Dimo Manov, the winner of the 2019 ‘Best Student’ Award in Naples, talks about his experience at the ESMO-ESO Course on Medical Oncology for Medical Students.
What was your main reason for applying to join the course?
The main reason for applying to the Medical Student Course in Naples was the opportunity to network with like-minded students interested in medical oncology and the leading experts in this fascinating specialty, which will hopefully pave the way for many future collaborations. In addition, the course was highly praised by a past participant and colleague of mine who has been impressed by the quality of the content presented and friendly atmosphere.
What was your take home message from the five days?
Besides the outstanding lecturers that emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in treating cancer, I would say that the most valuable take home message for me was that eminence-based medicine has no place in the field of oncology. Moreover, with the vast number of new findings, medical oncologists have to learn how to critically evaluate them before putting them into practice.
Why are you interested in medical oncology?
Medical oncology is a unique speciality because it combines translational and clinical research with human aspects such as empathy, compassion and sensitivity towards other people. Moreover, being probably the fastest developing field of medicine, practitioners have to constantly challenge themselves to remain competent in their field, which I find really stimulating.
How do you feel about having a professional society, such as ESMO, supporting you in your professional development?
It is really reassuring that, regardless of where you are in your professional development, ESMO has always something to offer to your career: from courses dedicated to medical students, preceptorships for young practitioners, fellowship opportunities, to dedicated advanced courses for experienced oncologists. In addition, with the new drugs approvals and consequent change in the standards of practice, ESMO does a great effort in disseminating relevant information to international health professionals. I am pretty sure that the world of medical oncology would not be the same without the exemplary society that ESMO is!
Would you recommend this course and why?
Of course, with no doubts. Those students who are already oriented toward a career in medical oncology, this is an extremely enriching opportunity to expand their knowledge in the filed and those who are still undecided about their specialisation will be hopefully convinced to choose this dynamic specialty as future career.