The dawn of Clinical Oncology education in Greece.
Major advances in cancer research, escalating improvements in cancer management and epidemic increase of cancer incidence drive today Clinical Oncology disciplines into most appealing and challenging medical practices. In reflection, medical schools worldwide consider upgrading their curricula on cancer education. In this article we portray the current situation of undergraduate cancer education and professional training in Clinical Oncology in Greece. In this country the need of systemic education in Oncology was early realized by pioneer oncologists two decades ago and since then it gets steadily improving. Today, intra- and extra-curriculum education activities are intense and offer advanced teaching and training opportunities at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Medical and Radiation Oncology are two officially recognized specialties of Medicine in Greece and have both contemporary education curricula which are officially portrayed in the establishment acts. Centers accredited as training centers for Clinical Oncology have regular commitments to teaching and develop structured training programs; however, the burden of service commitments and shortage in senior staff compromise in some cases the educational activities. Finally, generous training and research grants offered by National and European scientific bodies provide now advanced educational opportunities to willing young oncologists.
Briasoulis
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Department of Medical Oncology, University hospital, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece. ebriasou@otenet.gr
Kardamakis
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D003479:Curriculum / Q000592:standards*; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education*