Introduction

Program Outline - RANZCR CPD 2004 - 2006
The aim of the RANZCR Continuing Professional Development Program is to assist Participants to develop, maintain and improve their competence and performance not only in their chosen specialty of radiology, but also in more generic areas associated with the practice of medicine.

The 2004-2006 triennium program recognises a broad range of activities attracting CPD points, grouped into seven categories: recertification and quality improvement, professional and clinical governance, education, self-directed learning, radiology research, publications and presentations, and conferences and meetings.

One CPD point is approximately equivalent to one hour of passive education (e.g. attending a lecture). In general, active educational activities are allocated 2 CPD points per hour; case based activities are allocated points on a 'per case' basis, while complex activities (such as audit) are allocated points on a 'per activity' basis.

The new CPD Program now recognises a diverse range of activities as eligible for attracting CPD points. Whilst there is no requirement to acquire points in all seven categories, Participants are strongly encouraged to gain their CPD points across a number of categories (three or more is desirable). In order to achieve this, the program is structured with maximum points per category identified. In addition, some activities have caps whereas others do not. This is to actively encourage activity in certain areas such as radiology research, participation in the RANZCR/NATA Practice Accreditation Program and self-directed learning, for example.

Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own knowledge and skill base and to structure a program that best meets their own individual needs for educational and professional development.

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CPD Points Requirements

No CPD points will be carried into the next triennium. New Participants commencing CPD point accumulation during the triennium will accumulate points pro-rata, counting whole years only. Likewise, consideration will be given on an individual basis for Participants who have not accrued points for a period of time due to special circumstance (e.g. maternity leave, extended illness etc).

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Verification Requirements
Participants in the CPD program will be asked to submit a summary of their CPD activities annually on a purpose-designed proforma. No documentation or verification is required to be sent when you submit your return. Participants must retain their documentation for the term of the triennium.

A random audit of 5% of Participants will be conducted each year. You will be required to submit documentation for verification, as indicated, only if you are selected for audit.

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MRI and Mammography Specific Requirements
For the 2004-2006 triennium, Participants involved in mammography are required to accumulate a total of 15 CPD points in mammography; or closely related topics which include mammography as an indispensable part of the topic (e.g. applications of breast MR with MR-mammographic correlation).

The mammography specific points are a part of the total 180 points required, and not additional.

BreastScreen based reader audit has a special status, and if satisfactorily completed, contributes 30 points towards audit.

MRI supervising radiologists are required to accumulate a total of 60 CPD points in MRI (across any of the CPD activity groups).

Each Radiologist interpreting MR images must accumulate 30 MRI specific CPD points each Triennium.   This requirement will be calculated pro rata for this triennium only.  This means, you must claim 10 MRI specific CPD points for the 2006 year if you report MRI.

The MRI specific points are a part of the total 180 points required, and not additional.

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Recertification & Audit Requirements for New Zealand Participants
It is important for New Zealand members to be aware of the requirements of the Medical Council of New Zealand relating to CPD. In order to receive an Annual Practicing Certificate the MCNZ requires all medical specialists to be meeting the requirements of an approved CPD Program which includes recertification. You must be meeting these following MCNZ requirements:

• A minimum of one Audit each year
  
• A minimum of 10 hours of Peer Review activity each year
  
• A minimum of 20 hours of Educational Activities each year
  

We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the details of the MCNZ requirements as stated in their Continuing Professional Development & Recertification booklet which is available on their website at http://www.mcnz.org.nz/portals/1/recertification.pdf. New Zealand Participants who choose to not document their clinical audit activities via the College CPD program should make their own substantiation/documentation arrangements directly with MCNZ.

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Statements of Participation in CPD Program for Registration with Medical Council/Boards.
The College will provide a statement to Participants who require them for the purposes of Medical Council/Medical Board registration. To request a statement, simply email the College and use 'CPD Statement for Medical Registration' in the subject line. The College will verify your participation in the program and email or post the statement to you. Whilst these requests are often able to be actioned within 24 hours, please allow 3-5 days for provision of this statement particularly if hardcopy is required.

For New Zealand Participants, the statement will be emailed directly to the MCNZ.

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Web and On-line Options
This is the last triennium in which the handbook and returns will be available in hard-copy. From 2005, Participants will be able to complete their CPD returns on-line. This will assist Participants in keeping track of their CPD points progressively as they acquire them. For further information on progress please follow developments in the Newsletter and on the website.

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Important Dates
You should complete your CPD Annual Return Form each year of the triennium and return it to the College by 1 March in the following year (eg by 1 March 2005 for the 2004 CPD year). Those selected for random audit will be contacted by 30 June in the calendar year to provide verification of their CPD claim.

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Further Information
Should you have any enquiries about the CPD Program, please contact the College by emailing or call the College office on +61 2 9268 9777.