Smith to lead Society
of Urologic Oncology
Dr. Joseph A. Smith, Jr., was elected president of the Society of Urologic Oncology on June 2 at the annual meeting in Anaheim, Calif. Smith is the William L. Bray professor and chair of the Department of Urologic Surgery.
The Society of Urologic Oncology is the professional society comprised of and represents urologic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and researchers with a primary focus on urologic cancer and supports patient care including new treatment strategies, education, and research.
“With the discoveries which surround the human genome project and the development of new methods of immune therapy, we are on the verge of many exciting new treatments for cancer,” Smith said. “In addition, new surgical techniques and instruments allow surgical removal of cancers with fewer side effects and, sometimes, less invasive approaches. These advances have already had an impact on treatment of urologic cancers.”
Urologic cancers, which include kidney, bladder, and prostate tumors, account for almost one-third of cancers diagnosed in men in the United States and over 10 percent of cancers in women according to American Cancer Society statistics.
“This is a particularly exciting time in cancer treatment, and the Society of Urologic Oncology is the leading organization directed toward developing new treatment strategies and in representing physicians of multiple disciplines whose careers are focused on urologic cancers,” Smith said. “At Vanderbilt, our urologic cancer program is recognized as one of the top ones in the country, and we have reported some of the best surgical and other treatment results in the medical literature.
“I am excited by the opportunities to improve treatments further which exist through the Society of Urologic Oncology and our program at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center.”