An interview with Professor Tim Eden, President of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology

Q. What is your own background?
A. Having qualified as a doctor in 1970, I trained in pediatrics and then hematology and oncology. I was privileged to work in the era when we were developing the services in the UK for children with cancer. I have served as Chairman of the UK Children’s Cancer Study Group and of the Medical Research Council Childhood Leukaemia Working Party. As President of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, I am involved in twinning programs in Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa.

Q. How did you become personally involved in the field of childhood cancer?
A. As a medical student three aspects of clinical work excited me: pediatrics, psychiatry and hematology. Further training and specialisation led me to the field of childhood leukaemia and cancer and I have never looked back.