Doctors sitting in a class.

Participants in the year-long Leadership Development Program (LDP) will learn valuable leadership skills, gain exposure to the roles and mission of ASCO, and learn about the Society’s powerful place in developing the future of cancer care. This program requires a time commitment for travel and training.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to:

  • Identify, select, and train mid-career level members to become future leaders in the Society and other areas of medicine
  • Provide leadership skills training through an orientation to ASCO’s structures and programs
  • Facilitate the promotion of program graduates into leadership positions in ASCO

ASCO strongly encourages application submissions in all oncology subspecialties

Eligibility Criteria

The Leadership Development Program Work Group reserves the right to evaluate and determine applicants' eligibility based on the information and justifications included in the application materials.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a member
  • Be a physician (MD, DO, or international equivalent) working in any country
  • Must have completed one’s final subspecialty training between 2013 and 2018
  • Have a supervisor or senior member from one’s institution/practice provide a letter of support. The supervisor/senior member must endorse one’s participation in the program. If the senior member is not a member, a supporting letter from a member must be included.

*Note: ASCO will also extend an eligibility exception for a new child, personal or family illness, or other compelling interruptions in professional development. Candidates who wish to request an eligibility extension should submit their rationale in writing to the Leadership Development Program Committee.

Program Format

  • Attend and actively participate in 5 live meetings
    • 1-day session at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago in June 2023
    • 2-day session in Alexandria, VA in the Summer of 2023
    • 3-day session in Alexandria, VA in the Fall of 2023
    • 3-day session in Alexandria, VA in the Spring of 2024
    • 2-day session at the Annual Meeting in Chicago in June 2024
  • 16 participants are accepted to participate in the annual program
  • The class is divided into four teams and assigned to ASCO strategic issues to research
  • Teams will complete project assignments throughout the year and develop a presentation to be delivered to the Board of Directors
  • Individuals will practice acquired leadership skills throughout the year within project teams
  • Participants will engage in standing conference calls with the LDP team
  • The class is required to complete course evaluations and alumni surveys

Program Curriculum Outline

2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois
ASCO Leadership Development Program Orientation Session
Participant Expectations
Introduction to ASCO President and President-Elect

ASCO Headquarters Summer Session
Orientation to ASCO
Introduction to Interactive Learning Projects
Leadership Skills Session

ASCO Headquarters Fall Session 
ASCO Department Presentations
Leadership Skills Session

ASCO Headquarters Spring Session 
Advocacy Training
Interactive Learning Project Presentations
ASCO Department Presentations
Leadership Skills Session

2023 ASCO Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois 
Presentations to the ASCO Board of Directors
Graduation

Travel Information

ASCO reimburses participants for housing and travel costs related to attendance at Leadership Development meetings and activities, excluding the Annual Meeting.

Application Dates

The application for the 2023-2024 ASCO Leadership Development Program is open from July 1 to September 25, 2022. If you have questions about the LDP application, please email our Professional Development team.

Please visit the Application Guidelines page for more information and to apply.