Luis Gabriel Parra Lara, Fellow in Hematology and Clinical Oncology at Universidad Icesi and Fundación Valle del Lili, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Honored and deeply grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the 2026 International Development and Education Award (IDEA) from the Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) .
This recognition is much more than a personal achievement. It is an opportunity to proudly represent Colombia and Latin America, and to contribute to the development of leadership in gastrointestinal oncology across our region. As cancer care continues to evolve rapidly, strengthening international collaboration, research capacity, and academic leadership in Latin America is essential to ensuring that our patients benefit from the latest advances in oncology.
Through the IDEA program, I had the privilege of attending the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, where I presented two research posters, engaged with colleagues from around the world, and built meaningful collaborations through networking and mentorship opportunities. I am also excited to participate in SLACOM meeting, further strengthening connections within the Latin American oncology community.
Following ASCO, I will have the opportunity to visit the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, an experience that will provide invaluable exposure to innovation, multidisciplinary care, and academic excellence in oncology.
I am especially proud to represent Universidad Icesi and Fundación Valle del Lili, institutions that have played a fundamental role in my professional development and continue to foster excellence in patient care, research, and medical education.
I look forward to bringing back new knowledge, collaborations, and perspectives that can contribute to improving gastrointestinal cancer care in Colombia and throughout Latin America.”
Other articles featuring Luis Gabriel Parra Lara on OncoDaily.
