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What is your current position?

I am an assistant professor in the Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy of the Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland.

What is your educational background?

In 2014 I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical University of Lodz. In 2019, I defended my doctorate thesis, which was called Identification and application of circulating microRNAs in monitoring complications of radiotherapy in patients with oropharyngeal cancer, at the university. In 2020 I graduated from the Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine at the Medical University of Warsaw. While I did my research work, I continued my clinical training, which led me to become a board-certified radiation oncologist in 2020. During 2020-2021, I pursued my research and clinical work on a scholarship at the Dana- Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA, USA). The scholarship was awarded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange under the Professor Franciszek Walczak programme. After coming back to Poland, I started to work at the Medical University of Gdańsk.

What is your area of research?

I strongly believe in the idea of translational research; hence I coupled the abovementioned experiences with accumulating biostatistics skills. This allowed me to become a member of the management board of the European Union-funded Horizon 2020 project that seeks a standardised treatment and outcome platform for stereotactic therapy of re-entrant tachycardia by a multidisciplinary consortium (STOPSTORM). It is led by Professor Joost Verhoeff and is aimed to standardise stereotactic arrhythmia radio-ablation treatment in European centres. In this project, I am a co-leader responsible for data analysis and evaluation. In addition, I have started experimental work in order to improve the characterisation of the mechanism responsible for radiation-induced reprogramming of cardiac conduction.

How long have you been an ESTRO member?

I have been an ESTRO member since 2016.

What role has ESTRO played in your career?

From the early days of my career, ESTRO has been an instrumental force in shaping my journey as a radiation oncologist. I was introduced to the broad world of radiation oncology at an ESTRO annual conference. The insights I gained from the presentations and the connections I made there were invaluable. The courses offered by the ESTRO School equipped me with both foundational knowledge and advanced techniques, ensuring I was always at the forefront of our rapidly evolving field. The Society's commitment to research also opened doors for me to collaborate on multicentre studies and to push the boundaries of what we know and can achieve in radiation oncology. In essence, my affiliation with ESTRO has not only enriched my knowledge and skills but has also provided me with a community that champions excellence and innovation in patient care.

What ESTRO activities have you been involved in so far? And in the future, are there some specific missions within the Society that you would like to participate in?

I’ve become involved in several collaborative projects, including the ongoing head and neck radiation variability in Europe (HERVIN) initiative, which was initiated by Dr Gaber Plavc and Prof Vincent Grégoire. I co-organised the young track of ESTRO 2023 and will be chairing next year’s meeting with Morten Horsholt Kristensen. I’m also a co-editor of the yESTRO newsletter with Jenny Bertholet.

As a yESTRO committee member, I would like to promote our Society in Central and Eastern Europe to support the development of trainees. I was a co-founder of the young section of the Polish Society of Radiation Oncology; hence I feel that I have experience in this area. From a broader perspective, I would also like to work on increasing interest in molecular biology. In my opinion, our field is lagging behind in this regard, and there are very few initiatives to evaluate radiotherapy personalisation that is based on molecular markers of radiosensitivity and normal tissue toxicity. I hope that our generation can change that.

Why did you want to join the committee?

Throughout my journey as a radiation oncologist, I've always been passionate about fostering the next generation of professionals in our field. Joining the yESTRO committee aligns perfectly with this passion. I see it as a unique platform from where I can contribute actively to shaping the future of radiation oncology. By being part of this committee, I aim to bridge the gap between seasoned experts and budding oncologists, and to ensure that the latter receive the guidance, resources, and opportunities they need to thrive. Moreover, I believe that the fresh perspectives and innovative ideas of young professionals are crucial for the evolution of our field. Through the yESTRO committee, I hope to amplify these voices and ensure that they play a pivotal role in the direction and decisions of our esteemed Society.

Why would you recommend to students and young radiation oncology professionals that they become members of ESTRO?

To all budding radiation oncologists and students with an interest in the field, I cannot emphasise enough the value of becoming a member of ESTRO. In my own journey, ESTRO has been a beacon of knowledge, networking, and professional growth. As a member, you'll gain access to a wealth of educational resources, from cutting-edge courses to invaluable e-learning modules. The annual conferences are not just about presentations; they're about building connections, sharing experiences, and being inspired by the pioneers of our field. Furthermore, ESTRO's commitment to research and innovation ensures that you'll always be at the forefront of the latest advances. But beyond the tangible benefits, being a part of ESTRO means joining a community that is deeply committed to excellence and patient care. For anyone serious about a successful and impactful career in radiation oncology, ESTRO membership is, in my opinion, a crucial step toward achieving this goal.

 

Bartek Tomasik

Radiation oncologist

Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine

Medical University of Gdańsk

Gdańsk, Poland

bartlomiej.tomasik@gumed.edu.pl