The 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting encompassed more than the sharing of ground-breaking scientific advances, networking opportunities, social gatherings, and tours of the architecturally refined city of Chicago. For me, ASCO25 was a transformative event—an affirmation of purpose, place, and belonging. Upon entering McCormick Place, I noticed the stairs adorned with an eye-catching display featuring the words “To belong, to be together, to inspire, and to be inspired,” and I had the privilege of experiencing exactly that.
Although my relationship with ASCO spans over a decade as a member, a columnist for ASCO Connection, a reviewer for JCO Global Oncology, an abstract presenter, a volunteer, and a participant in the Virtual Mentorship Program (VMP), this year marked a particularly rewarding milestone. I was honored with multiple recognitions and, most meaningfully, selected into the highly competitive ASCO U.S.-based Leadership Development Program (LDP). That honor made me realize how these undertakings over the years have paved the way for me to be part of the LDP, which has been described by ASCO CEO Dr. Clifford A. Hudis as the jewel of ASCO’s crown. The program’s selection process goes beyond reviewing qualifications, focusing on leadership potential and the ability to develop professionally over time. Being selected was not just a career milestone—it was a deeply personal one. I come from a region where oncology is rapidly evolving, but leadership development opportunities, especially for women, are still catching up.1,2 There were many moments where I felt that I had to carve my own path. That is why ASCO’s genuine inclusivity and commitment to global equity moved me so profoundly. I felt I belonged. However, that sense of belonging didn’t happen overnight. I often hear peers say they volunteered with ASCO, but their applications for this program were unsuccessful. I understand that frustration firsthand.
My own journey with ASCO was not linear. I volunteered and wasn’t selected. I had previously applied to the LDP and wasn’t accepted. But I kept showing up, thinking that the higher you extend your hand to reach a star, the brighter it shines for you as it pulls you into its orbit. To my peers who feel discouraged, I say this: persevere with patience and grace. Look for opportunities to get involved, such as submitting abstracts, volunteering, and writing for ASCO Connection. Find a mentor who sees your potential and helps you refine it. Years ago, in an ASCO Connection blog, I shared my experience of reaching out and connecting with a mentor, and explored how both mentorship and sponsorship can positively impact any phase of your career.3 My mentor, Dr. Abdul Rahman Jazieh, is an inspiring role model who encouraged me to reciprocate his mentorship style, not only for the act of mentoring itself but also for personal growth, as I have always believed that a successful mentorship is mutually beneficial for the mentor and mentee.
In that spirit, I served as a mentor to a bright mind from Rwanda, with whom I was paired with during my participation in the VMP in 2024. Being in academia offers you the valuable opportunity to mentor medical students, residents, and fellows in training, but they all share the same familiar structure. This was my first experience mentoring remotely in a geographical location that I had little knowledge of and having an online mentee was an enriching experience for both personal and professional reasons. What made it hugely impactful was that he was awarded the ASCO International Development and Education Award, which allowed him to attend Annual Meeting and enabled me to meet him in person. Contributing in some small way to his success was, in itself, another meaningful reward ASCO has given me. It reminded me that success is not only defined by personal milestones or accolades, but also by the ability to uplift others and share in their growth.
Oncology is a field where we walk alongside patients through some of the most difficult and vulnerable moments of their lives. To serve them well, oncology professionals need to feel supported mentally, emotionally, and professionally so they can then extend that strength to their patients, colleagues, and communities. In my own research on oncologist burnout, I found that the presence or absence of an optimal work environment significantly impacted not only well-being but also professional engagement.4-6 The burden we carry as cancer physicians is not solely clinical; it’s also emotional, cognitive, and moral. That’s why institutional support, mentorship, inclusion, and psychological well-being are necessities, not luxuries. ASCO programs and culture have modeled what this kind of environment can look like, providing space for connection, recognition, and growth, all of which are vital to maintaining passion and purpose in oncology.
Behind every initiative—whether educational, leadership-focused, or community-driven—stands a dedicated team of ASCO staff and administrators who make it possible. To them, I say, your work often happens behind the scenes, but its impact is deeply felt. You help create a professional home where oncologists around the world feel seen, heard, and empowered. Thank you for enabling us to care, lead, grow, and most importantly, belong.
References
- Abusanad A, Alawadi A, Mukharji D, et al. Insights and solutions for advancing and empowering women in oncology from the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries. ESMO Open. 2024;9(10):103723.
- Abusanad A. The glass ceiling of medical oncology in MENA: barely scratching the surface. ASCO Connection. September 16, 2021. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://connection.asco.org/do/glass-ceiling-medical-oncology-mena-barely-scratching-surface.
- Abusanad A. The mentor quest. ASCO Connection. April 12, 2021. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://connection.asco.org/do/mentor-quest.
- Abusanad A, Bensalem A, Shash E, et al. Burnout in oncology: Magnitude, risk factors and screening among professionals from Middle East and North Africa (BOMENA study). Psychooncology. 2021;30(5):736-746.
- Abusanad A, Bensalem A, Shash E, et al. Prevalence and Risk Factors of Burnout Among Female Oncologists From the Middle East and North Africa. Front Psychol. 2022;13:845024.
- Abusanad A. From burnout to balance. ASCO Connection. January 27, 2021. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://connection.asco.org/do/burnout-balance.
