ASCO 2025 For Trainees And Residents

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is the world’s premier oncology event, bringing together thousands of oncologists, researchers, trainees, and industry leaders to share groundbreaking research and discuss the future of cancer care. If you’re a trainee or resident attending ASCO 2025, here’s how to make the most of your experience.

FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHEN AND WHERE IS ASCO 2025?

ASCO 2025 will be held from May 30 to Jun 3, in Chicago. Successfully navigating ASCO begins long before setting foot in McCormick Place, Chicago. Given the sheer number of attendees and the high demand for resources, early and strategic planning is not just recommended, it’s essential for a smooth and productive experience. Procrastination can lead to higher costs, limited options, and unnecessary stress, detracting from the primary goals of learning and networking.

Registration and Hotel

Securing registration and accommodation should be top priorities. Early registration not only often comes with discounted rates but also guarantees a spot at this high-demand event. The early registration deadline is April 23, 2025. Hotel booking should be done concurrently, as desirable locations fill up exceptionally fast.

While ASCO provides official hotel blocks, often with negotiated rates 1, rooms near the McCormick Place venue or in the downtown/Michigan Avenue area (convenient for evening events and dining) are particularly sought after. Booking lodging as soon as attendance is confirmed is strongly advised.

Travel Smart

Attendees traveling domestically by air should be aware of the federal REAL ID requirement, which mandates a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state ID for flights starting May 7, 2025. International attendees face the additional hurdle of obtaining a U.S. visa. ASCO provides official invitation letters to fully paid, in-person registrants to support visa applications, but the organization cannot intervene directly with embassies or consulates.

The visa application process can be lengthy and complex, sometimes taking months, and presents unique challenges for international medical graduates (IMGs) regarding documentation and travel planning. Therefore, initiating the visa application process as early as possible, ideally several months in advance, is critical.

The ASCO Meetings App

The official ASCO Meetings mobile app is an indispensable tool for managing the conference complexities. Attendees should download it well before the meeting to build a personalized agenda by selecting sessions, speakers, and abstracts of interest. This pre-planning is vital for navigating the packed schedule effectively. During the meeting, the app serves as a dynamic guide, providing access to abstracts, presentation slides (often downloadable), venue maps, shuttle schedules, and real-time updates or changes. The ASCO Meetings App is available for download on both Google Play and the Apple App Store.

McCormick Place

The sheer size of McCormick Place, North America’s largest convention center, can be intimidating. Familiarity with the layout is key to efficient navigation between sessions, which can sometimes be located in different buildings (North, South, West, Lakeside Center). Using the maps available in the app or online, and potentially arriving early on the first day for orientation, can save valuable time. Comfortable footwear is universally cited as essential attire, given the extensive walking required. Utilizing the complimentary ASCO shuttle service between official hotels and the venue is often more efficient and cost-effective than taxis or ride-sharing, especially considering potential traffic.

ASCO 2025 for Trainees and Residents: Your Ultimate Guide to Success

Special Award Lectures for Early-Career Inspiration At the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, the oncology community will gather not only to share groundbreaking science but also to honor those whose work has shaped the future of cancer care.
This year, ASCO and Conquer Cancer will recognize outstanding researchers, educators, advocates, and global leaders with the Society’s most prestigious awards. As An Early Career Oncologist Do Not Miss Keynote Lectures by these remarkable Awardees.

• Karen E. Knudsen, PhD, MBA – Allen Lichter Visionary Leader Award
• Susan M. Domchek, MD, FASCO – ASCOAmerican Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Award
• Heidi Klepin, MD, MS – BJ Kennedy Award for Geriatric Oncology
• Dawn L. Hershman, MD, MS, FASCO – David Karnofsky Science of Oncology Award
• Don S. Dizon, MD, FACP, FASCO – Excellence in Equity Award

• Ian E. Krop, MD, PhD – Gianni Bonadonna Breast Cancer Award
• Barbara L. McAneny, MD, MACP, FASCO – Humanitarian Award
• Christopher Flowers, MD, MS, FASCO – Jamie Von Roenn Excellence in Teaching and Mentorship Award
• Karen E. Jackson – Patient Advocate Award
• Melissa Hudson, MD, FASCO – Pediatric Oncology Award
• Karen M. Mustian, PhD – Walther Cancer Foundation Supportive Oncology Award

Smart Strategies for Sessions and Posters

The scientific program at ASCO is vast and deep, offering unparalleled learning opportunities. However, the sheer volume necessitates a strategic approach to session selection and information absorption, especially for time-constrained trainees. Balancing attendance at high impact presentations with targeted educational sessions and interactive opportunities is key to maximizing the scientific value of the meeting.

