The Mexican Society of Oncology (SMeO) held its solemn ceremony for the swearing-in of its new Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 period on April 10, 2026. This institutional event brought together health authorities, representatives from academic institutions, leaders of medical societies, and specialists from the national oncology community.
The event took place at a particularly significant moment for the organization, which is celebrating 75 years of dedicated work to promoting scientific knowledge, continuing medical education, and strengthening oncological care in Mexico. During the ceremony, it was highlighted that the institutional transition represents not only the beginning of a new leadership era but also a moment of recognition for the legacy of those who have contributed for decades to the development of oncology in the country.
The ceremony was attended by various health and academic authorities, including Patricia Clark, Secretary of the General Health Council. Also present were Carlos Arturo Hinojosa Becerril, head of the Coordinating Commission of National Health Institutes and High-Specialty Hospitals; Carolina Sepúlveda Vildósola, director of the Faculty of Medicine at UNAM; and other leading figures in the medical field.
Subsequently, the swearing-in of the new Board of Directors took place, led by Dr. Areli Velázquez Martínez. During the protocol, the official requested that the new board members pledge to uphold and enforce the society's statutes and to perform their duties with ethics, responsibility, and commitment to the academic and scientific development of oncology in Mexico. The new board members responded, "Yes, I swear," formally marking the start of the new institutional period.
The new leadership of the Mexican Society of Oncology is composed of Dr. Paula Anel Cabrera Galeana, president; Dr. Farina Esther Arreguín González, vice president; Dr. Eduardo Cárdenas Cárdenas, treasurer; and other key members.
After assuming the presidency, Dr. Paula Cabrera addressed the oncology community, emphasizing the importance of continuing to strengthen scientific research, specialist training, and collaboration between medical and academic institutions. It was stressed that the society will continue to promote initiatives aimed at academic development and the strengthening of clinical practice in oncology, with the goal of improving care for cancer patients in Mexico.
The ceremony concluded with a Spring Concert performed by the Camerata de Minería and the Coro de Minería, conducted by maestro Oscar Herrera, a performance prepared especially for this occasion as part of the event's closing. During the ceremony, tribute was also paid to the outgoing Board of Directors 2024–2025 in recognition of their contribution to the society's institutional development.
