ASM Sponsor Grant Recipients Enjoy RANZCR2022

More than 1,400 delegates attended the 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting in Adelaide. Among the crowds were six ASM Sponsor Grant recipients.

This year, Kaitlyn Calvert-Shandley, Dr Jessica Del Bianco, Patricia Harris, Dr Kate Idiens, Ashleigh Morrison and Jordyn Tomba attended the conference thanks to their College grants, which assist with covering the costs associated with their registration, travel and accommodation.

This initiative is part of our long-term commitment to achieve equitable health outcomes of Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and increase representation in our future workforce.

One of the recipients is Dr Jessica Del Bianco from Newcastle. Jessica, a member of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, has enjoyed learning more about the advances in technology. She particularly found the session on gender diversity in radiology helpful and inspiring. She also enjoyed the session on research in radiology, and learning techniques to incorporate more research into a clinical radiology career.

Dr Jessica Del Bianco

“Coming to the conference has been very good for networking. Everyone has been so friendly and approachable,” she said. “I’ve been given a lot of contact details here, and a lot of cards, from people who I hope to keep in contact with.”

Ashleigh Morrison

Ashleigh Morrison, another recipient, is a first year postgraduate medical student at Flinders University. In her work there, she said, “I have had very little exposure to clinical radiology or radiation oncology.”

It’s her first conference; and for her, “one of the best things has been the personalisation of the support from the College … to simplify the process [of becoming a radiologist].”

One of her favourite sessions was on proton therapy, with Dr Anita Majahan from Mayo Clinic. Ashleigh said, “It’s inspiring to see the level of professionalism here—it’s amazing. And I never dreamt I would have access to see that in person, so I was really keen to come, and I was delighted to get the opportunity.”

The ASM Grant has been a great incentive for First Nations people at the start of their professional journey. Madeleine d’Avigdor, the College’s Senior Project Officer for Indigenous Workforce, said, “The College’s vision is for equitable health and workforce outcomes for Māori and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. To encourage more First Nations doctors to consider a career in radiation oncology or clinical radiology, the ASM Grant was established in order to provide an immersive experience to learn more about our professions and provide insight into recent advances and the latest research. It also provides an invaluable networking opportunity to connect with College Fellows. I am delighted that these are now an annual offering.”

It was impressive to see how engaged the recipients were, attending many of the scientific sessions and using their time to speak with specialists about their areas of expertise. The grants are clearly a success at giving potential trainees valuable exposure to our professions,

said Prof Vin Massaro, Chair of the College’s Māori, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Executive Committee.

For enquiries about the ASM Sponsor Grant, email gaps@ranzcr.edu.au