In today’s episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Elizabeth Mittendorf, MD, PhD, MHCM, the 2026 president-elect of ASCO. Dr Mittendorf is the Robert and Karen Hale Distinguished Chair in Surgical Oncology and the vice chair for research in the Department of Surgery at the Brigham and Women's Hospital; co-leader of the Breast Program and director of the Breast Immuno-Oncology Program at the Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center; co-leader of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; and a professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School, all in Boston, Massachusetts.
In our exclusive interview, Dr Mittendorf discussed her priorities for advancing oncology practice and improving patient outcomes during her presidency. These include multidisciplinary cancer care, workforce well-being, leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency, and addressing global cancer care. She also emphasized the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for early career professionals, highlighting her personal experience with multiple mentors and her commitment to supporting the next generation of oncology professionals.
