“When a child lights up seeing you and runs from the other side of the room to hug you… I’m reminded of the long-lasting, positive impact we can have”
Dr Andrada Țurcaș (Babes-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Romania) is a radiation oncologist and research scientist based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, who brings equal measures of precision and compassion to her work. With a PhD in paediatric and adult neuro-oncology, she focuses on delivering cutting-edge radiotherapy while forming deep, lasting connections with her patients. Currently working at the Oncology Institute and Babes-Bolyai University, Dr Țurcaș is also actively involved in international research collaborations. In this interview, she reflects on the transformative power of patient care, the importance of teamwork and resilience in medicine, and how she balances clinical excellence with human connection.
Q1. What aspects of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
Giving patients hope and gaining their trust is the most fulfilling aspect of my work. Forming meaningful connections with patients and their families during some of the most difficult times of their lives doesn’t come easy for either of us, but when a child lights up seeing you and runs from the other side of the room to hug you, or they return for follow-up, thriving years after treatment, or when parents send holiday cards and pictures with their smiling children playing, I’m reminded of the long-lasting, positive impact we can have on people.
Q2. What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
My advice to those that are just beginning their journey in this speciality is to embrace failure and learn from it. The more you try, the more chances for failure, rejection or disappointment there are, but also so many opportunities for success and growth! Also, don’t hold back, engage with your peers and learn to share; the medical field is very competitive, but no great things can be accomplished alone! Last but not least, enjoy and cherish life! Our profession can be stressful and exhausting at times so try to value small things and don’t neglect your personal life!
Q3. How has working with patients shaped your approach to medicine?
Working with patients didn’t only change my approach to medicine, it changed my entire view on life itself. Dealing with difficult cases every day, I learned to value and appreciate the privileges that life has to offer and be more patient and understanding with the people around me. Also, working with children has taught me to slow down, listen closely and adapt my communication to meet each patient’s developmental stage and emotional needs. These interactions have taught me that medicine is not only a science but also a dialogue, one that must be built on trust, empathy and mutual understanding. Care should be always be adapted to the patient’s needs and expectations.
Q4. How do you balance the technical aspects of your work with the empathetic side of patient care?
Radiation oncology requires precision and adherence to protocols, but behind every scan and plan is a person, a unique individual that requires a personalized approach. Each patient has their own background, level of understanding and life priorities and we, as healthcare professionals, need to adjust to their situation and approach them accordingly. Without compromising the quality of the treatment, we try to accommodate patient’s desires, such as watching their favourite TV show, listening to their favourite music during treatment, painting their masks with their most liked character or adjusting treatment appointments to accommodate their preferences.
About Dr Andrada Țurcaș
Dr. Andrada Țurcaș is a radiation oncologist at the Oncology Institute and a research scientist at the Babes-Bolyai University Cluj-Napoca, Romania. After earning a PhD in paediatric and adult neuro-oncology, she is now pursuing a dual path in clinical care and academic research, with a particular focus on paediatric radiotherapy and adult brain tumours. She is part of several international committees and research groups, and she aspires to advance the quality of patient care by bridging the gap between research innovations and clinical practice, fostering cross-border collaboration and inspiring future generations.
Disclosure: Andrada Țurcaș has no conflicts of interest to declare in relation to this article.
Cite: Dr Andrada Țurcaș on precision, empathy and paediatric radiotherapy: touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2025. touchONCOLOGY. April 16th, 2025
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