WHICH SESSIONS ARE MUST-ATTEND?

Effective navigation requires planning before arrival. Using the ASCO Meetings app to build a personalized agenda is the first step. Prioritization should consider several factors: relevance to one’s training stage and clinical/research interests, the potential impact of the research, and the format of the session. Most oral presentations and major sessions are recorded and available on-demand for registered attendees for years after the meeting, whereas interactions during poster sessions or discussions in lounge settings are unique to the live event.

Opening Session – May 31

This session formally launches the meeting, featuring the ASCO President’s Address (Dr. Robin Zon for 2025, focusing on the theme “Driving Knowledge to Action: Building a Better Future”), guest speakers, and the presentation of prestigious awards like the Fellows of ASCO. It provides context for the meeting’s overall direction and celebrates key figures in the field.

Plenary Session – June 1

Widely considered the centerpiece of the scientific program, this session features the presentation and discussion of the year’s top five clinical abstracts, often representing practice-changing research with immediate global implications. Attendance is highly recommended for anyone seeking to stay abreast of the most significant advances.

Trial: ATOMIC (Alliance A021502)

1:05 PM – LBA1

Topic: Atezolizumab + chemotherapy as adjuvant therapy in stage III dMMR colon cancer. Presenter: Frank A. Sinicrope, MD (Mayo Clinic). Discussant: Myriam Chalabi, MD, PhD (Netherlands Cancer Institute). Why attend: Potential practice-changing data in immunotherapy for early-stage colon cancer.

Trial: NIVOPOSTOP (GORTEC 2018-01)

1:37 PM – LBA2

Topic: Adjuvant nivolumab post-chemoradiotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Presenter: Jean Bourhis Sr, MD, PhD (CHUV). Discussant: Stuart J. Wong, MD (Medical College of Wisconsin). Why attend: May influence postoperative strategies in high-risk HNSCC.

Trial: VERIFY

2:09 PM – LBA3

Topic: Rusfertide in polycythemia vera – Phase 3 results. Presenter: Andrew Tucker Kuykendall, MD (Moffitt Cancer Center). Why attend: Novel agent with possible implications for hematologic malignancy management.

Trial: SERENA-6

2:41 PM – LBA4

Topic: Camizestrant + CDK4/6 inhibitor in HR+/HER2– ABC with emergent ESR1 mutations. Presenter: Nicholas C. Turner, MD, PhD (Royal Marsden Hospital). Discussant: Angela DeMichele,  MD, MSCE (University of Pennsylvania). Why attend: First ctDNA-guided endocrine therapy escalation strategy.

Trial: MATTERHORN

3:13 PM – LBA5

Topic: Durvalumab + FLOT chemo in resectable gastric/GEJ cancer. Presenter: Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD (MSKCC). Discussant: Samuel J. Klempner, MD (Mass General Hospital). Why attend: Highly relevant for GI oncologists – possible new standard in neoadjuvant/adjuvant GC/GEJC care.

Highlights of the Day ASCO 2025

For attendees unable to attend every desired session, by the end of each day there are daily recaps offering expert summaries and analyses of the most significant research presented, ensuring key takeaways are not missed. Each morning, ASCO 2025 will kick off with the “Highlights of the Day” sessions – a fast-paced roundup of key presentations, breakthroughs, and major news from across the meeting. These sessions will take place on June 1 at 8:15 AM, June 2 at 8:30 AM, and June 3 at 8:00 AM (all times in GMT-5), in Hall D1 and via Live Stream.

The Trainee & Early Career (TEC) Lounge (Hall C)

Trainee & Early Career (TEC) Lounge is a hub specifically designed for attendees in the early stages of their oncology careers. Located conveniently in Hall C, adjacent to Meeting Registration , this space is more than just a place to grab complimentary coffee and snacks; it’s a dedicated ecosystem fostering professional development, networking, and peer support. Eligibility extends to ASCO members who are students, medical students, residents/interns, oncology fellows/trainees, postdoctoral fellows, and practicing oncologists within their first five years post-training. Located right by Meeting Registration in Hall C, the Lounge serves up fresh coffee, breakfast, and snacks all day – plus an unbeatable lineup of interactive panels, roundtables, and one-on-one career conversations.

