Collaborating university: University of Fribourg

The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Thoracic Malignancies (CAS-TM) is a joint collaboration between the European School of Oncology (ESO) and the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.  The programme will focus on the improvement on both the clinical and the scientific aspects of improving quality in the management of patients with lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies.  Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will obtain an academic certificate assigning 14 ECTS credits, equalling a work load of 420 hours and a diploma supplement by the University of Fribourg.

    Duration: 15 months
    Credits assigned: 14 ECTS
    Structure: 4 online modules + 3 in person seminars
    Collaborating university: University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
    Start date next cohort: 26 March 2025

ESO College Membership

Being selected to take part in this course is one of the ESO activities that gives participants eligibility to enrol in ESO’s College. The course also enables members of the College to earn credits and therefore access more membership benefits. Full and active participation in the course as well as passing the final certificate examination earns participants 400 ESO College credits.

Key Dates

        Applications open: 1 August 2024
        Application deadline: 30 November 2024
        Seminar 1: 25 – 29 March, 2025, ELCC in Paris, France
        Seminar 2: 18 – 21 November, 2025, Learning to Care Seminar in Padova, Italy
        Seminar 3 and final exam: end May/early June 2026 in Fribourg, Switzerland (exact dates TBC)

For futher information contact Alexandra Zampetti: azampetti@eso.net

Admission

Admission is via competitive application only. A maximum of 25 participants per cohort will be selected. Applications must be submitted with all required documentation before the published deadline.

Attendance

Attendance at all seminars and modules is mandatory in order to be eligible for the final certificate.

Insurance

Participants must arrange their own personal and travel insurance. ESO accepts no liability for events related to seminar attendance.

Eligibility Criteria

This programme is open to:

• Medical doctors with a master’s degree or equivalent, and at least 2 years’ residency in a relevant oncology setting
• Natural scientists with a master’s degree and at least 2 years of oncology-related experience

Additional criteria that may strengthen your application

• Further professional experience related to the course of studies or completion of an additional qualification in oncology
• Publications (impact factor > 10)
• At least 1 year of international oncology experience

Applicaitons for this cohort are closed.

Participation

Admission to the certificate is competitive and limited to 25 selected participants.

Who Should Apply

The ideal candidate profile includes:

• Completed oncology specialisation at least 2 years ago
• Being engaged in clinical trials or research
• Fluency in English
• Age up to 50 years
• Being based in Europe, the Mediterranean region, or Latin America

Priority will be given to candidates who:

• Are ESO College members
• Have attended previous ESO activities

How to Apply

Candidates must complete an online application form and upload the following PDF or JPEG documents:

• Recommendation letter (on official letterhead, signed)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Copy of medical or science degree (original + certified English translation)
• Transcript of records (original + certified English translation)
• Proof of professional experience in oncology (employment/reference letters)
• Supporting documents for additional qualifications

Selection Process

The current two-step selection method ensures a transparent and unbiased selection of top candidates for participation in this activity:

• Automated Scoring using a predefined system
• Committee Evaluation of qualitative answers

The tuition fee is 4'900 EUR for all participants.

What’s Included

• Access to all online modules
• Registration and accommodation for 3 in-person seminars
• Participation in all required exams

Travel expenses are not included.

Financial Aid

A CAS Financial Aid Fund is available for candidates unable to cover the full fee. Requests are reviewed on a case by case basis.

Cancellation

All cancellation requests must be sent in writing and will be evaluated individually.

Chairs

• Alessandra Curioni, Freiburger Spital, HFR Kantonsspital Fribourg, Fribourg, CH
• Christian Rolfo, the Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, US
• Jarushka Naidoo, Waterford Regional Hospital, Waterford, IE

Concept and Organisation

• Alexandra Zampetti, ESO, CH