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Radiation Oncology
Volume 12 No 3
I
June 2016
49
2016 is well and truly underway and
the year has kicked off to a busy start.
The foremost event for trainees, the
first Phase 2 examination series, was
held in February and April this year in
Wellington. Congratulations to those
trainees who were successful—your
hard work and sacrifice over the past
months has paid off! Thank you to the
College and in particular, the Education
and Training Committee for the huge
effort that goes into coordinating our
examinations and all the elements of our
training.
Education and Workforce Update
From an economics and workforce
perspective, the major global issue
facing our specialty is the government’s
MBS review. The funding arrangements
for radiotherapy centres will have
a direct impact on the feasibility of
adding new staff, and thus trainees’
employment prospects. The formal
review is yet to take place for oncology,
but we will ensure that trainees are
informed of any relevant outcomes.
The Australian Medical Association
Trainee Forum that was held in
Melbourne in March revealed that
employment of fellows was a pre-
eminent concern for specialist trainees
across a wide range of medical
disciplines. This is consistent with the
concerns expressed by many radiation
oncology trainees. As mentioned in
previous updates, the College will be
conducting a survey of recent graduates
regarding their employment situations
post-fellowship. There is anecdotal
evidence of individual difficulties in
gaining consultant positions, but there
is at present a paucity of firmer data.
We hope that this survey provides
both the College and trainees with a
more realistic insight into the current
employment landscape.
Fellowship Database
The Radiation Oncology Trainees
Committee (ROTC) is aiming to develop
a comprehensive fellowship database
that will be accessible to all trainees.
The aim of this database is to collate the
details of all relevant past and current
fellowship positions, both locally and
internationally. The information we are
hoping to include will pertain to the
type of fellowship (for example clinical,
research, site-specific etc.), the hospital
location and contact information for
further details. If you are aware of any
fellowship opportunities at your centre
please email any of the ROTC members
with these details. Providing increased
information on fellowship opportunities
to all trainees will ultimately translate
into improved employment prospects
for us all.
Mentorship Program Proposal
We are currently investigating the
utility of establishing a mentorship
program for trainees. This project is in
its development phase but we will likely
be canvassing all trainees via an online
survey in the near future to assess the
wider cohort’s perspective on the value
of such an initiative. Please take the time
to participate in the survey and help us
invest in initiatives that are valuable to
you all.
Upcoming Examinations
Over the next three months, trainees will
be sitting the Phase 1 examination and
the second Phase 2 examination series.
Balancing work, study, research and
personal commitments is a demanding
task. I encourage any trainee who is
feeling overwhelmed or stressed to
access the support available to you
via your director of training, education
support officer and/or ROTC members.
Wishing you all the best of luck!
Dr Gina Hesselberg
Chair, Radiation Oncology Trainees
Committee
Radiation Oncology Trainees
Committee Update