Testimonial 2: MCCR Workshop 2022 - PDF Version
18-24 June 2022, Saint Michielgestel, The Netherlands
I was supported by the European SocieTy for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) to attend the workshop on methods in clinical cancer research (MCCR). My intention was to develop and complete my clinical protocol. The workshop experience offered me far more than I had expected.
During the week I had the opportunity to attend lectures on different aspects of conducting research. I listened to inspiring talks about the challenges that researchers experience as they set up their research and how these can be overcome. Talks from senior researchers, statisticians and a patient advocate helped to improve my understanding of important factors that should be considered when writing a protocol.
I also had the opportunity to meet mentors individually, in order to seek their expert advice on particular challenges I was facing when I was writing my protocol. This time enabled me to explore my ideas further with the mentors and to discuss the challenges I was facing.
Through close mentorship within small groups, each stage of protocol writing was broken down into sections and worked on as a group. Protocol sections were inspected in great detail; each aspect of every student’s protocol was brainstormed, researched and discussed. Each group had clinical and close statistical support from the mentors who facilitated and led the discussions, and we were able to learn from other students. These group sessions were very informative and productive.
We could complete protocol writing during group sessions or periods allocated to this task. All protocols were written online and real-time feedback was available. This made the process seamless and efficient.
The workshop was set in a beautiful location, where events were organised to team-build and to meet other early researchers and faculty members. The workshop team was available to help throughout the whole week. The venue was well equipped and resources were available throughout the week to support the busy schedule, so we could dedicate all our time to the workshop and protocol writing.
I would highly recommend the MCCR workshop. It is a unique learning opportunity and a highly productive week. The course has given me a different perspective on and broadened my knowledge of research protocol considerations and has inspired me to continue my career in clinical research.
Priyanka Patel
Clinical Oncology
Royal Marsden Hospital
London, UK