Howdy PUGTATO readers!  I’m shooting you a quick post from National Harbor, MD, where I am attending the Society of Surgical Oncology Symposium.

One of the most interesting experiences at these conferences is talking with physicians from across the globe. Today I had the privilege to discuss hereditary cancer with physicians from Indonesia, Argentina and Ethiopia. I learned that in Argentina, for example, oncologic surgical management is led by GYNs, which is certainly different from here in the states.

I believe these conferences are the anti-creativity killer.  

Remember the creativity killers from my mini-series Are you there pharma? It’s me, Liz?  I believe these conferences are the anti–creativity killer.  Posters will be presented that will change the future for cancer patients.  New devices will be revealed that make surgery less invasive yet more powerful.  Studies will be presented to help physicians understand trends in rare and difficult to treat cancers. It’s always a neat experience to be surrounded by the best and brightest minds in any field. Symposiums are an opportunity to learn from peers, to understand a new perspective and to push current standards to newer heights. After all, the only way to create meaningful change is listen, learn, brainstorm and make it happen.

There’s much more to come at this symposium, including a session on leveraging social media use in healthcare (#HCSM), which I am excited to attend tomorrow morning.

Have a great weekend and do something creative!

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