Purpose

Purpose of the PPS “Surgical Oncology of the Gastrointestinal Tract”

The purpose of the study program entitled “Surgical Oncology of the Gastrointestinal Tract” is the specialization of postgraduate students in the surgical treatment of malignant diseases – primary and metastatic – exclusively of the organs of the gastrointestinal system. In recent years, the increase in the frequency of newly diagnosed malignant diseases of the digestive tract, especially in younger ages, makes it imperative to specialize in the surgical treatment of these. It is now proven that the only and definitive treatment of these diseases is surgery, which in many cases is combined with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy treatment protocols. In Western Europe and the USA, this surgical treatment is the exclusive employment of surgeons specialized in Surgical Oncology, while the separation of Oncology into Surgical and Medical is now a fact.

The need for specialization in this demanding field is therefore perceived. The European Society of Surgical Oncology (ESSO) was founded in 1981 and has a recognized and tangible role in the creation of guidelines for the treatment of malignancies. Furthermore, ESMO coordinates the other national societies, offers certification (FEBS in Surgical Oncology) in collaboration with the European Board of Surgery, issues guidelines, supports with scholarships its members and their research efforts and also records European epidemiological data in a shared database.

In addition, in Greece, the Hellenic Society of Surgical Oncology has been established with the aim of establishing and promoting the specialization in Surgical Oncology. As mandated by the modern guidelines of both the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and that of the USA (National Comprehensive Cancer Network, NCCN), in the oncology boards of the reference centers, participating surgeons are specialized in Surgical Oncology.

It is also a recent known fact that doctors with specialization in Oncology achieve better oncological results compared to those who did not specialize. In this context, there are fellowship programs (Europe and USA) in Surgical Oncology and also in Complex General Surgical Oncology (CGSO) in the USA.

The discrete objectives of the establishment and operation of the PMS aim to:

a. The formation of an enhanced cooperation framework with University Institutions and Research Centers in Greece and abroad,

b. The promotion of the students’ research work at international and Greek conferences, in which they will be invited to present it,

c. Attracting candidates admitted from other Universities, Greek and foreign.