RANZCR: Radiation Oncology Trainee Matters

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) Inside News September 2020

As we enter the third quarter of 2020, COVID-19 continues to dominate our daily lives. Unfortunately, Australia has been plagued by a second COVID-19 wave, mandating further lockdown restrictions in certain states and jurisdictions. At the time of writing, COVID-19 appears to have crept back into New Zealand as well—the COVID-19 situation across the Tasman will continue to evolve in the coming weeks and months.

It is inevitable that our training is affected by COVID-19 in many different ways. The deferred Phase 1 and Phase 2 examinations have been one of the major concerns for many trainees over the past few months. It is hoped that the recent announcement of the examination dates will provide some reassurance to affected trainees. Acknowledging the examination-related stress among trainees, it is important to recognise the mammoth effort that Dr Yaw Chin, our Chief Censor, has put into drafting an examination process and contingency plan, which accommodates COVID-19 considerations, in consultation with all parties within the College—his is definitely not an enviable position to be in during this stressful time! Also, considering the unique plights and challenges faced by different trainees in the lead up to the examinations, it might be worthwhile having a read through of the Consideration of Special Circumstances Policy in case it applies to you.

As we adapt to the new norm in the COVID-19, online education or webinars have become an important part of our education resources. Following the virtual TROG ASM earlier in the year, many other major international conferences (for example, ASCO and ASTRO) have been/ will also be conducted in virtual format. While the College ASM has been deferred to 2021, the ASM committee is actively exploring the possibilities of holding a webinar series this year, involving some keynote speakers and top-rated abstracts submitted for the 2020 ASM. ROTC will continue to share any radiation oncology-related education webinars with trainees across Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.

For Australian trainees, many of you may remember the Medical Board of Australia (MBA) and Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) Medical Training Survey (MTS) that was conducted in 2019. Some of the issues highlighted in the survey centred around bullying, harassment, discrimination, and trainee wellbeing. The annual Medical Training Survey is now live for 2020— upon completion of your AHPRA annual registration renewal process, you will receive a link for the Medical Training Survey. I would encourage trainees to complete this survey as it will allow the College to gather a more representative response, to better understand the quality of our training program, and identify ways to improve our training experience, in particular from a trainee’s health and wellbeing aspect. More information can be found on www.medicaltrainingsurvey.gov.au

As many specialist training colleges, including the College, are bi-national, future surveys may be conducted in collaboration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ).

In this edition of Trainee Matters, we have two ROTC members, Dr Revadhi Chelvarajah and Dr James Gallo, telling us a bit more about their involvement in the Radiation Oncology Education and Training Committee (ROETC) and the Economic and Workforce Committee (EWC) respectively.

Lastly, it is important to look out for one another, providing mutual support during this unprecedented time. Not only will the various COVID-19 restrictions in place impact our daily routines and training, but they will also affect our physical, mental and social wellbeing. Stay safe and well!

Dr Wee Loon Ong Chair, ROTC 2020

Twitter: @weeloonong

Radiation Oncology Education and Training Committee (ROETC)

I had the fortunate opportunity to be the ROTC Representative for ROETC for 2020. Amid a very tumultuous and unprecedented pandemic era, I have been lucky enough to gain great insight into how our College ensures consistent and standardised education and training. We usually convene every two to three months via video conference.

As the trainee representative, I have been asked by ROETC to consistently provide feedback and perspective on many trainee issues including timing and restructuring of examinations, and how education and training can be adapted in the context of working-from-home arrangements.

ROETC has provided a safe space to help advocate for trainees and raise their concerns at a College level.

I liaise with network trainee representatives and fellow ROTC members, and have also been contacted directly by trainees wanting to raise their individual concerns. I am happy to continue advocating for trainees, feel free to get in touch if I can help.

Exciting future ROETC agendas include the implementation of the new Phase 1 and eventual Phase 2 curriculum. I would strongly advocate for any trainee who wants to further their leadership, communication and advocacy skills and is interested in education and training, to consider applying for ROTC and the ROETC Representative. Good luck to all the Phase 1 and 2 exam sitters for 2020!

Dr Revadhi Chelvarajah, Trainee Rep (NSW-S), ROETC

Economic and Workforce Committee (EWC)

2020 has been a tumultuous year for many but the EWC has not missed a step in continuing to advocate on behalf of the Faculty regarding the resources, both human and economic, that allow us to provide world-class care for our patients.

The committee has provided consultation and support for a number of projects and proposals from promoting awareness of the costs of care, advocating for better radiotherapy coverage under private health insurance policies and supporting the expansion of PSMA PET and brachytherapy in Australia.

Remember to have a look at the Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes annual report, an analysis of data from NSW and the ACT regarding cancer prevalence, prevention, screening and treatment. The 2019 report was published on 14 September.

It has been a difficult year for trainees with the disruptions to their training and workflow caused by the pandemic. I am proud of your resilience and hard work during this time and it has been a privilege to represent you on the EWC this year.

To all my fellow trainees, but especially for those of us who are preparing to sit examinations, I wish you every success and look forward to many more years in this great professional community with you.

Dr James Gallo, Trainee Rep (QLD), EWC

To view the Reporting for Better Cancer Outcomes annual report www.cancer.nsw.gov.au/howwe-help/quality-improvement/ reporting-for-better-canceroutcomes