In July 2010, the American Society of Clinical Oncology launched
its social networking site, ASCOconnection.org, along with its
revamped member magazine of the same name. Since the launch, the
number of bloggers featured on the site has climbed to 11,
including such leaders in the field as ASCO President George
Sledge, MD; Immediate Past President Douglas Blayney, MD; and ASCO
Connection Editor-in-Chief and gynecologic cancer expert Jonathan
S. Berek, MD, MMS.
"ASCO Connection allows ASCO leaders to talk directly with
ASCO's membership (both domestic and international) on issues of
the day," says Dr. Sledge. "As more physicians adopt social media,
it's vital for ASCO to have an online meeting place for
member-to-member communication, and ASCO Connection is that
forum."
The blogs, which continue to be the star attraction on the site,
provide insider insight on such topics as end-of-life care, the
politics and policies affecting the practice of oncology, the
growing challenges of cancer care worldwide, physicians' use of
social media, and, of course, the science and research affecting
the future of cancer care. When Dr. Sledge posts a blog ("Smart
Tumors Need Smart Systems") about an article that altered his "view
of the cancer world," people take notice.
Other featured bloggers on the site include ASCO International
Affairs Committee Chair Clement Adebamowo, MD, ScD; Director of the
Yale Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital Anees Chagpar, MD;
Journal of Oncology Practice Editor-in-Chief John V. Cox, DO, MBA,
FACP; Immediate Past Chair of the Integrated Technology Committee
L. Michael Glodé, MD; CME Chair for the Association of Physician
Assistants in Oncology Heather Hylton, MS, PA-C; Journal of
Oncology Practice and Cancer.Net Editorial Board Member Robert
Miller, MD; Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University's
Feinberg School of Medicine Jamie Von Roenn, MD; and ASCO Board of
Directors Member Peter Yu, MD.
Opportunities for Member Networking
The opportunities for conversation, networking, and debate
extend beyond the featured blogs. The discussion Forums on
ASCOconnection.org give ASCO members and registered guests an
online platform for making contacts, asking a quick question, or
starting discussion threads on oncology-related topics of their
choice.
The member Magazine page features an interactive digital edition
of the latest issue as well as exclusive interviews with State
Affiliate leaders and past award winners. The Member News column
highlights ASCO member career changes, publications, and awards, as
well as behind-the-scenes articles on how various members pursue a
work-life balance-for some it's golf; for others it's white water
rafting or bungee jumping, to name a few.
Plans are also underway to create group functionality on the
site and enable direct member-to-member messaging.
It's Easy to Join the Discussion
ASCO members who log in to the site with their ASCO.org username
and password have immediate access to read and comment on all
content. Nonmembers who register a guest account with ASCO.org can
read and post on selected topics.
Visit the site today at ASCOconnection.org. For questions and
comments or for Member News submissions, please send an e-mail to
ascoconnection@asco.org. ■
© 2011. American Society of Clinical Oncology. All Rights
Reserved.
