Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute member Kevin Billingsley, M.D., has been selected for the prestigious James IV Traveling Fellowship for his expertise in surgical oncology.

The James IV Association of Surgeons Inc. gives the Fellowship to candidates who have made outstanding contributions to the art and science of surgery. It allows the candidate to personally present their newer techniques and innovations to surgical audiences in countries around the world. Each year two to five surgeons are selected from throughout the world to receive this traveling fellowship.

"I will be speaking on the surgical treatment of colorectal liver metastases. This is a major focus of my practice and our multidisciplinary team at OHSU has developed a significant reputation in the management of this complex problem," said Billingsley, head of the division of surgical oncology, Hedinger Associate Professor of Surgery, OHSU School of Medicine. His specialty is surgical oncology, particularly related to tumors of the liver, biliary tract and the pancreas.

"There is a great deal of complex decision-making that goes on in managing the treatment for these patients. There are questions such as: Should chemotherapy be given before surgery? If so, how much chemo? How much liver should be removed? My goal is to share my experience in a way that helps others make the best decisions for this group of patients," Billingsley said.

The James IV fellowship is designed to facilitate the exchange of techniques and ideas between surgeons in different parts of the world.  The exchange occurs formally through lectures and seminar discussions, but also informally through conversation and the development of professional relationships.

Billingsley will travel to the Queen Mary Hospital at the University of Hong Kong, the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre of the University of Melbourne and Royal Melbourne, Australia, and the Princess Alexandra Hospital of the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. These centers are recognized internationally as centers of excellence for surgical oncology. In the fall, Billingsley will travel to liver surgery medical centers in Scotland and France.

The James IV Association of Surgeons Inc. was founded in 1957 by three distinguished surgeons from England, Scotland and the United States so that surgeons from around the world could be brought together to exchange ideas and techniques regarding surgery. The aim of the association is to foster the exchange of knowledge among distinguished surgeons in countries where English is freely spoken.

OHSU Cancer Institute
The OHSU Cancer Institute is the only cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute center between Sacramento and Seattle. It comprises some 120 clinical researchers, basic scientists and population scientists who work together to translate scientific discoveries into longer and better lives for Oregon's cancer patients. In the lab, basic scientists examine cancer cells and normal cells to uncover molecular abnormalities that cause the disease. This basic science informs more than 200 clinical trials conducted at the OHSU Cancer Institute.