ESTRO: a regional oncology society on the move

Abstract

ESTRO, founded in 1982, has stimulated and coached the emergence of radiation oncology as a separate in Europe. Its growth was organical and driven by the pioneer sprint, vision and energy of its “founding fathers”. In 1997, 15 years later, the Society counts more than 4 000 members and represents the vast majority of European proffesionals active in the field of radiation oncology. At this historical moment ESTRO is doing some deep soul searching to find out whether its present structure, goals and activities are still adequate to face up to the challenges of the 21 st century, to streamline an interactive communications with its members and provide the guidance and services rightfully expected from it in a region rapidly converging towards a new European space.

In a “conclave” – type meeting in a former monastery in Italy a group of yong members were brought together to put under scrutiny 8 areas considered to be of major importance to the Society, to assess the present status and explore new paths, horizonts and boundaries. The Board joined them later to listen to their criticism and capture their audacious dream and projects. Will the Society be able to produce the power of imagination required to set free, harness and tap this powerful stream of new energy? Will it be able to generate the resources to deliver on the vast range of expectations of a new generation of members who, it is hoped, have served as an unprejudiced and candid mouthpeace of its membership at large.