To organize and conduct an educational meeting of this stature in these unprecedented times was a challenging decision. However there was no doubt in my mind that we have to move forward with Best of ASCO20 Virtual and make necessary innovations; the question was how. After planning a Best of ASCO20, I do think it is the right decision. 

Our everyday realities are changing by the second: the way we look, the way we work, and the way we socialize as human beings. Our resolve and collective strength are all that can carry us forward. We need to be innovative and resourceful as we navigate an uncertain future. Living in developing countries, we have overcome many adversities and have made significant improvements in our fight against cancer. We need to continue this battle and further advance cancer care in countries like Pakistan. That means continuing to engage with the rest of the world in our quest for knowledge and scientific breakthroughs. Best of ASCO20 Virtual will allow us access to the latest cutting edge work presented in June at ASCO 2020. 

Unlike previous meetings, we will not be together physically and will miss the usual intellectual and social interactions. But we can still stay in touch with each other through social media, videoconferencing, and perhaps even old-fashioned phone calls. This meeting will hopefully address several challenges we face in continuing to impart medical education. 

I would like to thank the SMOP Executive Council and especially Dr. Adnan Jabbar for their encouragement, hard work and ideas in planning of BOA ’20, Pakistan. I would also extend my gratitude to our donors who have helped us in our endeavours to make this conference possible and most importantly our attendees without whose participation this meeting cannot be a success.

Looking forward to welcome you all at the meeting.

Warm Regards,

Zeba Aziz

President

Society of Medical Oncology Pakistan (SMOP)