What’s happening at TEC Lounge?

Career Panels on everything from finding your first job to building business skills, advocacy, and research design. Roundtable Talks with fellowship directors and early-career mentors. One-on-One Mentoring with oncology leaders – 25 minutes of personalized advice with an experienced oncology professional. Sign-ups open in May 2025 and spots are first-come, first-served. Networking Receptions with complimentary drinks and appetizers.

No extra fees, no dress code – just your badge, your ASCO membership, and your ambition.

Whether you want to master contract negotiations, explore careers in academia, or simply meet people who’ve been where you are now, the TEC Lounge is the place to start.

Lounge Hours: Open daily 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM |May 30 – June 2 | Hall C, McCormick Place Come for the coffee. Stay for the career advice that could change everything.

Friday, May 30

02:00 PM: Navigating ASCO 2025 – Tips from
experienced attendees

03:00 PM: Leveraging Social Media for Your Career

04:00 PM: Trainee & Early Career Welcome
Reception – Meet, mingle, and network

Saturday, May 31

08:30 AM: Careers in Oncology – Community,Private, & Hospital Practice

12:30 PM: Advocacy 101 – How to make a difference for your patients

01:30 PM: Mentorship 101 – Building strong mentor relationships

02:45 PM: Abstract Forum A – Posters on GU, Heme, Lung, Melanoma, Survivorship

04:15 PM: Abstract Forum B – Posters on Breast, GI, Genetics, Sarcoma

Sunday, June 1

08:15 AM: Behind the Scenes of Building a Practice- Billing, Coding, Business Skills

09:30 AM: Negotiating Your First Contract

10:30 AM: Roundtable: Applying to Oncology Fellowships (Students & Residents only)

12:00 PM: Roundtable: Making the Most of Oncology Training

Monday, June 2

09:00 AM: Research 101 – Designing Your First Study

10:15 AM: Publication 101 – Peer Review & Successful Publishing

11:30 AM: Keys to Success for Early Career Oncologists

12:00 PM: Finding Your First Job – Applications, Interviews, Job Talks

02:30 PM: Careers in Oncology: Academia

Inspiration at the Conquer Cancer Awards & Beyond

Beyond the immediate scientific updates and networking, ASCO offers potent sources of inspiration, particularly through the recognition of research excellence supported by Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation. Conquer Cancer is a major philanthropic force in oncology, specifically dedicated to funding promising physician-scientists at every career stage, from trainees making their first foray into research to established leaders.

Understanding and witnessing the impact of these awards can be profoundly motivating for attendees charting their own course in oncology research and practice. These awards are not just symbolic: they often provide critical funding that serves as a catalyst for career advancement and groundbreaking discoveries.

Young Investigator Award (YIA): This flagship $50,000, one-year grant is designed to bridge the vulnerable transition period from fellowship to a faculty appointment, providing crucial seed funding for independent research projects.

Since its inception in 1984 with inaugural recipient Dr. Judith Salmon Kaur , the YIA has launched countless careers, with many recipients going on to make significant contributions, including presenting plenary talks at future ASCO meetings (e.g., Drs. Herbst, Schrag, Mellinghoff, Herrera in 2023).

Stories like Dr. Jenny Ruiz’s work on language barriers highlight the diverse impact of YIA funding. The growing number of endowed YIAs ensures this vital support continues perpetually.

International Development and Education Award (IDEA): This program fosters global oncology collaboration by supporting earlycareer oncologists from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). It funds their attendance at the ASCO Annual Meeting, pairs them with a U.S. or Canadian mentor, and facilitates a postmeeting visit to the mentor’s institution.

Recipient stories, such as Fernanda Rivera becoming the first Mexican radiation oncology resident IDEA recipient, Akhil Santhosh from India , or Aigul Semetei kyzy from Kyrgyzstan , underscore the award’s role in knowledge exchange and building international networks. The program often serves as a stepping stone to further opportunities.

Long-term International Fellowship (LIFe): Often pursued by IDEA alumni, the LIFe grant provides substantial funding ($115,000) for a year of research training in the U.S., Canada, or Europe for early-career oncologists from LMICs committed to returning to their home countries.

