Over the years, SSO Presidential Addresses have covered an array of topics ranging from the growth and evolution of the Society, changes in the care of cancer patients, overcoming personal and professional challenges and ethical considerations. While topics may range, the constant element is the deep passion for the profession and for improving the lives of cancer patients. View past SSO Presidential Addresses here.

Kelly K. Hunt, MD, FSSO

Sandra L. Wong, MD, MS, FSSO, (2022-2023)

Douglas S. Tyler, MD, MSHCT, FSSO, (2021-2022)

James R. Howe, MD, (2020-2021)

David L. Bartlett, MD, (2019-2020)

Armando E. Giuliano, MD, (2018-2019)

Presented for outstanding contributions to surgical oncology through service to SSO, research, or enhancing clinical care or health policy. This is the successor to the Society of Surgical Oncology Heritage Award and 2018 marks the first year of this award with the new name “The Charles M. Balch, MD, Distinguished Service Award.” Charles M. Balch, MD has dedicated more than 30 years of service to the SSO, demonstrating leadership on multiple fronts and serving as SSO President in 1991. His passion for the Society and for the field of surgical oncology is evidenced by 25 years of service to the Annals of Surgical Oncology, in which his actions as Founding Editor-in-Chief have led to the worldwide growth and prominence of the journal.

A list of recipients can be found here.

The James Ewing Lecture is presented annually and is the highest award of the Society, given to a physician whose work has had a major impact on surgical oncology.  Work is defined in the broadest sense, and includes basic, translational, clinical, and health services research as well as public policy.

Find a list of recipients here.

This prestigious award is selected by the SSO President and is given to an individual whose work has impacted the clinical practice of surgical oncology. The recipient presents a lecture at the SSO Annual Cancer Symposium in the year they are awarded.

Learn more about past recipients here.

This lecture award is delivered by an MD or PhD performing innovative basic or translational research relevant to the understanding of cancer biology or the care of the cancer patient. This award is funded by the American Cancer Society.

See a list of recipients here.

In 2007, SSO established a new Clinical Investigator Award (CIA) program with the goal of promoting patient-oriented research through the training of surgical oncologists in clinical and translational science.

Learn more about the award here.

The SSO Young Investigator Award in Surgical Oncology promotes and recognizes translational or clinical research that advances innovative ideas and concepts designed to improve health outcomes through advances in the delivery of cancer-related care.

Learn more about the award here.

Each year the SSO awards a $1,000 grant to assist in providing travel support for a postdoctoral oncology trainee whose paper is accepted for presentation at the SSO Annual Cancer Symposium. The SSO Scientific Program Committee selects the winner based on a blind peer-review of abstracts submitted.

See a list of the award recipients here.

The Colon Cancer Foundation and the SSO developed this award in 2011 to recognize excellence in translational research focused on the molecular biology of colorectal cancer. This award was renamed in 2020 to honor the late Dr. Thomas Weber, the Colon Cancer Foundation’s founder. This award is made annually to a postdoctoral surgical oncology fellow whose work is being presented at the International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care and includes a grant to a postdoctoral surgical oncology trainee to help underwrite their research.  

A list of recipients can be found here.

For a full list of contest winners click here.

Each year, SSO offers two Poster Contest Awards of $500 each; one for the best Basic/Transitional Research Poster and one for the best Clinical Research Poster. Based on submissions, the Scientific Program Committee selects the top ten finalist posters from all entries submitted. During the Symposium, the finalists’ posters are prominently displayed, and attendees vote to select the winner of each category.

For a full list of recipients click here.

The James Ewing Layperson’s Award is intended to thank and honor non-physicians for their work in support of public awareness, patient resources, or clinical or research efforts in the prevention or cure of cancer.

For a list of recipients of the James Ewing Layperson’s Award go here.

As a result of the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) partnership with various international societies, the SSO debuted a Global Partners Posters section at SSO 2016. Partner societies were invited to submit their top abstracts from their respective world-wide events over the past year. It is the Society’s intent to continue to incorporate this opportunity as part of the Annual Cancer Symposium programming.

Find a list of previous posters here.