Dr. Don Dizon and Dr. Nathan Pennell Reflect on the Evolution of the ASCO Educational Book

In a heartfelt and insightful two-part conversation, Dr. Don Dizon and Dr. Nathan Pennell took a step back to reflect on a transformative chapter in their professional lives: their leadership of the ASCO Educational Book, affectionately known as the Ed Book. More than just a scientific publication, the Ed Book has become a living, breathing reflection of the oncology community’s growth—and at the heart of its evolution has been a spirit of collaboration.

The Power of Collaboration: A Shared Vision

Dr. Dizon, who served as Editor-in-Chief, was quick to acknowledge the power of partnership. “You don’t do this alone,” he emphasized, describing how he and Dr. Pennell leaned on each other—and a network of dedicated authors, reviewers, and ASCO leaders—to uphold the Ed Book’s integrity and broaden its relevance.

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A Major Innovation: The Invited Manuscript Format

One of the most meaningful changes under Dr. Dizon’s leadership was the introduction of the invited manuscript format. This innovation allowed ASCO leaders, such as the organization’s president or education chair, to propose topics and authors that weren’t part of the traditional Annual Meeting speaker pool. The result? A richer, more diverse range of voices and topics that better reflect the evolving landscape of cancer care. Notably, there was a steadfast commitment to humility—leaders never nominated themselves, underscoring the Ed Book’s mission of service over self-promotion.

The Role of Social Media: Amplifying the Ed Book’s Reach

Their conversation also touched on the power of social media in democratizing access to high-quality educational content. Back when Twitter (now X) reigned supreme, Dr. Dizon and Dr. Pennell encouraged authors to promote their work in tweet form—often helping craft those posts for maximum clarity and engagement. Today’s social platforms may be more fragmented, but the potential remains: social media can still amplify the Ed Book’s reach, especially among patients, caregivers, and professionals in low-resource settings.

From Print to Digital: The Ed Book’s Transformation

Perhaps one of the most exciting shifts has been the Ed Book’s journey from a print-only publication to a dynamic, digital-first platform. Today, readers can access not only written articles but also podcasts that bring authors’ voices and insights to life. These multimedia offerings provide space for deeper conversations—ones that embrace complexity and nuance in a way that print alone often can’t.

A New Chapter: ASCO Education: By the Book Podcast

In fact, this very conversation between Dr. Dizon and Dr. Pennell marks the launch of a brand-new podcast series titled ASCO Education: By the Book. Announcing it on LinkedIn, Dr. Pennell shared:

“So excited to kick off the first episode of our new podcast: ASCO Education: By the Book with good friend and former #EdBook editor Don S. Dizon!”
This new platform continues the tradition of meaningful dialogue and extends the reach of the Ed Book into new auditory spaces.

Expanding Horizons: Inclusion of GI and GU Manuscripts

Dr. Dizon and Dr. Pennell also celebrated a milestone they had long hoped for: the inclusion of manuscripts from ASCO’s GI and GU thematic meetings. Though they couldn’t make it happen during their tenure due to limited bandwidth, they were thrilled to see the current editorial team bring that vision to life—under tight timelines, no less.

Pride in Progress: The Ed Book’s Global Impact

As the conversation drew to a close, both physicians expressed deep pride in the Ed Book’s evolution. What began as a niche society publication has grown into a globally recognized, inclusive, and continuously published resource. It reflects leadership vision, encourages diverse voices, and adapts to new ways of reaching and engaging the oncology world.

In Dr. Dizon and Dr. Pennell’s hands, the Ed Book became much more than a collection of papers. It became a platform—one built on community, collaboration, and a commitment to pushing the field of oncology forward.

For more fascinating discussions and insights from the forefront of oncology, be sure to follow OncoDaily—where innovation, education, and collaboration come together to drive positive change in cancer care.

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