Radiation Oncology Specialty Profile

Radiation Oncology

Dr. Richard Khor - Radiation Oncology Registrar, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

Radiation oncology is a key aspect of the multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. The field’s primary focus is the treatment of malignant disease with radiant energy, the intent of which may be either curative or palliative (ratio about 50:50). These specialists are versed in radiation physics, have technical expertise in the delivery of radiotherapy and have a detailed knowledge of all basic sciences of oncology, along with the epidemiology, aetiology, pathology and natural history of human malignancies. Radiation oncologists are involved in the comprehensive assessment, management and follow-up of their patients. It is a field which combines a thorough knowledge of oncology with established, high precision treatment modalities to improve the lives of cancer sufferers.

Read more...

 

Radiation Oncology Training Program

Training Program

The Faculty of Radiation Oncology within the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists is responsible for training and assessment. An overview of the training program and examinations, and a list of sites accredited for training are available from... more

Application Process

Two full years as an intern/resident are a prerequisite for entry into the training program. The college is not directly involved in the selection of trainees, but provides selection criteria (available online) as guidance for the employing bodies. Trainee selection... more

Length of Training

A minimum of five years full time (or equivalent) training is required.... more

Cost of Training

Application fees – Submitting an application is currently free of charge Annual training fee – $900 Part I/II Examination fee – $1200/2000 Costs as at 3/07. Costs of training may vary from year to year. Please visit the college website... more

Availability/Competition for Training Positions

In 2006, there were 57 trainees in the radiation oncology program in Australia. Thirteen of these were new first year trainees.... more

Flexibility in Training

The faculty endorses the principle of part time training which may be available at a minimum 50% workload. Interrupted training is possible and will be considered on an individual basis.... more

Radiation Oncology Case Study

Dr. Farshad Foroudi

Dr. Farshad Foroudi

Name: Dr. Farshad Foroudi

Career stage: Consultant

Location: Melbourne

Medical Specialty: Radiation Oncology

What do you enjoy most about radiation oncology?

Radiation Oncology is a speciality with both technical and patient care aspects. I enjoy the variety of research opportunities and the minimal oncall responsibilites (2 weeks a year). ...

What are some of the challenges (or down-sides) of being a radiation oncologist?

Very capital intensive - so extremely likely that a radiation oncologist would either work in a group practice or employed by the public sector. Issues of personalities in group practice. Tertiary speciality and often dependant on referrals from surgeons....

Read more »

 

Radiation Oncology Workplace

The workplace

Radiation oncology is practiced predominantly in an outpatient setting with some responsibilities for inpatient care. Many referrals are from other members of the multidisciplinary cancer treatment team (medical and surgical oncologists). Radiation oncologists generally spend the majority of their working... more

The doctor-patient relationship

Radiation oncologists may have contact with patients from a wide age range, which reflects the variable epidemiology of malignancies. Consultations include new patient referrals, reviews of patients undergoing treatment, and follow-up of patients after completion of radiotherapy. Radiation oncologists often... more

Intellectual content

Radiation oncology practice requires an excellent understanding of human anatomy, radiotherapeutic physics, the biological effects of radiation, and the molecular biology of cancer. The comprehensive training in clinical oncology touches upon a vast range of topics (e.g pathology, immunology, pharmacology,... more

Medical Indemnity

Use our risk category tool to see what risk category is assigned to this specialty.... more

Lifestyle and practice options

Radiation oncologists practise in an outpatient setting during regular business hours and are remunerated according to AMA State Staff Specialist Awards (in the public system). Oncological emergencies generally result in only a small amount of out of hours work, and... more

News Archive

 

btn return to topReturn to top