Advanced Skills in Modern Radiotherapy Course - PDF Version

Brussels - 19-23 May 2019

Course director: Rianne de Jong, Amsterdam UMC, The Netherlands

1) Could you please briefly introduce yourself?

My name is Julian Beraldo, and I’m a radiation therapist who currently works for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Victoria, Australia.

2) Why did you choose to attend this course?

It was my first European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO)-related event. I thought that a training course would be more relevant and specific to my learning than a conference.

3) What aspects of the course were of the most interest to you and why?

It was very interesting to see the different practices and standards in radiation therapy from around the globe, as well as to gain first-hand experiences from clinical people in these countries.

4) Did the course activities improve your knowledge and skills in the subject?

The course was very good at solidifying my understanding of some radiation therapy principles, as well as giving me a few points to think about.

5) Did the course meet your expectations? If so, in what ways?

The course did meet my expectations – it offered a very good mix of topics, and catered for a wide audience with varied levels of skills.

         

6) List three important ‘takeaways’ following the course.

  1. Many practices used by my clinical department are similar to those in place as standard practices around the world. It was very beneficial to discuss any differences and variations.
  2. Accurate and standardised contouring is very important for the assessment and development of dosimetric effects and tolerances.
  3. Never underestimate the value of a patient who experiences minimal or no side effects during radiotherapy treatment. This provides a valuable baseline for comparison purposes, both in clinical practice and in research.

7) How will you implement what you have learnt in your daily job/ clinical practice?

I think I will be able broadly to implement and integrate a number of the things learnt into my everyday practice, even subconsciously. The course has increased my awareness of some radiation therapy principles, and I find myself constantly remembering and reflecting on certain points that were made throughout the course as I work.

8) How would you encourage someone who has never been on an ESTRO course to join this course next year or in two years?

I think it is a very informative course that covers a wide variety of interesting topics. It involves a good mix of lectures and hands-on activities, and it promotes social interactions and group information sharing.­­­

 
Julian Beraldo
Radiation Therapist
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Julian.beraldo@petermac.org