Fernanda Rivera, has made history as the first radiation oncology resident from Mexico to receive the prestigious IDEA Award 2025 from the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

“My name is Fernanda Rivera, I am 28 years old, and I come from a small town called Orizaba, Veracruz. Currently, I am in my first year of residency in Radiation Oncology at the Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente, in Jalisco, Mexico.” – says Dr. Rivera.

“My journey into oncology began during my time at university when I took an oncology course and immediately found it to be a fascinating subject. I have always been an organized person, and oncology is a specialty that requires both order and structure. What captivated me the most was the ability to provide patients with one or even multiple treatment options, thanks to the ongoing advancements in research and technology. These innovations are always geared toward improving the lives of patients, which further inspired me to pursue this field.

I chose Radiation Oncology because it allows me to integrate medical practice with cutting-edge technology in the field, I am most passionate about: cancer. Moreover, it is a rapidly evolving specialty, driven by scientific and technological progress, which enables us to deliver increasingly precise treatments with fewer associated toxicities while ensuring patients maintain a good quality of life.

In 2023, I had the privilege of meeting and working with Dr. Maite Bourlon. Although I was already aware of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), she introduced me to the International Development & Education Award (IDEA) and encouraged me to apply. She guided me through the process and motivated me to pursue this incredible opportunity.

The IDEA Award is a program that offers me the chance to learn how radiotherapy is implemented in a high-resource country. This knowledge is invaluable, as it will allow me to adapt and apply these practices in Mexico.

Fortunately, the hospital where I am completing my residency has several resources available to make this possible. Additionally, as I advance through my residency and participate in external rotations at other radiotherapy centers, this experience will empower me to share my knowledge and contribute to the growth of the field across the country.

Receiving the IDEA Award 2025 is a tremendous honor and source of pride for me. In 2018, my greatest dream was to attend an ASCO meeting, and today I have the fortune to be the first resident in the history of Radiation Oncology in Mexico to achieve this recognition. It is a moment of pride not only for me but also for my family, my country, and radiation oncologists across Latin America. This accomplishment demonstrates that with hard work, responsibility, and dedication, anything is possible.”

“This award is also an opportunity to break down cultural barriers and address gender disparities that exist. Most importantly, it equips me with the tools and insights to bring innovative ideas back to my country, helping improve processes and outcomes in Radiation Oncology treatments. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I am committed to making the most of it to benefit patients and the broader medical community in Mexico and beyond.”

About the IDEA Award

The International Development and Education Award (IDEA) supports early-career oncologists from low- and middle-income countries, fostering knowledge exchange between them and ASCO members.

This program pairs IDEA recipients with a distinguished “Mentor” who guides them, allowing them to attend the ASCO Annual Meeting, visit their Mentor’s institution afterward, and build lasting connections to enhance cancer care in their home countries. Additionally, recipients are granted three years of complimentary ASCO membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

About ASCO

Founded in 1964, the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is dedicated to the belief that knowledge is key to overcoming cancer. The Society represents nearly 50,000 oncology professionals who care for cancer patients.

Through its focus on research, education, and the promotion of high-quality, equitable patient care, ASCO strives to defeat cancer and create a future where it can be prevented or cured, and every survivor remains healthy. The ASCO Foundation, Conquer Cancer, supports these efforts by funding innovative research and educational initiatives across all stages of cancer care.

Read more featuring the ASCO IDEA Award.