Helena Linardou, Director of the 4th Oncology Department and Clinical Trials Center at Metropolitan Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“These last days, we had the privilege of hosting the ESMO – European Society for Medical Oncology Advanced Course on early lung cancer- for the 2nd year in a row in Athens! two intense and inspiring days of learning, discussion, and true academic exchange.
I had the pleasure of co-chairing this course with Peters Solange and Giannis Mountzios, whose support, vision and commitment were present from day one, few years ago when the idea was born…
What makes this activity special is that is not a congress. It is a purely educational event, with participants selected through prior application, committing to be present and engaged for two days. Those chosen by ESMO are supported to travel and attend, creating a focused environment where learning truly happens.
An extraordinary faculty of international experts came to Athens, stayed in the room throughout the course, debated, challenged assumptions, answered questions generously, met participants personally, shared practical wisdom, and brainstormed about the future of thoracic oncology. In a world of rushed appearances and fly-in lectures, this level of dedication is rare- and deeply appreciated.
Thank you, each one and all: Martin Reck, Lizza Hendriks, Jean Yannis Perentes, Noemi Reguart, Jordi Remon, Corinne Faivre-Finn, Keith Kerr, Anne-Marie Dingemans, Arsela Prelaj
Equally impressive were the participants: around 70 highly motivated oncologists from many countries, fully present, questioning experts, active in every session, bringing fresh ideas and energy to every discussion. Education works best when it becomes dialogue, and they made it happen.
A special thank you to the outstanding ESMO staff team, Valentina Guasconi and Caterina Sofia Fini, whose professionalism made everything run seamlessly before and during. Every late adjustment, every new idea, every detail was handled with calm excellence. From interactive rapid-fire poll sessions to a clinical trial design workshop and the smooth flow of a demanding program, they helped transform content into experience.
Thank you, ESMO, for trusting us with this initiative and for believing that Athens can serve as an educational hub for our region. Bringing knowledge, expertise and mentorship closer to where people work and train matters enormously. Not everyone can travel far to access world-class education and it makes a huge difference when world-class education comes to your doorstep.
And thank you, Solange and Giannis, for the tireless teamwork, shared effort, persistence and friendship throughout the preparation and delivery of this course/ and not only!
We leave these two days full, so grateful and inspired, with the promise to try our best to continue this effort and hopefully welcome everyone back next year in Athens. ”
Other articles featuring Helena Linardou on OncoDaily.
