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Clinical Radiology
Volume 12 No 2 I March 2016 39
Chief Censor in
Clinical Radiology
Let me start by thanking our outgoing
Chief Censor Dr Gabes Lau for all his
hard work and the contribution he made
during his term. As the incoming Chief
Censor I am somewhat uncertain where
to begin, but it is probably best to start
with our trainees, as the core business
of the Clinical Radiology Education
and Training Committee is to ensure
that the College delivers a world-class
training and assessment program. This
activity of the College is also one of the
strategic pillars of the College’s 2014–
2017 strategic priorities and I am very
honoured to have been appointed the
custodian of this pillar.
Our trainees are the future assets of our
profession and we have produced world-
class specialists who continue to uphold
the high standards expected from our
profession. We provide one of the best
diagnostic and interventional services
within Australia and New Zealand.
However, we must never think that we are
perfect. Rapid evolution in our profession
also requires us to keep pace with the
constant changes we face in the way we
train and assess our trainees.
My term kicked off with four very busy
days planning our activities for this
year and beyond. The first day was
around strategic planning followed
by numerous workshops. There were
excellent presentations on the planning
day from guest speakers Prof David
Prideaux, Emeritus Professor of Medical
Education, Prideaux Centre for Research
in Health Professions Education, Flinders
University, and Dr Jacob Pearce and
Mr Daniel Urbach from the Australian
Council for Educational Research. These
events were very well attended and I
thank Prof John Slavotinek, Dean, Faculty
of Clinical Radiology for facilitating the
day. Among the attendees were Dr Greg
Slater, College President; Dr Lance Lawler
and Prof Vin Massaro, Board members;
examiners and committee members;
trainee representatives; Natalia Vukolova,
College CEO; Pamela Taylor, Head
of Specialty Unit, and other College
staff. The workshops focused on the
examinations and were well attended by
radiodiagnosis and pathology examiners.
See page 32 for more detail.
Besides conducting the examinations,
numerous other activities are being
planned for this year. These include
Director of Training and examination
related workshops, preferably held
in various jurisdictions including New
Zealand. We will attempt to conduct
other workshops that will provide
opportunities to upskill Fellows who
generously contribute their time and
expertise in these areas. Workload
for everyone participating in training,
assessments and examination related
activities is increasing and I will be
personally engaging with more Fellows
seeking their participation and assistance.
I would like to take this opportunity
to once again bring to attention that
due to circumstances beyond the
College’s control we have had to move
our Part 2 second series examinations
to Melbourne. I will be writing to each
trainee regarding this and we do not
expect any significant impact due to this
change.
Ms Pamela Taylor has been appointed
as Head of Specialty Training Unit and I
congratulate her. She is very well known
to most of us from her previous senior
roles in the College. A team of very
competent, diligent and dedicated staff
supports her and I am looking forward to
working with them.
A/Prof Dinesh Varma
If you would like any further
information or would like to
comment on any of the above,
please contact the College on