ABOUT THE SMA ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC ASSEMBLY

Title: Southern Medical Association Annual Scientific Assembly: Advancing Oncology Care and Prevention

Description: This live, in-person educational activity focuses on equipping healthcare professionals with the latest advancements in oncology research, innovative treatments, and technologies to improve patient outcomes. Participants will gain evidence-based strategies for cancer prevention, early detection, and risk reduction, with a special focus on addressing the needs of diverse patient populations. Additionally, the program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance comprehensive care for cancer patients and their families, fostering a team-based approach to oncology care. Join us for this engaging, hands-on experience to stay at the forefront of oncology practice.

Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate and apply evidence-based clinical practices across multiple specialties—including oncology, pain management, addiction medicine, and pathology—to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient care outcomes.
2. Incorporate interdisciplinary and team-based strategies to address complex patient needs such as chronic pain, survivorship, and behavioral health, while advancing equity and patient-centered communication.
3. Implement innovative tools and approaches—including artificial intelligence, trauma-informed care, and community collaboration—to enhance healthcare delivery, improve access to care, and support provider well-being.

Target Audience: This conference is designed for physicians and other healthcare professionals.

Accreditation Statement: Southern Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation Statement: Southern Medical Association designates this activity for a maximum of 15 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please Note: This activity is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ and may be accepted by state boards for CE credit. Participants should verify acceptance with their state licensing board.

State of Louisiana Annual CE Requirements (Requirements for each practitioner group can be found on this page.)

Conference Program Planning Committee
Loretta Loftus, MD, MBA - Medical Director
G. Waldon Garriss III, MD, MS, MBA, MHA - Chair
Richard Leggett, MD - Vice Chair
Randy Glick, BSB/pm, MCP, Program Director
Michael Angel, MD, 
Carissa Anthony, MS
Desiree Burroughs-Ray, MD, MPH, FAAP
Lawrence Carter, Jr., MD
Cary Cavender, MD
Elizabeth Edwards, MD
Susan Gonzalez, MS, BS
Christopher Jackson, MD, FACP, FSSCI
Daniel Morris, MD
David Netscher, MD
Rodney Overstreet, BSN, CRNA, MNA
Mohammed Afraz Pasha, MD
Daniel Matthew Sherrer, MBA, FASA, FAACD

Disclosures of Relevant Financial Relationships

Southern Medical Association adheres to the policies and guidelines, including the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited CE, set forth to providers by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) and all other professional organizations, as applicable, stating those activities where continuing education credits are awarded must be balanced, independent, objective, and scientifically rigorous. All persons in a position to control the content provided by Southern Medical Association are required to disclose all financial relationships with any ineligible company within the past 24 months. All financial relationships reported are identified as relevant and mitigated by Southern Medical Association in accordance with the Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited CE in advance of delivery of the activity to learners. The content of this activity was vetted by Southern Medical Association to assure objectivity and that the activity is free of commercial bias. 

All relevant financial relationships have been mitigated.

A full list of disclosure information for faculty will be provided during the conference.

The planners for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose.

About New Orleans

Assembly Location

SMA's 117th Annual Scientific Assembly will be held at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. This AAA Four Diamond hotel, situated in the heart of New Orleans' central business district, offers convenient access to iconic attractions like Jackson Square, the French Quarter, and the Aquarium of the Americas. Guests can also enjoy direct access to the Riverwalk Outlets and are just one block away from Caesars New Orleans.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: (504) 561-0500

Room Rate & Hotel Reservations

Check-In Time: 4:00 pm 

Check-Out Time: 11:00 am

Single/Double Occupancy Room Rate: $239 per night (plus tax and fees)

Book Your Reservation: https://book.passkey.com/event/50934156/owner/107/home?utm_campaign=295965447

Parking

Overnight self parking is available at a discounted rate of $35 per night.

Registration Fees 

2025 Annual Scientific Assembly Speakers

Explore the distinguished group of leading experts who are advancing oncology care and prevention. These faculty members are instrumental in shaping research, treatment, and education in cancer care. Click on a speaker’s name to learn more about their work and contributions. This page will be updated regularly as additional speakers are confirmed. Speakers are listed in alphabetical order.

Help us spread the word about SMA’s 117th Annual Scientific Assembly in New Orleans! This year’s theme, Advancing Oncology Care and Prevention, brings together leading experts for CME sessions, collaborative networking, and practical strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Download the flyer below to share with colleagues and your community. Laissez les bons temps rouler!