Interventional Radiology
Specialty Recognition for Interventional Radiology and Interventional Neuroradiology Frequently Asked Questions Key points he College is proposing to apply for T specialty recognition of interventional radiology (IR) and interventional neuroradiology (INR) as two separate fields of specialty practice within the specialty of radiology in Australia. ields of specialty practice define F medical health services in Australia, existing fields of specialty practice within radiology include diagnostic ultrasound, diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine. Currently there is no recognition of either IR and INR by the Medical Board of Australia, this inadvertently restricts patient access to these specialist services, limiting patient choice to the potential range of minimally invasive technologies and procedures proven to improve patient health outcomes. Designating IR and INR as new fields of specialty practice within the specialty of radiology will not and cannot impact an individual’s scope of practice. We look at some frequently asked questions received during the consultation period.
What is being done by the College to pursue specialty recognition with the Medical Board of Australia?
February 2022 and invites feedback on this preliminary proposal. You can read the briefing papers provided to stakeholders here:
Answer: The College has been actively working to comprehensively understand and gain insights into the process for specialty recognition by meeting with the Australian Medical Council and with other colleges who have submitted applications previously (both successful and unsuccessful). Of note: this is a new process, and to date no specialty has successfully been through the entire process.
• Interventional Radiology
The College has and continues to offer ways for members to find out more about the proposals, including: • The President announced this proposal to the College membership at the Interventional Radiology Committee (IRC) session at the RANZCR ASM in September 2021. The IRC chair further explained what this means for members and the specialties
• Interventional Neuroradiology
What and who is undertaking this work on specialty recognition in the College? Answer: The Interventional Radiology Committee (IRC) is a standing committee of the Faculty of Clinical Radiology and is leading this exciting work on behalf of the College. The IRC published the Roadmap for Advancing IR and INR in Australia and New Zealand in 2019 which outlined the College’s plan for specialty recognition. During this time, the IRC has been progressing the work identified in this landmark document. The IRC’s priorities are to develop a submission for the initial application/s for IR and INR and to develop an advanced training program for IR and INR.
• The College hosted a series of virtual roadshows for members, providing a forum for members to ask questions from a panel which included representation from IRSA and ANZSNR. The recordings can be accessed here
IRC
• There is currently an open survey for members
Murray McLachlan (consumer rep)
• Members are encouraged to indicate their level of support and any other feedback via email to IRCconsultations@ranzcr.edu.au
Dr Wen Ter Kan
The College is also talking with other stakeholders such as medical colleges and societies, consumer advocacy organisations, state and territory health departments, public and private hospitals and radiology partners. This open consultation commenced in
Dr Nicholas Brown (chair) A/Prof Dinesh Varma A/Prof Andrew Holden A/Prof Winston Chong Dr Craig Ferguson A/Prof William McAuliffe Dr Andrew Cheung A/Prof Warren Clements A/Prof Ronil V Chandra Dr Terry Kok Dr Thilina Jayaratne
Volume 18 No 2 | March 2022
53
