In 2019, ASCO launched an Asia-Pacific Regional Council, a group of distinguished oncology leaders from countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The Council’s purpose is to advise ASCO on the needs of members in the region and facilitate and encourage member involvement in ASCO’s global activities.
“Increasing engagement with our international members is a key piece of our Society’s strategic plan,” said ASCO President Lori J. Pierce, MD, FASTRO, FASCO. “We look to their rich experiences, insights, and knowledge to further the field of oncology and patient care around the globe. Diversity of thought—including convening members from different cultures, specialties, and practice types—makes our knowledge base stronger. Regional councils are one way we hope to foster this collaboration.”
Lori J. Pierce, MD, FASTRO, FASCO
The Society invites ASCO members in the region to contact their respective country representative by e-mailing RegionalCouncil@asco.org to learn more about ASCO programs and to suggest issues for Society consideration. If you would like to be introduced to your country representative, please contact ASCO via the e-mail address above.
Keunchil Park, MD, PhD
The Council, chaired by Keunchil Park, MD, PhD, who is based in South Korea, has been engaged in a range of ASCO programs and initiatives, including:
- Assisting with ASCO’s first ASCO Breakthrough meeting in Bangkok, Thailand in 2019
- Issuing a Request for Proposals for the Asia-Pacific International
Cancer Corps site, selecting Sarawak Hospital of Malaysia - Discussing ASCO membership, education, professional development, and quality care priorities for the region
- Assisting ASCO’s free “ASCO Global Webinar Series: Experiences and Lessons During the COVID-19 Pandemic” Webinar Series
- Advising on increasing ASCO member engagement through activities such as increasing volunteer opportunities, mentorship of early-career oncologists (such as IDEA, Virtual Mentoring, and the Leadership Development Program), and outreach to training programs in the region.
For more information about ASCO’s programs and opportunities, visit asco.org/international-programs. For more information about the council or its initiatives, please e-mail RegionalCouncil@asco.org.
© 2020. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All rights reserved.
