Celebrating Innovation in Cancer Surgery: A Recap of the 11th Annual HPB GI Oncology Conference

On November 8, 2024, Atrium Health, Wake Forest University School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education and Northwest AHEC organized an innovative educational conference centered on Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic (HPB) and Gastrointestinal (GI) oncology. Featuring multidisciplinary presentations by HPB cancer specialists in medical oncology, surgical oncology, transplant hepatology, and interventional radiology, the event showcased the latest data on HPB malignancy treatments through clinical case studies and interactive audience engagement. This conference brought together healthcare professionals, experts, and leaders to explore the latest advancements in the field of cancer treatment.

With 56 participants and 12 expert speakers, the conference provided an invaluable opportunity for medical professionals to exchange knowledge and foster collaboration.

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Yuman Fong – A Visionary in Robotic Cancer Surgery

The conference highlight was the keynote address by Dr. Yuman Fong, a renowned surgeon at City of Hope Medical Center and a leader in the development of robotic surgery techniques for cancer patients. Dr. Fong, who has made significant contributions to the use of robotics in cancer surgery, captivated the audience with his insights into how robotic technology is transforming surgical procedures. His work is revolutionizing cancer care by improving precision, reducing recovery times, and enhancing overall patient outcomes. His talk emphasized the importance of innovation in medicine and how cutting-edge technologies like robotics are reshaping the future of cancer treatment.

A Collaborative Exchange of Ideas

In addition to Dr. Fong's keynote address, the conference featured an impressive lineup of 12 speakers from Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist and Atrium Health Charlotte. Notably, four speakers from Atrium Health - Charlotte at Levine Cancer Institute shared their expertise, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between local healthcare organizations and academic institutions. The participation of esteemed institutions like Atrium Health - Charlotte further underscores the strength of local partnerships in advancing healthcare. 

The discussions throughout the day covered a range of topics, including:

• Advancements in robotic-assisted surgeries for various types of cancers
• Innovations in minimally invasive techniques and their impact on patient recovery
• Emerging technologies in cancer detection and treatment
• The role of multidisciplinary collaboration in improving cancer care outcomes

These sessions provided valuable insights into how the integration of new technologies and collaborative efforts between hospitals, research centers, and clinicians are helping to pave the way for a new era in cancer care.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cancer Surgery

As we look toward the future of cancer treatment, the conference on November 8^th was a powerful reminder of the exciting potential that lies in the intersection of robotics, precision medicine, and collaborative healthcare networks. With leaders like Dr. Yuman Fong at the helm, and institutions like Atrium Health and City of Hope pushing the boundaries of what's possible, the future of cancer surgery looks brighter than ever.

The success of this conference was driven by the educational vision and leadership of Drs. Perry Shen and Caio Rocha Lima.

As conference directors, Drs. Perry Shen and Caio Rocha Lima have earned widespread recognition for their exceptional leadership, organizational prowess, and ability to curate impactful, high-quality educational events. Their strategic vision fosters a collaborative, forward-thinking atmosphere that encourages innovation and knowledge-sharing. Under their guidance, this annual conference has consistently exceeded expectations in terms of both content and attendee engagement, attracting top-tier speakers and industry experts.

A big thank you to our speakers for providing expert education on the updates in HPB GI Oncology!

For more information and to access the conference brochure, please visit Northwest AHEC’s Conference Brochure.

Pictured: Drs. Perry Shen, Yuman Fong, Paul Schmeltzer and, Caio Rocha Lima

Stay tuned for HPB GI Oncology Conference in November 2025! Sign up for our newsletter to receive information.