“Cancer is a universal challenge. People everywhere share the same emotions of hope, loss, and resilience. Knowledge and experience remain our strongest weapons, and I am grateful to have gained both in such an exceptional environment,” states Dr. Mariam Abuladze from Georgia, who just returned from a one-month placement at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC).
Attending the OMI Bone and Soft Tissue Malignancies seminar was a turning point in my professional journey. Through this program, I had the privilege of connecting with Dr. Mark A. Dickson, who kindly supported my placement at MSKCC’s Sarcoma Department.
Spending a month at MSKCC was one of the most valuable and inspiring experiences of my career. I had the honor of learning directly from leading experts, such as Dr. William D. Tap and Dr. Robert Maki, witnessing how they approach complex decision-making, and understanding the importance of collaboration and humanity in oncology practice.
Thanks to the OMI, I not only expanded my expertise but also found a new professional “family”. I carry this responsibility forward in my own institution, Todua Clinic, where I strive to integrate the innovations I learned into daily practice.
I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. Truly, no man is an island, no place like home.”
The unique oncology seminar stood out for its exceptional networking opportunities, which fellows made the most of during the informative week. This particular seminar highlights the empowerment and continued education that can come from the flourishing of relationships forged at the OMI.
Another participant, Dr. Ana Lilia Ruelas Villavicencio from Mexico, grasped the opportunity to invite faculty member Dr. Michael A. Postow, Chief of the Melanoma Service at MSKCC, to her institution, the Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición “Salvador Zubirán”, this August during a scientific congress to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the dermatology specialty at INCMNSZ. Dr. Postow delivered two cutting-edge lectures on novelties in immunotherapy toxicities in cancer, and current developments in advanced melanoma management.
The first lecture was presented as the institutional plenary session to a multidisciplinary audience of professionals from diverse specialties such as internal medicine, oncology, hematology, rheumatology, and dermatology. The second lecture was given to more than 250 dermatologists from Mexico City and beyond.
“This professional interchange was particularly meaningful to me and my dermatology colleagues, as we continue to take on new roles and redefine our leadership styles. Dr. Postow provided invaluable insights and support, inspiring our residents, fellows, and faculty by professionally sharing his expertise and the latest advances in cancer immunotherapy and patient care. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Postow for his contribution and to the OMI for fostering the international network and academic exchange through the OMI seminars.”
