PAR. 4 weeks to go. Clinical workshop, classical music, Danube running.

This is another one of those ‘when worlds collide’ episodes.

ESTRO Clinical Workshop 2026

After writing a 500 word motivational statement and getting accepted to attend, we were also encouraged to write a clinical trial synopsis on Combination of Radiation Therapy with Novel Therapies. However, the one I wrote was not chosen to be presented as it was more focused on systemic treatment rather than the radiotherapy itself. Lesson learned.

Attending the workshop also posed a big logistical challenge as David was working Nights. I’m sure the kids would have survived on their own but I suppose I need to be a responsible parent. And as if by magic, the best of the best put her hand up to look after the kids… the one and only Dr. Ann O’Callaghan (Consultant Medical Oncologist). The best boss in the world stayed at our house and looked after kids for 2 nights. Just so I can go and learn some Oncology in Vienna.

Over the 2 days of the Clinical Workshop, it was eye opening what Radiation Oncologists are up to. There were different topics such as Personalisation of Treatment, AI and Big Data, Ultrafractionation and Hypofractionation, and Organ Preservation. In my group – 6 of 8 selected trial synopses were presented and feedback was given to help move the projects forward to actually become clinical trials. One big challenge for radiotherapy clinical trials is that there is not much funding for it. At least 70% of clinical trials are drug development, mostly funded by pharma. So combination treatments (radiotherapy and these novel treatments) allow more opportunities.

Classical music – Strauss and Mozart

Back in September, I told myself that I would only listen to classical music for a year and maybe go to the Proms 2026. So coming to Vienna, I was not going to pass up seeing a concert or two. So whilst in Heathrow, waiting for my flight to depart, I managed to book two shows (at discounted rates) – Mozart/Strauss at the Schoenbrunn Orangerie for the first evening and a Strauss Dinner Show at Prater for the second evening.

Both shows also required a bit of military precision as I was arriving at 1745 and had to get to the Schoenbrunn for 2000. Luckily, the pilot sped it up a bit and got us to Vienna at 1735. And thanks to marathon training, I caught the hourly bus that drops us off in front of the hotel. Then got changed in 5 mins time (smart casual), and trekked to the west of the city and got to Schoenbrunn right before 2000. I order a glass of white wine, sat down, and smiled with joy throughout the whole show. There was a mix of Mozart and Strauss, some familiar and some not. There was a soprano and a baritone singer and it was just so beautiful.

The following evening, I had to skip the networking event of the clinical workshop to get to the Strauss Dinner Show. I was getting worried as I don’t know how much more food I could fit in as I had already stuffed my face at the breakfast and lunch buffet. (I did manage to squeeze in a 4 mile treadmill run at the hotel gym as we had an hour gap). The Strauss show was a little more informal. I got upgraded to the next level and sat with a couple from the UK. The 4 course meal went down smoothly. The orchestra played a mix of Strauss waltzes and polkas, and of course, The Blue Danube. Oddly a piece from Mozart’s Magic Flute. There was also a soprano singer and a pair of ballet dancers. After the show, there was a mini afterparty where the first violinist came back to play with more modern music. In one of the electronic ones, I felt like 20 year old me met 40 year old me. Great fun!

Walking through Prater…

After the show, I walked through Prater. I didn’t realise how nostalgic I’d get. I was here about 18 years ago… right after graduating from the University of San Francisco. It was the first stop right after myself and other students from USF completed the ‘How to be a Global Citizen’ at the Salzburg Seminar. That was the start of our great European backpacking trip. Interestingly, that trip ended in Paris, where I will end up in a month’s time.

Speaking of Paris…

Being in a different city would not be complete without a run. Although I didn’t really get far or run around the sights or parks, I made sure to run by the Danube. One of the chaps in my group managed a 13 mile run around the Danube Island and the city. I wasn’t as keen, my 13-miler will be this Sunday. So in addition to my sneaky 4-mile treadmill run in between workshops, I got up at 6 am on Friday, skipped the breakfast buffet and went for a 6 mile run around Danube Island – which is a 13 mile car-free island. I managed to get back and showered before the 8 am start.

Also… I cannot believe that this has happened this week (or in my life) but I actually had a 40-mile week! However, I am mildly worried as there is a niggle around my patella – which could be tendonitis or ligamentitis. I need to keep an eye on this.