Successes at the 2015 Synergy Miami Meeting

The 5th annual Synergy meeting was held in Miami Beach, Nov 5-8, 2015. While I should start my blog post calling the meeting a success, I would like to start instead by saying that this year it was clear that the concept of Synergy was indeed a success. Setting the standard for what a true multidisciplinary symposium on cancer care should be, Synergy once again assembled a stellar cast of world renowned faculty members from various disciplines with a packed agenda that was spread over 4 days. Synergy was endorsed by SIR and ARIN this year. 

2015 Synergy added a day that was dedicated to the hot topic of prostate interventions. Dr. Francisco Carnevale from Sao Paolo and Dr. Shivank Bhatia from Miami served as directors for this day long symposium. In addition to the strong multidisciplinary content, this session also demonstrated that collaboration between IR's and Urology is possible and has been accomplished at the University of Miami. The session had video case discussion, a multidisciplinary case discuss session, and lectures ranging from the basic anatomy to complex PAE. Thursday evening was the start of a new session tailored to the Synergy attendees in training called, "Novemberfest." Synergy welcomed nearly 75 attendees in training this year and they were able to interact with faculty members in an informal setting to discuss topics that are very relevant to them.

Friday started with a packed session on pancreas leading to the HCC session, which has always been one of the highlights of Synergy. This year was no different.

The day ended with two Synergy traditions that are attendees look forward to. The wine tasting event immediately after the sessions and the Synergy gala that followed. The gala was a formal event to celebrate IR and the contributions and career of an interventional radiologist that has contributed to our specialty. This year's honoree was Dr. Peter Mueller, Chief of IR at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Mueller has made several significant contributions to IR and IO and it was our pleasure to have the opportunity to honor him.  The evening was bittersweet with the announcement of current Synergy co-chair and my mentor Jose Yrizarry stepping down and welcoming Riccardo Lencioni as my co-chair for Synergy 2016. Prof. Lencioni needs no introduction in the world of interventional oncology and having him as a co-chair for Synergy 2016 is the beginning of more exciting times for Synergy.

With amazing weather and legendary Miami Beach just a stone's throw away, Synergy still managed a captive audience for the metastatic colorectal cancer session. Sunday hosted the nursing and technologist symposium. "Drive for Life" was a blast at the Homestead racetrack this year. The event helps raise funds for IO research with participants driving exotic cars in a NASCAR track along with a professional driver. Synergy news dailies were another exciting new addition to the meeting. A thank you to Jennifer Ford for assembling the articles and making this a wonderful new addition, one that we plan to continue. Last but not least our thanks to the tireless efforts of the UM CME team under Oscar Reyes and the direction of Marina Friedman which was key to the success of the meeting.

On behalf of IO360 and Synergy I would like thank the faculty members, attendees, and all of our industry supporters who made this another memorable year.

Happy holidays and very happy New Year to all of you and your families. Hope to see you at Synergy 2016.