NCODA PSO Annual Competition 2025-26
Your voice. Your story. Your impact on oncology.
The NCODA Professional Student Organization (PSO) Annual Competition invites current and past student members from around the world to reflect on the experiences, motivations, and moments that have shaped their path toward oncology. Every student brings a unique perspective to this field, and this competition is an opportunity to elevate those voices within the broader oncology community.
This competition celebrates the voices, experiences, and perspectives of future oncology professionals. Every student brings a unique story to their path in cancer care, and this competition is a place to share it, reflect on it, and elevate it.
Whether you’re reflecting on a patient encounter, a defining moment in your training, or the “why” behind your passion for oncology, this competition gives you the space to tell your story and the chance to be recognized across the NCODA community.
Why Participate
Students across the country bring diverse perspectives to oncology care. This competition celebrates those voices through original written submissions that highlight personal growth, inspiration, and the future of the oncology profession.
Your story could:
- Inspire other students entering the field
- Highlight challenges you’ve overcome
- Show the value of PSO involvement
- Capture the moment you knew oncology was your calling
Beyond the winning piece, the competition gives students a chance to grow as writers, strengthen their communication skills, and share their journey with a global audience.
The winning article is published in Oncolytics Today, NCODA’s flagship publication read by more than 13,000 members and 100+ corporate partners across the hematology/oncology landscape, and recognized at the NCODA Spring Forum.
Second- and third-place articles are featured in Inspire 2026, and additional submissions may be highlighted across NCODA publications.
How to Participate
The competition is open to all current and former NCODA PSO student members. Submissions may be completed individually or as a small team (up to three authors).
Articles should focus on your personal journey and ambitions as an aspiring healthcare professional, including your “why oncology” story, key experiences, and involvement in student organizations such as NCODA PSO. This may include personal motivations, meaningful experiences, lessons from PSO involvement, patient interactions, or defining moments that shaped your interest in cancer care.
Length: 2,000 – 3,000 words.
Format: Microsoft Word | AMA citation style.
Deadline: January 30, 2026
Submit Content to Mustafa Abacioglu via email at [email protected]
Entries are reviewed by the NCODA editorial team and evaluated for clarity, organization, originality, depth of reflection, professionalism, and overall writing quality. Judges look for authentic, thoughtful insights and strong communication—not academic perfection.
All submissions are due January 30, 2026. Winners will be announced February 16, 2026.
Send your completed article to [email protected].
| Criteria | 1 – Poor | 2 – Fair | 3 – Good | 4 – Very Good | 5 – Excellent |
| Content Quality (40%) | Topic not relevant | Some relevance; limited originality | Relevant topic with adequate originality | Strong relevance and clear originality | Highly relevant; exceptional depth, originality |
| Clarity & Organization (25%) | Unclear writing; poor grammar; no structure | Some structure but disorganized; many errors | Clear structure; few grammar issues; ideas mostly flow | Well-organized; strong clarity; minimal errors | Exceptionally clear, polished, and well-structured; flawless grammar and flow |
| Impact & Engagement (20%) | Fails to impact and engage reader | Low reader impact and engagement | Some reader impact; moderately engaging | Strong reader impact, engages readers with practical takeaways | Highly impactful; inspires readers and provides meaningful insights |
| Professionalism & Guidelines (15%) | Did not follow guidelines; late; excessive errors | Some guidelines followed; late or formatting issues | Met most guidelines; minor errors or inconsistencies | Met all guidelines; professional tone and format | Fully professional, polished, and adheres to all guidelines perfectly |
Questions? Contacts Mustafa Abacioglu
MUSTAFA ABACIOGLU, MPHARM
Manager of Membership & Professional Development – Students | Residents | Fellows
Reach Out!