Launched in 2018, this course introduces foundation principles of effective leadership as they apply to senior trainees and junior (and more senior?) practitioners in the radiation oncology professions. The course is directed at professionals interested in developing expertise in leading teams for clinical care, quality improvement, advocacy, research and in all situations where they might positively influence patient care and the future of our discipline.

The course links to a specific radiation oncology competency knowledge and skill-set developed through Delphi consensus process. (dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.radonc.2017.04.009 ).

The target group consists of senior trainees or junior/mid-career independent practitioners (approximately first ten years) in the radiation oncology professions. The course is interdisciplinary caters for radiation/clinical oncologists, radiation physicists, radiation therapists/technologists, radiation oncology nurses and scientists.

The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge, skills and attributes which are the building blocks for effective leadership.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of the course, successful learners will be able to:

• Examine and reflect on their own behaviour, reactions and interactions with team members
• Describe basic leadership theory and styles as they might apply to practical situations
• Describe the foundations of effective change management
• Approach conflict more productively
• Explore strategies to establish and lead effective and diverse teams
• Apply basic quality improvement tools to approach an improvement process

Course Content

All sections of this online/in person programme are interactive and highlight practical with relevance to the workplace and facilitate improvements within our discipline.

The online component starts with an introduction on 7 April 2026 and consists of an introductory 90-minute tutorial with the participants and teachers followed by online exercises and compulsory electronic learning modules. The online components must be completed prior to live sessions, that take place in Stockholm 15 May 2026, during ESTRO 2026.

The course topics include:

• An introduction to leadership – what it means and why it is our responsibility
• Basics of leadership theory and styles - how to apply these
• Self-awareness, personality and emotional intelligence – how they link to leadership
• Leading and managing change
• Tools and strategies for leading quality improvement processes
• Building effective and diverse teams
• Dealing constructively with conflict
• Communicating your vision for change through an ‘elevator pitch’

Course Director

• Sandra Turner, Radiation Oncologist, Westmead Hospital, Sydney (AU)

​Faculty

• Barbara-Ann Millar, Radiation Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto (CA)

REGISTRATION: To apply for the course, please send your statement of interest & motivation letter to Miika Palmu at mpalmu@estro.org 15 February, 2026 by 18.00 CEST in the form of an open letter (strict maximum 2 A4 pages in length) with the following information:

• Name and gender
• Profession and year of training or year of independent practice (post- qualification)
• Location of workplace: department/organisation and country
• Interest and motivation in wishing to attend the course, which may address some/all the following:
  • Previous experiences in which leadership (self or others) was or was not displayed
  • Areas where the applicant feels they particularly need or wish to develop relevant skills and knowledge
  • Leadership goals – short and long-term
  • Other reasons for strong interest in course
  • Demonstration of commitment to engage in all aspects of the course

You will be contacted regarding the outcome of your application by 15 March 2026. Only if accepted will you make payment.

Membership

ESTRO members can order products at substantially reduced prices. To benefit from the member registration rate, you must subscribe for the ESTRO membership 2026 BEFORE registering to the course. To become an ESTRO member, benefit from the member registration rate and discover the many other member advantages, please visit the membership page.

Fees

* Members with specialty RadiationTherapist (RTT) may register at the In-Training fee

The fee includes the course material, coffees, lunches, and the social event.

Advance registration & payment are required.

Access to homework and/or course material will become available upon receipt of full payment.

Insurance and cancellation

Participants are strongly advised to take out their own personal insurance policy. ESTRO does not accept liability for individual medical, travel or personal accidents or incidents. Participants are strongly advised to take insurance policies to cover flight and accommodation cancellation penalties. ESTRO will not refund any travel or accommodation expenses.

For any cancellation made by the course participant, ESTRO School Events Cancellation Policy will be followed and all stated penalty fees will be applied.

Reduced fees

Members from emerging countries may register at a preferential rate of 350 Euro. Emerging country fee applies to individuals from low-income and lower-middle-income economies according to the World Bank listing here.

Additionally, all specialties from the following countries can benefit from this preferential rate: Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine.  In addition, medical physicists from Cyprus can email education@estro.org to apply for this fee.

The preferential rate of 350 Euro is granted automatically when you click on the  BOOK NOW  button and the three conditions below are met:

1. Only ESTRO members for 2026 are eligible (please make sure your 2026 membership is in order before you click on the BOOK NOW  button)
2. Only one course per person per year can be subsidized by ESTRO
3. Sponsored candidates are not entitled to reduced fees (the invoicing address has to be the one of the participant)  

 Please note:

• We can only guarantee a certain number of reduced fees per course
• Application deadlines are the same as early registration fees