M. Carmen Rubio Rodríguez, MD, PhD, has been elected President-Elect of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO), marking an important moment for the European radiation oncology community and for Spanish oncology leadership.
The announcement was shared following the ESTRO 2026 Elections, with ESTRO confirming Dr. Rubio Rodríguez as President-Elect and welcoming Rita Simões and Piotr Wojcieszek as newly elected Board Members. Together, they will join the Society’s leadership at a time when radiation oncology continues to evolve through technological innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a growing focus on patient-centred cancer care.
A Message Of Gratitude And Responsibility
Following the announcement, Dr. Rubio Rodríguez expressed deep gratitude to ESTRO members for their trust and confidence. She described the election as an honour and accepted the responsibility with humility, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to serving the Society and the wider oncology community.
She also congratulated Rita Simões and Piotr Wojcieszek on their election to the ESTRO Board, noting her anticipation of working with them in the years ahead.
In her message, Dr. Rubio Rodríguez gave special thanks to Johannes Langendijk, recognizing his vision, experience, and commitment to ESTRO. She described the opportunity to share this professional journey with him as a privilege and expressed her hope for continued close collaboration in the future.
She also highlighted the importance of working alongside Matthias Guckenberger and Barbara Jereczek-Fossa, acknowledging their leadership, dedication, and ongoing contributions to ESTRO and the radiation oncology community.
A Proud Moment For Spanish Radiation Oncology
Dr. Rubio Rodríguez emphasized that her election represents a particularly meaningful moment for the Spanish radiation oncology community. She expressed pride in representing colleagues who contribute daily to the field with dedication, clinical excellence, and a strong commitment to patients and the profession.
Her election brings Spanish radiation oncology further into the European leadership spotlight, reflecting the role of national and international collaboration in shaping the future of cancer care.
Clinical Leadership Across Radiation Oncology
Dr. Rubio Rodríguez is a specialist in Medicine and Surgery and in the Management of Oncological Therapies. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with multiple healthcare institutions and has held senior leadership roles, including Chief of Service positions.
She currently serves as Head of the Radiation Oncology Service of HM Hospitales and is affiliated with HM Hospitales, Clara Campal Cancer Center, and Camilo José Cela University in Madrid, Spain.
Her clinical work has included several areas of modern radiation oncology, with particular interest in the implementation of advanced irradiation techniques such as Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Image Guided Radiation Therapy, and Cranial Radiosurgery.
Her experience spans the treatment of several malignant tumors, including prostate, lung, pancreatic, and brain cancers, as well as the care of patients with oligometastatic disease. Her professional training has also included experience at leading international centers such as the Royal Marsden Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Scientific And Professional Service
In addition to her clinical leadership, Dr. Rubio Rodríguez has held important roles within professional oncology societies. She has served as Vice-President of the Spanish Society of Radiation Oncology, where she has coordinated outreach and scientific management initiatives.
She is also a member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Radiosurgery, further reflecting her long-standing involvement in advancing education, collaboration, and scientific development in radiation oncology.
Her professional positions have included Head of Radiation Oncology at University Hospital HM Sanchinarro and University Hospital HM Puerta del Sur, as well as radiation oncology roles at University Hospital San Francisco de Asis, the Ocular Microsurgery Institute Group, and Jiménez Díaz Foundation University Hospital.
Strengthening ESTRO’s Future Direction
ESTRO described the newly elected leadership as central to shaping the future direction of the Society and the field of radiation oncology at large. The Society also thanked all candidates and members who participated in the vote.
As President-Elect, Dr. Rubio Rodríguez begins this new stage with a focus on collaboration across disciplines and countries. Her message placed patient-centred cancer care at the heart of ESTRO’s future work, alongside the continued strengthening of the Society and the broader radiation oncology community.
Her election signals both continuity and renewal for ESTRO, bringing together clinical expertise, institutional leadership, international training, and a strong commitment to advancing radiation oncology for patients across Europe and beyond.
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Written by Nare Hovhannisyan, MD