The first Training School of the DISSECT COST Action (CA24158) was successfully held in Sofia, Bulgaria, organised by Dr Mariela Vasileva-Slaveva with the support of the Bulgarian Breast Cancer Association (BBCA), the Bulgarian Lymphedema Association, and ESSO. Funded by COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology, DISSECT (Disparities in Surgical Specialisation and Education in Cancer Training) brings together surgeons, patient partners, and multidisciplinary experts from across Europe and beyond to address inequalities in cancer surgery training. Over two productive days, participants engaged in expert presentations, panel discussions, and practical exchanges focused on identifying, measuring, and reducing disparities in surgical oncology education.
The programme highlighted the importance of education as a driver of professional development, workforce retention, patient outcomes, and healthcare quality. Sessions covered a wide range of topics, including residency training pathways, mentorship, women in surgical oncology training, multidisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and international best practices. The event also created valuable opportunities for networking and the development of new research and training collaborations. As noted by Prof. Wim Ceelen, Chair of the DISSECT Management Committee, this initiative is both timely and highly relevant, with five active working groups now open to members focusing on disparities, research capacity, multidisciplinary knowledge exchange, mentorship, and innovation.
Next Online Parallel Working Group meeting will take place Thursday 23 April 2026, 5-7 pm.
Next Training school is planned to take place in Poznan, 27-29 May 2026.
More details coming soon!
