leads the small but mighty team that makes the society function and the annual meeting go off smoothly. Often called the face of SOHO by executive director Janet Cesak, SOHO Insider interviewed Melinda to learn more about her critical role at the society.
To start, could you describe your day-to-day role?
My day-to-day is pretty much operational and involves a little bit of everything. When I first started with SOHO 15 years ago, we all wore so many different hats; nobody did just one thing. We all helped with the speakers and various other tasks. Now, I oversee all those different parts, including coordinating the annual meeting and managing exhibitor logistics.
I also work with the speakers and the different programs, including the main SOHO program and the virtual SOHO Breakthroughs in Blood Cancers (SBBC) program. I also make sure that the membership database is accurate and current, with help from Ashlie Koester. Additionally, I work closely with Janet Cesak on all committees. For example, every year I put together the meetings for the education committees. I receive all their session materials and put everything in a template, so we have a full program. Once we have that, I invite the speakers and coordinate logistics.
What is your favorite part of the job?
I love working with the doctors. They’re so nice, and it always amazes me that they’re running these huge cancer institutions but still make time for SOHO and find that it’s an important mission. When I first started, we had around 600 members. Seeing the growth of the society, where we are today—at over 12,000 members—and the support that we’ve received from doctors from all around the world, I just love seeing the progress.
What has been the biggest change since you started?
I didn’t realize SOHO would take off quite like it has. The society was so small when we started. Even our committees were small. We might have had eight people on a committee and now we have 70 people on one committee and 80 people on the scientific committee. The abstracts have seen the same kind of growth. We went from maybe 100 abstracts to over 1,400 last year. Seeing that growth is very exciting.
When you work with young investigators, is there a common sentiment they share when they receive their scholarships?
They’re so thankful and appreciative, and I love it because they’re so excited that somebody would give them a travel scholarship to come to a meeting to show their work. They’re very appreciative, especially those from countries where they don’t have the funds to come to the United States. They personally will come up to me and say, “Thank you, Ms. White.” But it’s not me; it’s the society’s funding.
How has the Ambassador Program evolved over the years?
In the beginning, the Ambassador Program was more about getting as many ambassadors as possible from different parts of the world to participate in SOHO, so they could get the message out in their respective countries. Now, we’re starting to form satellite meetings and other initiatives, including authoring articles for SOHO Insider.
It has been nice to see the Ambassador Program grow; we are still working on the process; it is satisfying to see it being refined.
As a long-time Texas resident, what should first-time visitors know about Houston?
The Space Center is a huge thing to see when you’re in Texas. Also, the food here is delicious. If you’re coming to Texas, you have to eat Texas barbecue because it is the best. I also love all the people. I’m probably biased because I’ve lived here for so long. I feel like everyone is friendly, nice, and polite. The men will say, “Thank you, ma’am.” They will open doors for you. Sometimes I’ll go other places, and it’s not as friendly. I guess I do like that Southern hospitality.
Get in touch with Melinda at [email protected].
Leave feedback about this