Education
Training in radiation oncology – medical practitioners
We offer training in radiation oncology for doctors at different career stages – all treatments other than gynaecological are offered here, these include paediatric radiation oncology, Stereotactic Radiosurgery, High Dose Rate brachytherapy, and intrabeam (intraoperative) radiotherapy.
We are particularly supportive of research, both clinical and molecular, and there are a number of experienced clinician-researchers on staff. If you are interested in training here, we are always interested to hear from talented and motivated doctors, so please contact us.
Fellows
There are occasional opportunities for newly qualified specialists (FRANZCR or equivalent) to spend a period of post-fellowship training here. These positions are highly competitive. Previous fellows have pursued a number of interests with a range of research publications. The fellowship can include a period of lab-based research.
Registrars
There are four training positions suitable for those sitting Part 1and Part 2 examinations of the Royal ANZ College of Radiologists, however trainees must also spend 6 months training at another centre as no gynaecological patients are seen.
There is one compulsory 2-hour tutorial for the registrars, on a particular clinical topic each week. For those preparing for part 1 exams there are additional tutorials in radiobiology and physics. All recent Part 2 candidates have been successful on their first attempt.
Registrars participate fully in the care of patients being treated. We expect registrars to practice Evidence Based Medicine and attendance at the weekly peer review, journal club and CME meetings is compulsory.
Resident Medical Staff
There is one RMO position at SCGH attached to this unit (rotating on a 6 or 12 weekly schedule) and we encourage RMOs who may be interested in radiation oncology as a career to apply. There is usually plenty of opportunity to be involved in the holistic care of inpatients as well as (optional) involvement in outpatient clinics.
Students
UWA 5th year medical students have brief exposure to this department (or one of the other departments in Perth). Those attached to SCGH have rated it highly on anonymous surveys. Previous 5th year projects, done within the department, have resulted in publication.
Radiation Therapist Training
Please refer to the links below for further information on:
Scholarships in Radiation therapy
School for Radiation therapy training
We Offer Training And Experience In
Intrabeam, a 50Kv intra-operative radiation device for treatment of lesions at the operation site such as lumpectomy sites in breast cancer.
Brachytherapy High dose rate VariSourse Unit and also prostate seed implants.
Total Body Irradiation For patients requiring bone marrow transplantation.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Stereotactic Radiotherapy For patients requiring accurately placed single dose radiation treatment for arterio-venous malformations or for patients requiring highly accurate small volume fractionated doses in the head region.
Research and Development Related to new treatment techniques in collaboration with Radiation therapists, Medical Physicists and Research Fellows in Radiation Oncology
- Multi-disciplinary case management clinics
- Breast clinic
- Neurology clinic
- Urology clinic
- Head and Neck clinic
- Palliative Care clinic
Medical Physicist Training
A comprehensive five year training and accreditation program in radiation oncology medical physics is in the process of being developed by the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine (ACPSEM). It is anticipated that this Department will implement this program as soon as it has been finalised and funded. Provisional key features of the five year program are as follows:
- Structured in-service clinical training in all aspects of radiation oncology medical physics.
- ACPSEM accredited MSc or equivalent portion of PhD to be completed
- Completion of relevant research and development project(s)
- Minimum entry requirements of approved degree in physics (or equivalent) and acceptance into the clinical training program
At present medical physicist training is achieved informally over a nominal period of five years as a result of on-the-job experience gained through working as part of a team. The completion of a post-graduation degree is strongly encouraged.
Following is a brief outline of the areas covered:
- Imaging Physics
- Radiotherapy Equipment Commissioning and QA
- Radiation Dosimetry
- Radiotherapy Treatment Planning
- Brachytherapy
- Radiation Safety and Protection
- Radiation Biology
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Research and Development
