Tracey Pu, M.D., a PGY-3 resident in the UAB General Surgery Residency Program, has received a travel award to attend the 2026 Society of Surgical Oncology Advanced Cancer Therapies (SSO ACT) annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Pu was recognized for her podium presentation examining disparities in access to high-complexity oncologic care for patients with appendiceal cancer.
Pu presented her work titled, “High state-level social vulnerability is associated with decreased receipt of CRS/HIPEC in non-white appendiceal adenocarcinoma patients.” This study evaluated how state-level social vulnerability, reflecting factors such as socioeconomic conditions, housing, and access to resources may influence whether patients receive cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, a specialized treatment approach that can be critical for long-term outcomes in select appendiceal malignancies.
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive this award and to have the opportunity to present our work at SSO ACT,” Pu said. “As a resident, support like this makes it possible to share our research on a national stage and learn from leaders in the field. I’m especially thankful to my mentors for their guidance and encouragement throughout this project.”
Pu’s work highlights the role of structural and geographic barriers in surgical oncology and reinforces the importance of expanding equitable access to advanced cancer therapies, particularly for historically underserved patient populations.
“Tracey’s work reflects exactly what we aim to cultivate, a rigorous clinical investigation paired with a commitment to improving outcomes for all patients,” said Sushanth Reddy, M.D., associate director at the UAB general surgery residency program. “We are incredibly proud of her for presenting this important research on a national stage and for representing UAB surgery with excellence.”
About SSO ACT Meeting
The Surgical Oncology Advanced Cancer Therapies (SSO ACT) meeting is a national conference dedicated to the multidisciplinary management of complex oncologic diseases, with a focus on advanced surgical techniques and regional therapies such as cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The annual gathering brings together surgical oncologists, trainees, and research teams to share innovations, outcomes research, and emerging approaches that improve care for patients with rare and high-acuity malignancies.