Features
Practising Radiation Oncology in Dunedin, New Zealand An Interview with Dr Tivanka Senanayake
Dr Tivanka Senanayake
What brought you to regional practice? Opportunity and timing. I had undertaken all of my radiation oncology training in Wellington, worked as a consultant for a year or so there, and spent a year in Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, Canada. I was ready to find a position that would suit my young family. There were no consultant posts available at Wellington and I was looking into options in Ireland and Australia when both a colleague and my recruitment agency let me know of a locum job at Dunedin Hospital. I had very little knowledge of the set-up at the department but the short-term nature of the post appeared to be a good way of getting a feel for the hospital and the city. I must say, I never thought I would be staying for long, but here I still am two and a half years later… and I like it!
Why practise outside of metropolitan centres?
Are there limitations or challenges in regional practice?
Practising in a regional setting has a number of nuances. The downsides, for example, might be that simple processes that you may have taken for granted (such as using standardised protocols) may not be established. In my opinion, however, the benefits can be great.
Yes, the infrastructure you expect may not be present. That may be a simple health pathway, resources for treatment or investigation, or some supports for patients. One of the biggest challenges has been caring for patients from small distant communities. At Dunedin, we cover one of the biggest geographical catchment areas in New Zealand with patients from very small towns. Many lack specialist care in their region and this can influence decision-making on management.
You have an opportunity to truly play a part in shaping the direction of the department that you just wouldn’t have in a larger metropolitan setting. New processes can be decided by the few people inside one room rather than a number of committees having to sign off. New techniques can be discussed and fast tracked. I have felt particularly valued and appreciated for my role. There is no space for a lack of enthusiasm and a there is a spirit to make things work which means that you are surrounded by passionate and driven people.
I would also say that the draw for trainees and qualified radiation oncologists is not as great as compared to bigger centres and we have had a particular problem with staffing.
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Volume 17 No 4 | September 2021
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