Merit Awards: These awards recognize scientific excellence among students, trainees, and junior faculty who are first authors on top-ranking abstracts selected for presentation at various ASCO meetings (Annual Meeting, GU Cancers Symposium, GI Cancers Symposium, Quality Care Symposium, etc.).

Special Merit Awards are given for the highestranked abstracts in specific categories. Receiving a Merit Award provides visibility and credibility.

Career Development Award (CDA): A three-year, $200,000 grant supporting clinical investigators in their first few years of faculty appointment as they establish independent, patient-oriented research programs.

Advanced Clinical Research Award (ACRA): A three-year, $450,000 grant designed for midcareer investigators conducting original clinical or translational research.

The Ceremony is open and typically takes place on the first afternoon of the ASCO Annual Meeting. For trainees, the ceremony can serve as a potent source of motivation, visualizing future possibilities and potentially identifying future mentors or collaborators among the awardees.

ASCO 2025 Receptions, Parties and Networking Events You Can’t Miss

ASCO is many things: a scientific marathon, a career launchpad, and yes — a massive reunion for the global oncology world. The real ASCO doesn’t end when the last slide clicks off at 6 PM. That’s just when the best parts begin. Here’s your survival guide to the events where careers are made, friendships are born, and legends roam the room.

ASCO President’s Reception (Invitation Only)

When: May 31, 2025 (Evening). Where: Official Shuttle Bus From McCormickThousands of oncologists, the ASCO Board, award winners, firsttimers – all gathering under one roof for food, drinks, and a lot of handshaking.

Pro Tip: Get there early. This is your best shot to meet ASCO leadership before the weekend chaos sets in.

Giants of Cancer Care Awards

When: May 30, 2025 (Evening). Where: RitzCarlton Chicago. Before ASCO even officially starts, the Giants Awards light up the city. This is a black-tie-optional, goosebumps-guaranteed evening honoring the true trailblazers of oncology. Expect standing ovations, some very moving speeches, and a guest list packed with the who’s who of cancer care.

Yvonne Award Ceremony

When: May 30, 2025 (Evening). Where: RIVER ROAST, 315 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654. Think of it as the Oscars of Oncology – but without the awkward speeches. Organized by OncoDaily, the Yvonne Award honors the real giants of cancer care: the scientists, clinicians, and advocates who actually moved the needle. The room will be packed with decision-makers, mentors you want to meet, and leaders you might one day become.

Pro Tip: If you can only attend one “non-official” event during ASCO, this is it. Dress sharp, bring your A-game, and don’t lurk in the corners –  this is networking on another level. Don’t forget to nominate your colleague for the award.

TEC Lounge Receptions

When: May 30 and June 1, 2025. Where: TEC Lounge, Hall C. If you’re a trainee, fellow, or new to the field, this is your home base. The TEC Lounge receptions are easy-going, no-suit-required, full of people trying to figure out the same career paths you are — and a few who already have.

Pro Tip: Don’t treat it like a food stop. Spend 30 minutes introducing yourself to people outside your institution. Those random chats often lead to unexpected opportunities.

OncoDaily Party

When: June 1, 2025 (Late Evening, after the Yvonne Award). Where: Secret location (RSVP or invite required). Every big meeting has an unofficial center of gravity – this is ASCO’s. The OncoDaily Party is where oncologists, biotech founders, young investigators, and media people meet without suits, slides, or badges getting in the way. Expect a packed venue, serious energy, and zero patience for boring small talk.

Pro Tip: This is not the place to pitch research. Come to connect, laugh, be real – and leave with contacts who actually answer your emails later. Attending the ASCO Annual Meeting as a trainee or early-career oncologist is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to fuel your growth, expand your network, and find lifelong inspiration.

But success at ASCO is no accident – it’s the result of smart preparation, strategic engagement, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Whether you are attending groundbreaking plenaries, connecting at the TEC Lounge, or making unforgettable memories at the Yvonne Award Ceremony and OncoDaily Party, every moment at ASCO 2025 can shape your future in oncology.

So plan boldly, show up fully, and be ready to turn knowledge into action – because at ASCO, the future of cancer care is not just discussed, it’s built.

Written by Amalya Sargsyan 2024 ASCO Conquer cancer IDEA awardee