ESTRO 2025 congress report | RTT track
Panel discussion on Tuesday 6 May 2025

In the session entitled “RTT scope of practice: Current landscape and career opportunities”, a highly talented and acclaimed international panel of ESTRO radiation therapist (RTT) members presented different aspects of the evolving role of the RTT.

Celeste Oliviera presented “Adapting to Change”, which reflected on the traditional model of RTT practice and the progression from operator to practitioner through to levels of advanced practice. Celeste reminded us of the four pillars of advanced practice radiotherapy (APRT) that are used in the UK model, and then demonstrated the sub-dimensions of RTT practice and how digital integration has influenced radiotherapy processes. She succinctly portrayed how RTT “soft skills” have developed in parallel with the digital revolution, and how nurturing human connections through touch and compassion remain integral to the evolution of the RTT role.

Philip Scherer, a native Austrian, focused on models of leadership and management and how traditional theories can influence modern radiotherapy practice. He expertly highlighted that self-reflection and determination can elevate RTTs as key members of multidisciplinary leadership teams.

Siret Kivistik championed the importance of research and illustrated how this can (and should) be woven into the RTT role. Leading by example through several ESTRO workshops and pre-meeting courses, Siret presented practical insights that all RTTs can learn from to make research a core component of current and future practice.

Yat Man Tsang, the current chair of the ESTRO RTT committee, cleverly used the career progression of his fellow panellists to give examples of how education and continued professional development can be turned into role progression. An inspirational final quote, “don’t let anyone turn your sky into a ceiling”, captured the essence of his professional motivation and the limitless potential of RTTs.

Left to right: Celeste Oliviera, Siret Kivistik, Erica Bennett, Philip Scherer and Yat Man Tsang

 

An engaging audience participation and panel discussion followed the presentations and the key learnings were:

• RTTs must continue to positively promote and be advocates for the profession while recognising that there are challenges (staffing for example); and
• the variety of education and learning pathways that are available to RTTs enhances professional practice and future career opportunities.

Finally, if you are an RTT without a career plan, that’s OK: volunteer, challenge yourself and step outside your comfort zone, because you have the potential to achieve great things! The future landscape of RTT practice is rich with diversity as the skills of traditional practice are harnessed with new talent, research opportunities and technologies, so there has never been a more exciting time to be an RTT!

 

Erica Bennett

Oncology clinical research and development lead

Bon Secours Radiotherapy Cork, in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Centre

Cork, Ireland

Bennette10@upmc.ie