The Medical Oncology Association of Southern California (MOASC) recently concluded its MOASC 2026 Annual Award Ceremony. This vibrant event dedicated significant time to honoring oncology legends. Furthermore, it celebrated groundbreaking research from a new generation of physicians.
Advocacy and the Legacy of Dr. Warren Fong
The evening began with a poignant tribute to the late Dr. Warren Fong, a beloved past president of MOASC. To honor his tireless work in PBM reform and 340B legislation, the organization established the Dr. Warren Fong Memorial Award for Advocacy. This newly created honor ensures his spirit of dedication to patient care continues to inspire the medical community.
The inaugural recipient, Dr. Amy Cummings from UCLA, gained recognition for her critical work in lung cancer screening. During her acceptance speech, she highlighted a local crisis. California currently has the second-highest number of lung cancer cases in the nation. Despite this, only 1% of eligible individuals were being screened as recently as 2020. Consequently, this award underscores the importance of the MOASC 2026 Annual Award Ceremony in highlighting vital public health issues.
Celebrating Research Excellence
The ceremony showcased scholarly excellence through its competitive poster sessions. Researchers from across the state presented findings in two main categories. Winners at the MOASC 2026 Annual Award Ceremony included:
- Translational Research: First place went to Dr. Alysia Bordalooi from City of Hope. Her research focused on CCND3 in acute leukemia.
- Clinical Research: First place went to Dr. Nancy Wyn from the Alameda Health System. She received the award for her work on Krukenberg tumors.
Additionally, other notable winners included Timothy Chu, Dr. Christopher Grant, Dr. Duly Patel, and Dr. Maria Alejandro Molina Rodriguez. Their contributions represent a significant step forward in understanding complex oncological challenges.
Expert Career Insights: The Oncology Panel
A candid discussion featuring experts like Dr. Sandeep Patel and Dr. Amrita Krishnan provided invaluable lessons for the next generation. This panel served as a centerpiece of the MOASC 2026 Annual Award Ceremony. Key takeaways included:
- Mentorship: Mentors look for authenticity and curiosity in students. Moreover, they highly value a student’s ability to follow through on commitments.
- Work-Life Balance: Panelists described balance as shifting priorities over a week. This approach works better than adhering to a strict nine-to-five schedule.
- Patient Connection: The panelists agreed that helping patients through their most difficult times provides the primary fulfillment of the specialty.
In conclusion, the event served as a powerful reminder of why the oncology community must support and mentor young researchers.
