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Strengthening education and training for gynecologic radiation oncology specialists in LMICs.

Radiotherapy is an essential part of gynecologic cancer treatment, alongside surgery and chemotherapy. But many countries have limited access to radiotherapy and medical imaging facilities. Over the last several decades, international agencies have been working through collective action to introduce and advance radiotherapy services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). As such, there is a growing need for education and mentorship and training opportunities for the radiotherapy personnel in these regions.  

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.

Radiation Oncology Mentorship and Training Program Overview

Mentorship & Training Program

Ongoing
Support

Global
Network

Gold-Standard
Example

1 Year
Program

Mentor
Matching

Team
Site Visits

Virtual
Education

Pilot Site: Uganda Cancer Institute

Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI) was 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

Solomon Kibudde, MBChB, MMed, FC Rad Onc (SA).
Radiation Oncologist, Division of Radiation Oncology, Uganda Cancer Institute, Kampala

Traveling Mentoring Team for Uganda Cancer Institute

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

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

In addition to mentors traveling to Uganda Cancer Institute, Danang Oncology Hospital in Vietnam and Black Lion Hospital in Ethiopia have been selected to receive virtual support. Each team will meet with IGRO mentors on a quarterly basis.

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