Checklist

Tick if you have completed these requirements Radiation Oncology Training in New Zealand Have you completed at least 24 months post-graduate general clinical training and a minimum of five years postgraduate vocational training in radiation oncology? The Radiation Oncology training is a five year postgraduate diploma programme which requires development of the following knowledge, experience and skills: detailed knowledge of the epidemiology, etiology, pathology and natural history of human neoplasms, expertise in the diagnosis and staging of neoplasia, expertise in the use of radiation treatment for neoplasia and other conditions, supportive care of patients with neoplasia including pain management, social and psychological support, the use of other cancer therapies such as hormonal agents and cytotoxic chemotherapy, knowledge of the role of surgery in the management of neoplasia. Have you completed at least five years experience in radiation oncology during training? In New Zealand the programme requires five years training in oncology, comprised of at least 4 ½ years in radiation oncology and 6 months in medical oncology, haematology or palliative care. Did you pass an examination in anatomy, radiation physics and radiobiology? Satisfactory completion of the RANZCR Part I examination in radiation oncology: anatomy, radiotherapeutic physics, cell and radiation biology (radiobiology). Did you pass written, clinical and oral examinations in clinical oncology and tumour pathology? Satisfactory completion of written and clinical examinations for the RANZCR Part II examination in radiation oncology: general oncology, radiation oncology, tumour pathology. Were your training posts accredited to ensure appropriate training standards, facilities and supervision was provided during training? Oncology departments providing training are accredited by the RANZCR to ensure that adequate training standards and facilities are provided. Accreditation requires the following standards: Trainees must be adequately supervised by a specialist radiation oncologist. There must be access to a full range of modern radiation oncology equipment including linear accelerators, treatment simulator, planning computer and brachytherapy facilities. Trainees must have involvement with multidisciplinary cancer clinics. Access available to full diagnostic facilities including scintigraphy, CT scanning and MRI scanning. Access to a library with up to date oncology text books and subscriptions to major oncology journals. That the department casemix allows exposure to the full range of cancers treated with radiotherapy. Have you continued learning in your branch of medicine in formal continuing medical education programmes? In New Zealand radiation oncologists registered within a vocational scope will be required to participate in continuing medical education to ensure knowledge and standards are maintained.

Self Assessment

If you cannot answer 'yes' to all the above questions and demonstrate that your training, qualifications and experience is equivalent to or as satisfactory as that of a New Zealand trained radiation oncologist it is unlikely you will be eligible for registration within a vocational scope of practice in New Zealand. To see if you meet the requirements for another pathway to registration, return to the registration self assessment checklist and complete the checklist answering no to the question “are you a qualified specialist or do you have a postgraduate qualification“. If you have been able to answer yes to the above questions, please click here for the application form and for more information on the application process. For more information about radiation oncology training in New Zealand go to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists website.