SJCI Fellowship Research Day, July 17, 2026
Saint John’s Cancer Institute welcomed faculty, researchers, and fellows for its annual Fellowship Research Day, a full-day event celebrating scientific discovery, academic collaboration, and the achievements of its Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) and Translational Research fellows. Throughout the day, graduating and first-year fellows presented original research spanning melanoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and translational oncology, highlighting the Institute’s continued commitment to advancing cancer care through innovation and clinical investigation.
The program featured presentations from graduating and first-year fellows, including Brian Diskin, MD, Raina Coelho, MD, Tianyu Chen, MD, Siavash Bolourani, MD, PhD, Kazuaki Okamoto, MD, PhD, Nicholas Ullman, MD, Mark Hall, MD, Katiuscha Merath, MD, Corey Hounschell, DO, and Lauren Geisel, MD. Their work explored topics ranging from disparities in cancer care and outcomes to advances in melanoma biology, breast cancer treatment, pancreatic cancer screening, and early-onset colorectal cancer. The event also included career mentorship sessions focused on fellowship training, research strategy, grant funding, networking, and professional development, reinforcing Saint John’s long-standing commitment to preparing future leaders in surgical oncology and cancer research.
Serving as the visiting professor and keynote speaker was Perry Shen, MD, FACS, FSSO, Professor of Surgery and Director of the Liver and Pancreas Surgery Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Dr. Shen’s return carried special significance, as he completed his Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the John Wayne Cancer Institute under the mentorship of the late Donald L. Morton, MD, in 2000. Reflecting on his return to Santa Monica, Dr. Shen shared, “It is truly an honor to be part of these fellows’ graduation and continue the legacy that Dr. Morton built.”
Dr. Perry Shen reflects on his visit to Saint John’s
Visiting Professor & Keynote Speaker, Perry Shen, MD, FACS, FSSO, presents at SJCI Fellowship Research Day, 2026.
Fellowship Research Day continues to embody the mission established by Dr. Morton—combining world-class education, scientific inquiry, and mentorship to improve the future of cancer care. Today, that tradition is carried forward under the leadership of Vivian Wu, MD, Program Director of the Donald L. Morton, MD, Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship, who continues to cultivate an environment where fellows are challenged to pursue meaningful research, develop as surgical oncologists, and grow into future leaders in academic medicine.
By fostering opportunities to present original research, engage with distinguished faculty, and build lasting professional relationships, Saint John’s Cancer Institute continues to invest in the next generation of physician-scientists whose work will advance cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients worldwide.
Learn more about our fellowship programs:
Saint John’s Cancer Institute Fellowships