Interview with Jean-Jacques Stelmes, a fellow at EORTC HQ

My name is Jean-Jacques Stelmes. I am 34 years old and a radiation oncologist originally from Luxembourg, married and father of two girls. I began to study medicine at the University of Luxembourg. Afterwards, I went to the University Pierre and Marie Curie in Paris to study for a Master in Medicine. In 2011, I moved to Switzerland where I specialized in radiation oncology. I worked as a resident in the Radiation Oncology Department at the University Hospital of Basel in Switzerland under the supervision of Professor Frank Zimmermann.

Why were you interested in oncology?

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.  This makes the work of oncologists vital in the overall landscape of healthcare. The fact of being an integral part of an interdisciplinary team and deciding on evidence based treatment approaches, which can potentially contribute to saving or extending the lives of many patients, was a strong stimulation for me. Radiation oncology is a perfect mix of high tech, patient care and actively treating cancer.

Why did you decide to do a fellowship at EORTC?

Oncology is a very data and trial driven discipline with new developments occurring rapidly.  EORTC is one of the most popular and world-renowned clinical research organisation, known for making high quality and practice changing trials. People, who work here, have a huge experience in this field. Working with the EORTC staff gives you an amazing opportunity and inside view of the complexity of trial development. You learn a lot. I really believe that clinical research, especially in oncology, is fundamental in reaching excellence in the field and having direct impact on treatment decisions. EORTC offers a unique package for the fellowship, meaning that there is no need to look for funding or for specific projects.

How would you describe EORTC?

EORTC is a non-profit organisation with a strong commitment of improving lives of cancer patients. It is completely independent and has a strong and trustful image in the oncology community. It has a friendly work environment, giving you the opportunity to conduct high-level clinical research and groundbreaking work.

Where do you want to be in 10 years’ time?

My deepest wish is to become an active researcher inside a disease-oriented group of EORTC, participating in trial development, sharing ideas inside the community and maintaining a relationship with EORTC and my future hospital in Luxembourg.

What do you do in your spare time?

I take the opportunity to enjoy Brussels with my family. It is a very uncomplicated and easy city to live in, with a lot of culture, and opportunities for concerts and shopping. I will certainly miss it after I leave.

EORTC Fellowship Programme

The EORTC Fellowship Programme offers opportunities to learn the principles of clinical research in cancer at EORTC HQ. Fellows will be exposed to full range of trainings, reinforcing and solidify their knowledge in clinical research.

If you are interested to learn more about clinical research in cancer, click here.