SurgOnc Today®

In this episode of SurgOnc Today®, we explore the role of genetics in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL), from identifying patients who should undergo germline testing to understanding how genetic findings can influence surgical decision-making and long-term surveillance. The discussion will emphasize practical, surgeon-focused considerations for integrating genetic information into the care of patients with PPGL.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today®, Dr. Neal Bhutiani is joined by Drs. Philip Spanheimer and Stephanie Downs-Canner to discuss key components and effective strategies for ensuring a strong startup package for new surgeon-scientists.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, Kimberly Washington, MD, FACS, Hop Tran Cao, MD, FACS, Haley Ellis, MD, and Skye Mayo, MD, MPH, FACS, explore the evolving evidence base in cholangiocarcinoma, highlighting contemporary approaches to diagnosis, multidisciplinary management, and treatment. The discussion also examines knowledge gaps and opportunities for clinical research to generate stronger evidence and improve outcomes for patients with this rare biliary tract malignancy.

In this new episode of Speaking of SurgOnc, Dr. Rick Greene and Dr. Jonathan Zager discuss the article: "Recurrence and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Primary Merkel Cell Carcinoma with Positive, Negative, or Not Performed Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy" from the October 2026 Issue of the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, Michael O'Leary, MD, FACS, and Daniel Milgrom, MD, host Jason Sicklick, MD, FACS, and Jula Veerapong, MD while they share their experience in developing and implementing CPT codes for cytoreduction and HIPEC. Dr. Sicklick explains how cytoreduction codes, once paid on the single largest tumor removed, became codes built on the sum of all lesions resected. Dr. Veerapong recounts the first dedicated HIPEC codes and how to best use these. Together, they trace the arc from advocacy to valuation to documentation and remind us of the importance of rendering the value of complex care.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, Emmanuel Gabriel, MD, PhD, Alessandra Moore, MD, and Deshka Foster, MD, PhD, will discuss launching an academic research career and provide essential insights for career development award applicants.

In this episode of SurgOncToday, Janelle-Cheri Millen, MBBS, is joined by Bridget Fahy, MD, Harveshp Mogal, MD, and Andrew Francis, MD, to discuss the board examinations for Complex General Surgical Oncology and to provide some helpful information and tips for our listeners who are preparing for these examinations.

Some resources mentioned in the discussion are listed below:

• The SCORE curriculum for Complex General Surgical Oncology and Question Bank.
• Decker Med curriculum for Complex General Surgical Oncology and Question Bank.
• Stat Pearls Question bank.
• SESAP Advanced.
• Society of Surgical Oncology Complex General Surgical Oncology virtual board exam review course.
• Behind the knife Surgical Oncology Oral board review.
• The MD Anderson Surgical Oncology Manual, 7th Edition, edited by Dr. Barry Feig and published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins in 2023.
• Complex General Surgical Oncology: Preparing for Boards and Early Practice, edited by Carl Schmidt and Mary Garland-Kledzik, published in 2025.
• Surgical Oncology Manual, edited by Frances C. Wright, Jaime M. Escallon, Moises Cukier, Melanie E. Tsang, and Usmaan Hameed. Third edition, University of Toronto, published in 2020.

In this episode of SurgOnc Today, breast surgical oncologists explore circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in early-stage breast cancer and what breast surgeons need to know about this rapidly evolving biomarker. The panel explains what ctDNA is, how it is detected, and its emerging role in identifying molecular residual disease and assessing treatment response. They review the current evidence for ctDNA testing during neoadjuvant therapy, after surgery, and during surveillance, while highlighting important limitations in using ctDNA to guide treatment and surgical decision-making. The conversation also addresses how to counsel patients who request testing and what evidence is still needed before ctDNA can become part of routine breast cancer care.

In this new episode of Speaking of SurgOnc, Dr. Rick Greene and Drs. Samuel Aguiar Jr. & Rebeca Hara Nahime discuss the article: "Robotic Intracorporeal Single-Stapled Anastomosis (RISS) is Associated with Lower Anastomotic Leakage Rates than the Double-Stapled Technique" from the March 2026 Issue of the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

A successful research program requires more than good science—it requires building and leading a strong team. Yet many surgeon-scientists receive little formal training in hiring, managing, and, when necessary, making difficult personnel decisions. In this episode of SurgOnc Today, Drs. Lauren Krumeich, Neal Bhutiani, Stefani Galban, Donnele Daley & Jun Yan discuss practical strategies for recruiting outstanding research staff, identifying the qualities that predict long-term success, fostering a positive and productive team culture, and navigating performance challenges with professionalism and empathy. Through lessons learned from their own experiences, the panel offers actionable advice for junior and established investigators alike on developing and sustaining a high-performing research team.