Interview with Amanda Webster and Daan Nevens
Chairs of the ESTRO 2023 Young Track
What do you think makes the young track so special?
AW: The young track is special because it offers delegates a chance to learn about topics that are usually not covered at a medical congress. This year, for example, we will have a chance to listen to brilliant speakers discuss very relevant topics in radiation oncology that vary from optimising our resources (Yat Man Tsang) through to cancer survivorship (Amanda Kracen).
DN: Furthermore, it is also a chance to network, to have fun by partaking in the quiz and to celebrate our young researchers!
“Speed dating” is on the programme overview for the young track. Can you tell us what to expect from this session?
AW: The speed-dating event is a fantastic opportunity to meet other radiation oncology professionals. Members of the young European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (yESTRO) committee will be present in the crowd.
DN: What usually happens is that we set the room up so that there is one group of people that is fixed and another group moves along from seated person to seated person. You get a couple of minutes to introduce yourself to another delegate and discuss all things radiotherapy, and to exchange ideas about your clinical practice or research, for example.
Both: We welcome all delegates to join us for the event. The room is usually filled with energy and many of the conversations continue beyond the speed-dating; delegates end up sharing details and forging links. If you are shy, please don’t let this put you off. The speed-dating event is a safe space and everyone is welcome.
Why should you, as a young professional in radiation oncology, not miss the young track?
DN: The young track has been specifically designed with you in mind! In building this year’s programme, we reached out to various young radiation oncology professionals (working in radiobiology, health economics, clinical practice ...) to ask them what they would like to see covered. We hope that what we have achieved for the programme reflects their wishes.
AW: The ESTRO annual meeting is a brilliant scientific congress where some of the best technical developments in our field are presented. The young track complements these sessions by offering you a space to reflect and think about how you can implement these developments even when your resources are limited, and how you can ensure that you remain at the centre of everything we do.
Is there any other aspect of your track that you would like to draw attention to?
AW: I am excited about our whole day; however, I would like to draw special attention to our lunchtime session. I think the speakers are going to give some great talks: first, Philip Poortmans will discuss mentorship and professional development, and I think this session will offer delegates an opportunity to pause and look after themselves. Second, Rachel Harris will discuss her experiences as both a radiation therapist and as a cancer patient, and she will remind us that we must never lose sight of the human side of our work.
Amanda Webster
Chair of the ESTRO 2023 Young Track
Daan Nevens
Chair of the ESTRO 2023 Young Track
ESTR0 2023 Early registration deadline: 22 February 2023
ESTRO members benefit from an extra discount.