ESTRO 2025 - Abstract Book

S2172

Interdisciplinary – Education in radiation oncology

ESTRO 2025

1591

Digital Poster Development of HR Competencies in Ukraine for the Integration of Advanced Radiotherapy Approaches : HUG's Collaboration with IAEA, ASTRO, and ESTRO Zoia Shepil 1 , Natalka Suchowerska 2 , Ruslan Zelinskyi 3 , Viktor Iakovenko 4 , Serhii Brovchuk 5,1 , Nataliya Kovalchuk 6 1 Radiation therapy, State Institution «National Scientific Center of Surgery and Transplantation named after O.O. Shalimov to National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine», Kyiv, Ukraine. 2 School of Physicist, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. 3 Radiation therapy, Academician Spizhenko Medical Center, Kyiv, Ukraine. 4 Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA. 5 Radiation therapy, LISOD - Hospital of Israeli oncology, Kyiv, Ukraine. 6 Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, USA Purpose/Objective: In the time when war continuing In Ukraine for almost three years, there is an effort to replace outdated radiotherapy equipment. Cobalt machines for EBRT and brachytherapy which mostly operate without planning systems need to be decommissioned and safer and more capable equipment needs to be installed. The transition to advanced Radiation Therapy (RT) techniques requires a solid foundation of Human Resources (HR) competencies. This work explores the development of HR competencies in Ukrainian Radiation Oncology through a collaborative initiative involving HUG (Help Ukraine Group) [1], the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) [2], the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and the European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology (ESTRO) [3]. It also explores how this collaborative model can be expanded to other countries where such advancements are long overdue. Material/Methods: The initiative aims to enhance the skills of radiation oncologists, medical physicists, and radiation therapy technologists to ensure effective implementation of advanced RT techniques, including the transition from 2D to 3D and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT). The collaboration, under this between our country and organizations: IAEA, ASTRO, ESTRO aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity building through online training programs [4-5], workshops, observerships, and clinical exchanges, particularly in the areas of radiation oncology and imaging. Also, implementation the translating materials and professional books into Ukrainian language are important ways for education. Emphasis is placed on aligning Ukraine's HR competencies with international standards. Results: Preliminary outcomes indicate significant improvements in the proficiency of Ukrainian radiation oncology professionals. Despite the ongoing war, the initiative has spurred interest in learning advanced radiation therapy (RT) techniques and contributed to enhancing local capabilities in education. The "train the trainer" approach has also been employed to ensure the sustainability of teaching programs. An online course, developed by several Ukrainian professionals who participated in international programs and observerships, was conducted. Educational materials, including translated content, are widely used, further supporting the learning process. The initiatives of HUG have the support of the ministry of health of Ukraine, IAEA, and professional organizations such as ASTRO and ESTRO. Conclusion: Upgrading radiotherapy equipment and strengthening HR competencies are crucial to improving cancer care in Ukraine. These efforts not only enhance cancer care in Ukraine but also provide a model for other developing nations. The collaboration between Ukraine and international organizations highlights the transformative power of global partnerships in advancing healthcare.

Keywords: IAEA, ASTRO, ESTRO, HUG