About Summer School Oncology 

The Medical University of Vienna and the University of Groningen/ University Medical Center Groningen collaborate in the organisation of the annual Medical Sciences Summer School Oncology for Medical Students. The Summer School is organized alternatingly in Groningen (even years) and Vienna (uneven years). This July the school will take place in Groningen!

The goal of the Summer Schools is to teach a multidisciplinary approach to oncology to medical students before they enter the clinic. The first Summer School in Groningen was held in 1996 and in Vienna in 1999. Students that participated in the Summer schools have been extremely satisfied with the organisation, scientific content and topic range.

Course aims

To teach a multidisciplinary approach to oncology to medical students in the final phase of their studies.

To help students become familiar with cancer care in general health practice, to reduce fear of patients with a malignant disease and to learn more about cancer related problems in other countries.

To introduce cancer related research & development, new technologies in diagnostic procedures (invasive and non-invasive) and modern multidisciplinary treatment approaches.

To become familiar with preparing  a poster  and presenting at an international meeting.

To encourage critical scientific reasoning and the development of collaboration, and communication skills with peers from all around the world and to help establish an international network.

Format

The educational program consists of interactive lectures and workshops. Students will focus on general aspects of cancer including biological aspects, diagnostic approaches, clinical issues and psycho-oncology. The lectures are given by medical, radiation and surgical oncologist, radiologists, physicists and psycho-oncologists.

The workshops and interactive courses go in into more depth on the topics discussed in the lectures. The aim is to teach students how to deal with daily problems in clinical practice. In addition, students will have time to prepare a poster at the end of the course. Presentation skills will be practiced and improved during tutor guided sessions.

Students make an informative exam before and at the end of the summer school covering the main course contents in order to evaluate and document the learning experience and knowledge obtained.

To see more photos from previous years click here.

Experience of previous participants

Bogdan Chiva Giurca – Exeter Medical School, United Kingdom

“Three simple words to describe this amazing experience: unique, innovative, interactive.

The career opportunities following the involvement in the International Oncology Summer School are endless. Not only do students establish long lasting friendships with the doctors of tomorrow from all over the world, but they also have the chance to liaise with staff members from Groningen, and return for future internships or research projects. Since 2012, year after year I have been infected by the enthusiasm and passion of the organisers. If you are a budding oncologist, this international course is a MUST!”

Aurelia Prajitno – Faculty of medicine Universitas Pelita Harapan, Indonesia

“The Summer School programme has given me good clinical insights on the treatment and management of cancer. I’m also happy to have  been part of this programme because I got to meet new people and make new friends from different parts of the world. I was able to have discussions with the kind and friendly professors and learned a lot from them. It was one of the best unforgettable moments, those 2 weeks I spent in Groningen!”