ROTC 2022

Radiation Oncology Trainee Committee (ROTC)

The ROTC had its first meeting a few weeks ago and we have already begun implementing our strategic goals for the year:

1) Improve communication between trainees and the College

2) Advocate for trainees who are impacted by COVID and COVIDmodified workplaces

3) Advocate for improvements in the training experience and equity in training experiences across training sites

4) Support trainees to complete their assessments and examinations.

There is perceived lack of engagement between the College and trainees. This is particularly regarding communication of exam schedules and prep courses. We have highlighted this to the College staff and Faculty. To address this, the College has scheduled regular meetings with me throughout the year. These meetings give us the opportunity to raise concerns voiced by our colleagues. It also allows us to receive updates more frequently and disseminate information ourselves where required. These updates would be in addition to the communiques sent by the College and the monthly eNews. We have also requested that there be an additional point of contact within the College for trainees to reach out to (in addition to their network representatives). We will work with the College to see if this can be implemented before our next meeting.

As part of our review of the parttime and interrupted training policy document, we discussed the interruptions to training which may inadvertently result from COVID outbreaks. Owing to the nature of our specialty, it would be an ineffective use of a rad onc trainee’s skills to redeploy trainees. Furthermore, unlike other specialties, working in a COVID-focused ward would not expand a trainee’s knowledge in our craft. The ROTC will continue to advocate for trainees not to be re-deployed—particularly those trainees who are due to sit examinations. We will also advocate for trainees if their training time is affected by isolation requirements.

Exams remain a key requirement of progression through training. The practicalities of delivering examinations in our current environment remain challenging. From the knowledge we have gained from attending the AMA Council of Doctors in Training meeting, we will advocate for changes to the structure of examinations. Firstly, that where possible, individual components of examinations should be de-coupled (such as Written and Viva examinations).

Where contingency plans need to be developed and implemented, that we follow the example of some of the other colleges who have already formalised and published their plans. And finally, that where possible, formal examination should be transitioned into continuous, competency-based assessment.

There is a lot of anxiety regarding the changing format of our exams. We have requested that there be a forum run by the examiners to discuss this with trainees. The optimal scenario for this to occur would be at exam preparation courses. The College staff and Faculty are trying very hard to deliver these courses this year. We recognise that with the College having to manage multiple challenges at the same time, their resources are being stretched very thin.

For this reason, we have committed to continuing to provide resources for trainees through the Australia and New Zealand Society of Radiation Oncology Trainees (ANZSROT) this year. We will be guided by our colleagues, the College staff and Faculty as to what would the priorities of ANZSROT should be.

If you have an idea for us to implement through ROTC or ANZSROT, please reach out to us. We’d love to get you involved!

Dr Hari Kirupananther Chair | ROTC

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