Tell us a bit about your career so far.

I graduated as a medical doctor at the Medical University of Warsaw in 2016. Afterward, I started my medical oncology residency at the Department of Soft Tissue/Bone Sarcoma and Melanoma at Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology in Warsaw. Besides work in clinical oncology, I am also an assistant at the Chair and Department of Clinical and Experimental Physiology at the Medical University of Warsaw.

During my medical studies, I have started my work in oncology as a member of the Interdisciplinary Student Scientific Group of Molecular Oncology, where I had an opportunity to conduct my first projects and present the results during national and international conferences.

What is your current activity?

As a resident, I work in different oncology departments, with most of my time devoted to treating patients with sarcomas and melanoma. Apart from clinical work, I am involved in research projects concerning the identification of prognostic factors for different subtypes of sarcoma, e.g. malignant peripheral nerve sheet tumors. I also conduct my PhD project, in which I am evaluating the role of angiotensin-(1-7) in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma in the mice model. I am also o The Chair of the Young Oncologists Section of the Polish Society of Clinical Oncology.

What motivates you?

My biggest motivations are my patients and constant improvement to provide them with the best available care. The smile of patients or their families, even during challenging periods, is the best reward and factor pushing me towards further self-development, both in the clinic and in research.

Why did you choose to become a medical oncologist?

I was already highly interested in research in high school, much more than learning for my final exam. Thanks to the Polish Children Fund, I could spend a few weeks on workshops and summer internships in Poland's best research institutes. During that time, I found how interesting, and still unknown, is the biology of cancer. My passion for cancer research has not changed during my medical studies, but I couldn't imagine not working with patients, so I have decided to combine clinical work as a medical oncologist with basic research. At this time point, I am happy with the road I've taken, getting a lot of rewarding moments in the lab and clinic.

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

I am excited and honored to be part of YOC and collaborate with young oncologists and senior ESMO members from all over the world. It is probably the best place to invest my time and energy in collaborative educational and research projects to support young oncologists. ESMO educational activities, like preceptorships, Oncology PRO portal, and YO track sessions, helped me a lot at the beginning of my work, and I am happy to pay it back and support other young oncologists by working in YOC.

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

Be active, open-minded, and always follow your dream. The passion for whatever you do will always bring you many rewards. And try to get involved in ESMO activities that are invaluable in self-development as an oncologist or cancer researcher. ESMO provides you with not only high-quality knowledge but, what's even more critical, the possibility to network with other clinicians and scientists.