COURSE SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP:

Scientific Supervisor -  B. A. Jereczek-Fossa, IT
Host Chair - S. Servais, LU
ESO College Chair - A. Eniu, RO/CH
Medical Chair - F. Cardoso, PT

Course Overview

ESO offers a comprehensive introductory course for oncology trainees in Europe, designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate education and ESO’s renowned Masterclasses.
The course provides orientation to the core principles of multidisciplinary cancer care and offers insight into the professional life of the modern oncologist.

While some foundational principles of oncology align with general medical training, increasing sub-specialisation has limited early exposure to oncological practice. As a result, new trainees often face unique challenges — from navigating a vast and complex curriculum, to adapting to a fast-evolving clinical environment, all while managing career planning, academic development, and work-life balance.

Learning Objectives

Participants will receive structured updates and introductions on the following topics:

• Fundamentals of aetiology and epidemiology
• Basics of cancer genetics, staging, and imaging
• Essentials of surgical oncology and pathology
• Principles of radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Introduction to paediatric oncology
• Overview of tumour boards and key patient-centred issues: communication, supportive and palliative care
• Introduction to clinical trials and critical appraisal of scientific literature

This course is endorsed by the University of Luxembourg.

Course Format

The course is divided into two parts:

• Part 1 – Online Learning
  Participants will complete a series of pre-recorded lectures made available online.
  These must be completed prior to the in-person event.
• Part 2 – In-Person Event
  Location: Luxembourg, LU
  Dates: 19–21 September 2025
  Duration: 2.5 days

 Language

The course will be held in English.
No translation services will be provided.

Registration Fee

Selected participants will be asked to confirm their attendance by paying a registration fee of EUR 150,00 which includes:

• Access to the full course and its educational materials
• 3 nights’ accommodation
• Meals as outlined in the programme

Travel costs are not covered and must be arranged independently.

ESO College members at the time of application receive a 50% discount on the registration fee.

The fee is a non-refundable contribution towards organisational costs and will not be reimbursed in the case of withdrawal or non-attendance, regardless of the reason.

Accreditation

Participants must attend at least 75% of the course to receive a certificate of attendance.
To obtain the certificate, participants must also complete an online evaluation questionnaire and a learning assessment test. Certificates will be sent via email.

Application for CME recognition will be submitted to the Accreditation Council of Oncology in Europe (ACOE). 

ESO College Membership

Participation in this course grants eligibility to join the ESO College and allows existing members to earn 18 ESO College credits toward their progression.

Visit ESO College dedicated section for more information on membership and benefits.

Insurance

ESO cannot be held responsible for any personal or travel-related incidents.
Participants are strongly advised to arrange their own personal and travel insurance coverage.

Contacts – Organising Secretariat

Corinne Hall
European School of Oncology
 +39 331 6125784
chall@eso.net

Dolores Knupfer
European School of Oncology
+41 91 820 09 50
dknupfer@eso.net

APPLICATIONS ARE CLOSED

Participation

The course is open to 60 participants, selected through a competitive application process.

Priority will be given to applicants who have previously attended an ESO–ESMO course for medical students or the ESO–ESSO–ESTRO course for medical students.

Who Should Apply

The course is intended for early-career oncologists, in particular Medical or Radiation Oncologists in their first three years of oncology specialisation.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted online 

You will be asked to complete a questionnaire detailing:

• Your professional and training background
• Your research experience and publications
• Your motivation and personal commitment

Required documents (in PDF format):

• Recommendation letter: Signed and on official hospital letterhead, from your head of department or mentor
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Please ensure all documents are ready before starting the online application. Incomplete submissions will not be considered.

You will be asked to accept ESO’s Data Protection Statement during the application process.

Selection Process

Applications are evaluated through a two-step process:

1. Automated Scoring
   Certain sections of the application are assessed using a predefined points-based system to ensure fairness and consistency.
2. Committee Review
   Qualitative sections, including motivation and personal statements, are reviewed and scored by ESO’s selection committee.

This dual approach ensures a transparent, balanced and merit-based selection of the most suitable candidates.