SurgOnc Today®

On this episode of SurgOnc Today, Dr. Tari King and Dr. Austin Williams join Dr. Kara Button to discuss their paths into breast surgical oncology, from early training and pivotal mentorship moments to the decisions that shaped their careers. We explore how each navigated the transition from training to practice, how their definitions of success have evolved over time, and what has guided the roles they've chosen to take on, or step away from. They also reflect on the realities of day-to-day practice, how they structure their clinical and academic work, and what surprises them most about life as a breast surgical oncologist. Finally, they share advice for medical students and residents interested in the field, including how to find meaningful mentorship, build early experiences, and think intentionally about training and career decisions.

On this episode of SurgOnc Today, we introduce Journeys in Surgical Oncology - a new podcast series from the SSO Resident and Medical Student Task Force exploring the diversity of careers within surgical oncology. Designed with trainees in mind, this session is moderated by Dr. Ian Garbarine, who is joined by Drs. Margo Shoup, Keith Lillemoe, and Anna Dare. Together, they discuss the wide range of career opportunities and practice types available in cancer surgery - from academic medicine to community cancer care to global surgery - and share reflections on mentorship, leadership, overcoming setbacks, advice for the next generation of cancer surgeons, and more.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, Dr. Christina Angeles, surgical oncologist and Chair of the SSO Research Committee, sits down with two experienced surgical investigators, Dr. Andrew Lowy and Dr. Craig Slingluff, to discuss one of the most challenging steps in advancing surgical research: securing funding for pilot clinical trials. Drawing from their real-world experience designing and running surgical trials, our guests share practical strategies for identifying funding sources, building a competitive application, and navigating setbacks along the way. Whether you are a junior faculty member with your first research idea or a mid-career surgeon looking to expand your trials program, this episode delivers actionable advice to help you turn your clinical observations into funded research.

On this episode of SurgOnc Today, Dr. Amanda Kirane and Dr. Allison Betof discuss the clinical application of TIL therapy for melanoma patients, including the comprehensive care and teamwork required. They also discuss lessons learned and newer clinical trials optimizing the therapy.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, we explore the evolving role of value-based care in surgical oncology. Drs. Casey Allen, Matthew Katz, and Cristina O'Donoghue join the discussion to define what "value" truly means in cancer care, examine the evidence behind programs such as ERAS and prehabilitation, and review emerging frameworks used to assess value in oncology. The conversation also addresses stakeholder collaboration and the critical intersection between value-based care and health equity. This episode offers practical insights for surgical oncologists seeking to deliver high-quality, patient-centered, and sustainable cancer care.