Česky
What led you to radiation oncology in the first place?
At school I was inclined towards technical subjects, mathematics, physics. I originally wanted to study nuclear physics. During my medical studies, I was deciding between radiation oncology and radiation oncology. After years of working in oncology, I can say that I made a good choice. It may seem that radiation oncology is a technical medical field, yet communication with the patient is an integral part of it.
Is it a field that is developing a lot these days?
In recent years, there have been significant developments in the understanding of tumour biology, as well as a number of technical advances. This has led to the introduction of new treatments and improved outcomes for cancer patients. I can honestly say that I enjoy and find my work fulfilling.
Do you have a specialty in your field?
Within the care of oncology patients, I have a closer interest in patients with central nervous system tumours. In collaboration with clinical and diagnostic disciplines, I am on a team that is developing knowledge about primary brain tumors through research grants.
What exactly is your role as a radiation oncologist when dealing with patients with tumors?
One of the treatment options for cancer patients is radiation. For selected diagnoses, this is a treatment method that can lead to a cure of the disease. The task of the radiation oncologist is to design a treatment plan in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team, to familiarise the patient with the treatment procedure, to technically prepare the radiotherapy and, of course, to accompany the patient during and after the treatment and to deal with any complications. Here at Multiscan, I mainly do the initial examination of patients for whom radiation treatment has been indicated and propose the treatment schedule.
"There is a good team at Multiscan, I am happy here."
Why did you choose Multiscan?
I've been working here for over a year now. Before that, I worked - both during and after my studies - in Hradec Kralove and I am actually still working there. I am satisfied at both workplaces. Both jobs complement each other. My classmate MUDr. Štuk asked me to help him and I was convinced to accept the offer by the fact that the head of the department is Prof. Odrážka, whom I knew from Hradec Králové. I started working under him and he was one of my mentors. He also asked me to come to Pardubice, and I wanted to help in a human way.
Did the work at Multiscan meet the expectations you came with a year ago?
Professionally, I appreciate that my direct supervisor is Dr. Hlávka and I can continue to work with Professor Odrážka. What they can offer me professionally, I get.
I am very tolerant, and as long as I find a minimum of professional harmony in the work team, I am happy with that. The team here is good, I like it here. To be honest, I have to admit that because of covid-19, I only know a small group of people here, unfortunately. All those events where I would have had the opportunity to meet others have been cancelled. I'm sorry. And because of the respirators, I don't think I'd know many people outside of work without them. It's such a strange time right now.
How do you juggle your workload in the medical profession with your family?
My increased workload takes a lot out of my personal time. Truth be told, they're not too thrilled at home. But I'm glad they allow me this workload. And we're managing somehow. I have plenty of energy for now, but I'll have to adjust my schedule in the future. We'll see how we handle it when the kids start first grade.
"At night, when I lie down with fatigue, I think what a great day it was."
What do you do to recharge your batteries?
My work and my relationships recharge me. I couldn't do it without that, that's the most important thing for me to enjoy coming to work. My family also gives me energy. Although taking care of children is demanding, they are the driving force. In the evening, when I lie down with fatigue, I think what a wonderful day it has been. I wouldn't change it. It recharges me to go outside, sometimes all it takes is our garden with the dog, the neighbor's cats, and depending on the season, the flowering bushes.
My husband would say that my greatest source of energy is properly high mountains. When we go on a hike, I don't know any other than a day hike. Fortunately, the kids are after me. When we have free time, we go to the mountains. My husband laughs that when I see mountains, I turn into a chamois. We have a camper so we enjoy exploring new places with the kids. We like the fact that we get to go wherever we want. We drove all over Sardinia last year. The kids love it, they're thrilled to have the space to run wild.
Zuzana Pleskačová's daily schedule
07:00 I come to work
07:45 Morning debriefing (workplace organizational guidelines, presentation of complicated cases)
08:00 Last check of the radiation protocol and checking the paperwork of new radiation patients
08:30 - 12:30 Preparation of medical documentation of newly referred cases for radiotherapy, consultation with the patient ending with the preparation of the treatment plan and planning CT scan
12:30-15:00 Technical preparation of the irradiation protocol, checking the setting of patients during radiotherapy, starting irradiation in new patients, checking the health status of irradiated patients, evaluation of the effect of treatment
15:15 I leave work and spend time with my children, or my duty starts
