Research Day 2026
The Nathan A. Womack
Surgical Society Research Day
June 10th, 2026
Nathan A. Womack Distinguished Visiting Professor
Cristina R. Ferrone, MD, FACS
Dr. Cristina R. Ferrone is a highly respected surgeon and academic leader, currently serving as the Chair of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Her career has been marked by a strong commitment to clinical excellence, education, and groundbreaking research, particularly in the field of hepato-pancreatico-biliary (HPB) surgery with the primary focus of her clinical and scientific research on neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma.
Dr. Ferrone’s educational journey includes a Bachelor of Arts in Biology with Magna Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.D. degree from Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis,Missouri. She completed her general surgery residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital and her surgical oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
Throughout her career, Dr. Ferrone has held significant academic positions, including Director of the MGH Office of Clinical Career,member of the MGPO Executive Council and Board of Trustees Director of the Liver Program and Associate Program Director for the general surgery residency at MGH.
Dr. Ferrone’s NIH funded translational science focuses on innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. She has run multiple investigator initiated clinical trials and is the current PI of the largest North American clinical trial for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma, Alliance 21806.
Since January 2023, Dr. Cristina R. Ferrone has held the esteemed position of Chair of Surgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. In this role, she oversees a diverse department and plays a pivotal role in training the next generation of surgical experts.
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS
Abstract submission for the 2026 Nathan A. Womack Surgical Society Research Day scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 at the UNC Roper Hall.
Previously presented abstracts/posters are acceptable, updated to current Department of Surgery and/or School of Medicine logo standards. Mandatory attendance is asked of all Residents, and their participation with abstract submission is strongly encouraged. Submissions from Fellows and medical students are also encouraged and welcomed.
Abstracts must be less than 3000 characters including spaces. All visual submissions and presentations must adhere to current Department of Surgery and School of Medicine logos. (See here and here for templates and information). Top-ranked abstract submissions will be selected for oral presentations. Applicants selected for oral presentations will be informed by May 21st, 2026. Prizes will be awarded for the top oral and poster (basic science and clinical) presentations.
All abstracts must be submitted electronically. The deadline for submission is May 8th, 2026 at 23:59pm. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Abstracts selected for participation will be announced by May 21st, 2026.
For more information or questions about Research Day, please contact surgery_research@med.unc.edu or visit our website: http://www.med.unc.edu/surgery/research/templates for helpful hints, poster templates, logos, etc.
(remember, updated appropriate logos must be utilized on your submission and presentation)
Thank you for your interest – please check this page in January 2026 when the online submission form will open.
(tentative) SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Venue: Active Learning Theater on the ground floor of the UNC Roper Hall
Address: UNC Campus, 150 Medical Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
9:30 AM – 11:00 AM Poster Set-Up and Registration
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Resident Career Development Session with Cristina R. Ferrone, MD, FACS
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM Poster Presentations
1:40 PM – 3:25 PM Oral Presentations
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM Nathan A. Womack Distinguished Visiting Professor Keynote Lecture
“TBD”
Cristina R. Ferrone, MD, FACS
4:35 PM Nathan A. Womack Awards Presentation