Breakthrough Science, Bold Conversations, and New Educational Experiences
Welcome from your program chairs.
With nearly 900 abstract submissions spanning innovative surgery, emerging therapeutics, and health disparities research, 2026 SGO Annual Meeting attendees can expect an energizing and forward‑leaning meeting.
That enthusiasm exudes from the meeting’s program chairs, Pamela T. Soliman, MD, MPH, and Christine Walsh, MD, MS, who shared their first look at the scientific program, featured sessions, and the philosophy guiding this year’s event.
Dr. Soliman is a professor and chair ad interim of the department of gynecologic oncology and reproductive medicine and the Mattie Allen Fair Professorship in Cancer Research, at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Dr. Walsh is a professor and chief of gynecologic oncology and the Don and Arlene Mohler Johnson Family Endowed Chair of Ovarian Cancer at the University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine in Aurora.
“We have some incredible science including newly resulted prospective clinical trials as well as trials in progress that will help clinicians know about ongoing trials available for their patients,” Dr. Soliman said. “We also have the return of the case-based tumor board.”
Both chairs highlighted the breadth and depth of the science being presented, describing an “incredible” and highly competitive abstract pool. The program includes cutting‑edge advances in:
- Novel therapeutics
- Innovative and complex surgical techniques
- Health disparities research
One highlight at this year’s meeting is the Nezhat Surgical Session which will take place in the main plenary. It features surgical videos and a live debate — an elevation of surgical education within the core meeting agenda.
“Collectively, this year’s meeting is an engaging array of subject experts for workshops, distillations, the tumor board, master classes, and educations sessions,” Dr. Walsh said. “Attendees will be able to access the newest science that will impact patient care.”
This year’s featured speakers include Will Flannery, MD, an ophthalmologist and social media personality known as “Dr. Glaucomflecken,” who will be speaking on “Humor & Humanity in Health Care.” Jess Wedel, the first ovarian cancer survivor to summit Mount Everest, will share insights into resilience, courage, and hope in her talk, “Breath by Breath: From Cancer to Everest.
“These presenters bring unique storytelling, humor, and patient perspective to the meeting’s stage,” Dr. Walsh said.
Another pre‑meeting feature is a screening of the award‑winning film, “Love, Danielle,” which follows a woman who carries a BRCA gene mutation and must decide whether to undergo preventive surgeries — such as a mastectomy and oophorectomy — to reduce her risk of developing cancer. A post-film discussion with the producer and lead actress will explore the complex and emotional decisions BRCA mutation carriers face when considering prophylactic surgery.
Poster tours will also spotlight trials in progress, guiding practicing gynecologic clinicians through clinical studies currently available to patients.
Drs. Soliman and Walsh said this year’s multidisciplinary program was the result of a rigorous abstract review leveraging a committee of clinicians incorporating their expertise in all clinical and scientific domains that shape gynecologic cancer care. The two engaged subject‑matter experts across workshops, distillation sessions, educational segments, master classes, and the tumor board, they said.
“The goal is to ensure that every attendee — whether investigator, surgeon, clinician, nurse, or trainee — can bring the science back to their practices with clear context and application,” Dr. Soliman said. “Distillation speakers have been asked specifically to help translate the research into actionable clinical meaning.”
Finally, Dr. Walsh encouraged attendees to soak in the culture of the Puerto Rico venue, allowing for a reflective time to listen to the science, connect with colleagues, and apply new learning to their patients.
“It’s not just about the agenda — it’s about the opportunity to advance science, embrace change, and empower teams across the gynecologic oncology community and to take the opportunity to rejuvenate in a unique and culturally rich destination,” Dr. Walsh said.
