The American Society of Clinical Oncology continues to position advocacy as a central pillar of oncology practice. Through initiatives such as the annual Advocacy Summit and the Week of Action, ASCO brings together oncologists from across the United States to engage directly with policymakers and shape decisions that impact cancer care delivery and research funding.
These efforts reflect a broader recognition that clinical expertise must inform national policy particularly in areas such as access to care, research investment, and the removal of administrative barriers that affect both patients and providers.
Ruiling X. Yuan: Elevating Rural Oncology in Policy Conversations
At the center of this year’s advocacy efforts is Ruiling X. Yuan, a community oncologist and hematologist whose work has brought critical attention to the realities of rural cancer care. Practicing at Self Regional Healthcare in South Carolina, Dr. Yuan has consistently translated frontline challenges into meaningful policy engagement.
Her advocacy has been defined by direct interaction with lawmakers, participation in national advocacy initiatives, and local efforts that connect policymakers with real-world oncology practice. By organizing Advocacy at Home meetings and hosting legislators within her clinical setting, she has ensured that the barriers faced by patients in underserved areas ranging from access limitations to care coordination challenges are clearly represented in legislative discussions.
Through her role within ASCO’s advocacy structures, including the Association PAC Advisory Council, Dr. Yuan has contributed to sustained, year-round efforts aimed at improving cancer care systems.
Following the announcement, Ruiling X. Yuan, MD, shared a personal reflection on LinkedIn:
“Honored to be named ASCO 2025 Advocate of the Year.
Grateful to the incredible American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) staff, leadership, and Advocacy team for building such a powerful platform, this work wouldn’t happen without you.
Thankful for Team South Carolina (Joanna Metzner-Sadurski, MD; Abirami Sivapiragasam; Emily; Alex Yang, MD) for your partnership.
A special thank you to Jasmine Kamboj, MD, FASCO, your mentorship, encouragement, and empowerment truly changed my path.
This award belongs to my patients. They are why advocacy matters.
From no representation to strong, year-round engagement, so proud of how far SC has come.
Just getting started…”
ASCO Advocate of the Year: Recognition of Impact
In recognition of her work, Dr. Yuan has been named ASCO’s 2025 Advocate of the Year. The award highlights her commitment to bridging the gap between clinical practice and policy, particularly in ensuring that rural oncology remains a visible and prioritized issue at the national level.
Her advocacy has demonstrated how physician engagement can influence policy direction grounding legislative decisions in the lived experiences of patients and providers. At the same time, her response to the recognition reflects a broader perspective. She has emphasized the role of collaboration, mentorship, and institutional support, while dedicating the award to her patients, reinforcing that advocacy efforts are ultimately driven by their needs.
A Growing Role for Advocacy in Oncology
Dr. Yuan’s recognition underscores an important shift within oncology: advocacy is no longer peripheral to clinical work, but an essential extension of it. As healthcare systems evolve, the integration of physician perspectives into policy development will remain critical.
Through leaders like Dr. Yuan, ASCO’s advocacy initiatives continue to demonstrate that improving cancer care requires not only scientific advancement, but also sustained engagement in the policies that shape how that care is delivered.
The 2026 ASCO Advocacy Summit Highlights
Stay informed with more articles like this on OncoDaily
Written by Nare Hovhannisyan,MD