ESMO: Tell us a bit about your career so far

Hongcheng: I am a radiation/clinical oncologist from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China. I obtained medical degree in 2013 and PhD in 2017 from Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China. I subsequently joined Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center in Shanghai, where I completed radiation oncology residency in 2019 and has been engaged in the radiation oncology fellowship program ever since. 

What is your current activity?

I am involved in clinical activities of thoracic radiation oncology, including esophageal and lung cancers. However, I am more focused in esophageal cancer clinical and translational research. 

What motivates you?

Live longer and live better for patients. Innovations in oncology do bring hope and translate into patient benefits.

Why did you choose to become a medical oncologist?

Actually, I am not a medical oncologist but a radiation/clinical oncologist. I am interested in oncology since my medical school. I have always been fascinated by the newest developmental therapeutics and cutting-edged technologies for cancer patients. Translational research from bench to bed side, team building by multidisciplinary strength, and patient care with science embracing humanities is worthy all the efforts to pursuit career as an oncologist. 

What does your involvement with ESMO and the Young Oncologists Committee (YOC) mean to you?

I am lucky enough that I have been involved with ESMO actives from my early oncology training and ESMO has been shaping my career, through participant of ESMO Translational Unit Visit Fellowship 2018 in Naples, Italy; graduation from the first class of ESMO Leaders Generation Program Asia 2019 in Singapore; severing as the member of ESMO Membership Committee since 2021 and the member of ESMO Young Oncologists Committee since 2022, as well as many ESMO Preceptorships and ESMO Advanced Courses. ESMO provide international standard scientific and educational input as well as great networking opportunities. It is great privilege for me to be selected as a member of ESMO Young Oncologists Committee, and an aspiration for me as an Asian oncologist to advance my career and life ambitions in global oncology community.

Do you have some good advice you would like to share with your international colleagues?

Be passionate, be motivated, be open-minded. ESMO is open and welcome all oncologists over the world from different disciplinaries. I encourage young oncologists to join ESMO and take full advantage of the great opportunities and resources provided by ESMO to pursuit your goal in oncology career.