Maastro Campuses

At Maastro Clinic Heerlen, the primary focus is on advanced education and training in radiation oncology, serving as a hub for specialized medical programs affiliated with Maastricht University. The campus offers comprehensive courses in clinical radiation therapy, emphasizing evidence-based practices for cancer treatment. Key programs include the Radiation Oncology Residency, a multi-year training for physicians covering diagnostic imaging, treatment planning, and patient management in oncological care.

• Master's in Medical Physics: This program trains students in the application of physics to radiation therapy, including dosimetry, imaging techniques, and quality assurance protocols. Participants learn to operate linear accelerators and brachytherapy systems, ensuring precise radiation delivery while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
• Radiation Therapist Certification Course: A practical, hands-on curriculum for allied health professionals, focusing on patient positioning, simulation, and treatment execution. It incorporates simulation labs and clinical rotations to build expertise in stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT).
• Advanced Oncology Nursing Program: Tailored for nurses specializing in cancer care, this course covers chemotherapy integration with radiation, symptom management, and psychosocial support. It includes modules on palliative care and survivorship planning.

Additionally, short-term workshops on emerging technologies like proton therapy and AI in treatment planning are available. Research-oriented courses encourage interdisciplinary collaboration, with opportunities for PhD-level studies in translational oncology. The curriculum integrates Dutch healthcare standards with international guidelines from ESTRO and ASTRO, fostering a 300-hour clinical practicum. Faculty, comprising leading oncologists and physicists, emphasize innovation, with over 500 trainees annually benefiting from state-of-the-art facilities. This educational ecosystem not only equips professionals for clinical excellence but also drives research in personalized medicine, contributing to improved patient outcomes in the Netherlands' oncology landscape.

Maastro Clinic Maastricht, integrated within the Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC+), delivers specialized educational programs in radiation oncology, leveraging its academic affiliation for cutting-edge training. The campus specializes in interdisciplinary courses that bridge clinical practice and research, focusing on complex cancer cases treated at this tertiary referral center.

• Specialized Radiation Oncology Fellowship: An advanced post-residency program for oncologists, delving into neuro-oncology, pediatric radiation, and gynecological cancers. It includes advanced imaging like PET-CT integration and adaptive radiotherapy techniques, with clinical exposure to over 1,000 annual cases.
• Clinical Research in Oncology Course: Designed for researchers and clinicians, this program covers trial design, biostatistics, and ethics in radiation therapy studies. Participants engage in ongoing trials at MUMC+, learning about immunotherapy combinations and hypofractionated regimens.
• Medical Dosimetry Training: A focused certification for dosimetrists, emphasizing 3D conformal planning, volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), and quality control. The course features virtual simulation software and peer-reviewed case studies from the clinic's database.

Further offerings include continuing medical education (CME) modules on radiation safety, tumor board simulations, and multidisciplinary team training. The curriculum aligns with European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) standards, incorporating 200 hours of supervised practice. With access to hybrid operating rooms and research labs, students explore innovations like FLASH radiotherapy and radiomics. Annually, the program trains around 300 professionals, promoting collaboration across departments like surgery and medical oncology. This educational framework enhances skills in precision medicine, supports Dutch national cancer control initiatives, and prepares graduates for leadership roles in academic and community settings, ultimately advancing oncology care in the region.