The ESTRO mentoring programme is a cornerstone of professional development for young radiation-oncology professionals, and the number of people who take part continues to grow. To give you a closer look at the benefits of this important initiative, we have interviewed a mentor and mentee couple, to share their inspiring experiences and highlight how the programme has shaped their professional journeys. Could this be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for?

(To mentee) Where did you hear about the mentorship programme of young ESTRO members and what motivated you to apply to be a mentee?

Ghizela Ana Maria Salagean (mentee): I learned about the mentoring programme from my former colleague, who participated as a mentee in the first edition. Inspired by how significantly the programme enhanced their ambition and active involvement in ESTRO activities, I decided to join as a mentee myself. Then, the ESTRO email reminder prompted me to apply in a timely manner!

(To mentor) Why did you decide to sign up as a mentor?

Philip Poortmans (mentor): there were several reasons:

• I had a genuine interest to accompany and guide young colleagues on a project/programme of mutual interest;
• I wished to learn from new projects;
• I wanted to help to build a bright future for radiation oncology;
• networking – learning about new colleagues and new countries; and
• experience – I have a track record of mentoring young professionals, including from under-represented countries.

After the meet-and-greet session during the ESTRO conference, you two were coupled. Was it easy to establish meetings afterwards? How often did you meet during the last year?

Dr Salagean (mentee): The communication was very smooth, whether via email or WhatsApp. We had at least one meeting per month and also had the opportunity to connect in person during several other events.

Professor Poortmans (mentor): Yes, it was very easy (via WhatsApp); quite regularly and extra on demand – for me, there was sufficient frequency.

What do you think should be the most important character traits for a mentor?

Prof Poortmans (mentor): I am convinced that being/becoming a good mentor is largely a pre-existing trait and only partially an acquired skill (I dare to compare this with “charisma”, which is of course not the same). Clearly, a good teacher is not necessarily a good mentor, but a good mentor is likely to be a good teacher.

What would you say to potential mentors who may be interested in joining the programme, but who are unsure whether they should?

Prof Poortmans (mentor): I would only give advice on this to colleagues whom I know. To those whom I see as suitable, I would advise them to go for it. Anyway, I would mention that it should be a win-win investment in many ways. To the others, I would probably give no personal advice and let them experience it if they decide to embark on it. In this way, they would also learn about themselves and whether they are fit for the role or not.

(To mentee) In the speed-dating session you spoke to three or four different potential mentors for 10 minutes each. Do you remember what made Philip Poortmans your first choice?

Dr Salagean (mentee): I can happily say I was a huge fan of Philip Poortmans even before I met him. During the speed-dating event, his approachable and down-to-earth demeanour, free from any "professor superiority", made me feel comfortable and confident, and encouraged me to be open to the possibility of collaboration. I felt a good connection with my mentor, who has a warm personality. He had empathy – he understood the difficulties I was facing in my own practice in my home country.

Looking back, do you see advantages of joining the ESTRO mentoring programme?

Dr Salagean (mentee): I can say confidently that being a former mentee has been and continues to be a significant advantage for me. The mentorship programme has played a crucial role in shaping my academic and professional pathway more clearly while also boosting my ambition to become more actively involved in the ESTRO community. Since I took part in the mentoring programme, I have become a member of some newly formed focus groups and several working groups. I also participated in the scientific programme committee of the Young Track for the upcoming ESTRO Congress. The mentoring programme made me see ESTRO as a community. As an organisation, I see ESTRO in a different,more personal way, and have a better understanding of the different elements of it and how they all go together.

Ghizela Ana Maria Salagean

Topmed Medical Centre, Targu Mures, Romania

Philip Poortmans

Iridium Netwerk & University of Antwerp, Belgium

Apply for the ESTRO mentoring programme

Ready to take the next step in your professional journey? Join us for the fourth edition of the ESTRO mentoring programme, which will start at ESTRO 2025 in Vienna, Austria! The programme has a mission to foster collaboration and to support career advancement. The third edition paired 20 motivated young professionals with experienced ESTRO mentors, and created a network of learning and mutual growth.

You can apply by filling in the online motivation form here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CQX6ZNG

Application deadline: 20 February 2025

Please find more information here.