Traveling Mentors Visit Uganda Cancer Institute
We are pleased to announce that the Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) has been selected as the first site for the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium’s mentorship and training program. Out of 30 institutions that applied, UCI emerged as one of the four finalists chosen for in-depth interviews, reflecting the rigor and competitiveness of the selection process.
The traveling mentoring team conducted their first in-person site visit to UCI September 10-12, establishing relationships with the local faculty and collaborating with them to tailor the program to the center's specific resources. Mentorship support will continue for one year with regularly scheduled touchpoints via remote technology.
The educational curriculum includes self-directed and guided learning, group sessions and individual mentoring. ESTRO will provide a complimentary 3D brachytherapy course.
Thank you all, for spending time with us, it was a rich learning encounter that will positively change our approach to cervical cancer radiotherapy. We look forward to this mentorship program with optimism toward improving patient outcomes
Traveling Mentoring Team for Uganda Cancer Institute
Dr. Alexandra Taylor
IGRO Consortium Chair
Clinical Oncologist
Royal Marsden Hospital
UK
Dr. Anuja Jhingran
Radiation Oncologist
The University of Texas MD Anderson
Cancer Center
USA
Dr. Taran Annette Paulsen Hellebust
Medical Physicist
Oslo University Hospital
Norway
Dr. Surendra Prajapati
Medical Physicist
The University of Texas MD
Anderson Cancer Center
USA
About the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium
The International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium was assembled in 2023 to formalize and strengthen radiotherapy education and training for radiation oncology specialists who deliver gynecologic care in LMICs. In partnership, these organizations leverage their global reach, resources, and expertise. This collaboration allows for more efficient use of resources, including funding, research data, and technological tools, which can be especially valuable in resource-limited settings.
Organizations involved in the International Gynecologic Radiation Oncology Consortium*
- The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)
- The American Brachytherapy Society (ABS)
- The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
- The International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS)
- The European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO)
*The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while not officially part of the consortium, has made a practical arrangement with the IGCS to cooperate in IAEA’s Rays of Hope Initiative and provide support to the IAEA Anchor Centers. The main focus of the practical arrangement is on integration of radiation oncology into training programs in LMICs in line with the IAEA guidance, development of educational and training materials to support the professional aspects of radiation oncology, imaging, and medical physics.
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Read more about IGCS’ mentorship and training initiatives.