCO24 as an IDEA awardee was an incredible experience for me. I was impressed by the wonderful organization and the high quality of sessions. I got a chance to attend breast, gastrointestinal, and lung sessions and believe that every short presentation reported hides years of hard teamwork of scientists and physicians who dedicated their lives to cancer research. Being among those 40,000 professionals welcomed at ASCO24 and getting excited about the early-morning session when the results of the -DESTINY-Breast06 trial were to be released was a true honor for me. I also evidenced a historic moment during the Plenary Session; the groundbreaking results of the LAURA study in lung cancer were shown on the screen, and the hall exploded with applause. My experience at ASCO24 was inspirational and brought strong motivation for me to grow as a physician and scientist. I am extremely grateful to ASCO and the Conquer Cancer Foundation for this incredible opportunity—one that I will cherish throughout my life.”
