In this episode of OncoInfluencer Series by OncoDaily TV, host Dr. Shushan Hovsepyan, Pediatric oncologist, Co-chair of SIOP GHN Research and Innovation Working group, SVP OncoDaily, sits down with Dr. Gilberto Lopes, Chief of the Division of Medical Oncology and Associate Director and Medical Director for International Programmes at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, to talk about about his personal journey in oncology, cancer research, global health equity, and leadership.
Dr. Lopes shares how cancer and cancer care inaccessibility affected his family long before he became an oncologist. That experience became an important motivation for his work in cancer drug access and healthcare policy.
Reflecting on his career, Dr. Lopes discusses his early research in Brazil, clinical training in Miami, years leading clinical trials in Singapore, and his role in expanding oncology services and research networks across Latin America. He also shares his work at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, including efforts to strengthen clinical research, education, and international oncology collaboration.
The conversation explores his involvement with the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), his candidacy for UICC President-elect, and his leadership of the ATOM Coalition, an initiative dedicated to improving access to essential cancer medicines in low- and middle-income countries. Dr. Lopes discusses the coalition's progress, including its work with more than 40 partners across over 40 countries and the delivery of more than 1.3 million doses of quality-assured cancer medications.
Beyond global health policy, Dr. Lopes reflects on his contributions to lung cancer research, including clinical trials that have helped advance immunotherapy and targeted treatments. He also discusses what meaningful leadership looks like, the importance of teamwork, and how he approaches balancing professional responsibilities with family life. For young oncologists and researchers, he shares advice on mentorship, preparation, recognizing opportunities, and building careers that can make a lasting difference for patients.
From personal loss to global cancer leadership, this conversation explores why progress in oncology must be measured not only by scientific discoveries, but also by whether those discoveries reach the people who need them.
