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Radiation Oncology
Volume 12 No 4 I September 2016 53
Chief Censor in
Radiation Oncology
In May and June, the Phase 1 and
Phase 2 courses were held in Sydney.
A combination of lectures, practical
demonstrations and participation in
mock examinations assisted trainees to
gain knowledge of what is expected of
them and what the exam experience
will be like. During the Phase 2 course,
valuable insights and practical methods
of dealing with stress and performance
were provided by clinical psychologist
Dr Susan Johnson, and trained actor Dr
Paul Heinrich. During the Phase 1 course,
Dr Robin Cassumbhoy, one our radiology
colleagues, provided a “masterclass” in
cross-sectional anatomy.
The organisation of these courses is a
major commitment and I would like to
extend my thanks to Dr Apsara Windsor
and Dr Alex Tan for organising the Phase
2 course, and Dr Marcus Dreosti and Dr
Claire Hardie for organising the Phase 1
course.
I would also like to thank the Phase
2 examiners who made themselves
available to assist with the mock
examination on a Saturday morning and
all the Fellows who assisted with the
teaching during the Phase 1 course.
Both courses are of very high quality and
much appreciated by the trainees and all
Fellows involved in College educational
activities.
Director of Training Workshop
The Director of Training workshop held
in May covered a variety of topics.
Dr Yaw Chin provided an overview
of programmatic assessment of
competency-based workplace learning,
a major trend in medical education and
one of the key recommendations of
the Australian Council for Educational
Research (ACER)/Professor Prideaux
report. Representatives from one the
major medical defence organisations
provided a practical and interactive
session on ways to support trainees
who are experiencing difficulties. A
panel discussion followed, regarding
the unique challenges faced by those
involved in regional practice.
Exam and Assessment Review
A Task Force chaired by Dr Greg
Slater and comprising the Chief
Executive Officer, Head of Specialty
Training and both Chief Censors
met by teleconference to set key
priorities and strategic direction for the
implementation of the ACER/Prideaux
Review. Subsequently a meeting of the
Radiation Oncology Steering Group
comprising A/Prof Sandra Turner, Dr
Matthew Seel, Dr Yaw Chin, Pamela
Taylor and Adam Rayment from the
College’s Specialty Training Unit, and me
met with Prof David Prideaux to begin
laying the foundations for how this work
will proceed in radiation oncology. I look
forward to providing further updates as
progress continues.
As I write this, preparations for the Phase
1 and Phase 2 Series 2 examinations are
well advanced. I would like to thank all
the Fellows and specialist reviewers for
their involvement in this robust process.
I also wish all trainees the best of luck as
they approach these examinations.
Updated Consideration of Special
Circumstances Policy
All trainees and international medical
graduates need to be aware that this
policy has been updated and is now
available on the College website at www.
documents/policies
A/Prof Margot Lehman
If you would like further information
on any of the above topics,
please contact Pamela Taylor,
Head of Specialty Training on