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The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists is recognised
by the Australian Medical Council (AMC), the New Zealand Medical Council
and the various medical boards in Australia as the academic body responsible
for setting the standards of the training and examinations required to
allow recognition and registration as a specialist in Radiology.
The aim of the training for the FRANZCR is to provide broadly-based experience
in all current imaging modalities. The standards are set to ensure that,
at the end of the five year training program, the trainee is capable of
performing as a consultant in radiology and can be recommended to the
various Medical Boards and Specialist Recognition Committees in Australia
and New Zealand for registration as a Specialist. The FRANZCR Examinations
ensure that these standards have been achieved.
The principal objectives of the Diagnostic Radiology Training Program
are to ensure that registrars in training develop the communication and
analytical problem solving skills necessary to function as effective diagnostic
radiologists. During the training program the registrars are expected
to develop the finely tuned cognitive and observation skills required
to enable accurate interpretation of plain radiographs, CT, nuclear medicine,
ultrasound and MR images.
Additionally, the program is designed to provide trainees with an understanding
of the risks associated with radiation, radionuclides, contrast media
and interventional procedures.
During the training program it is expected that registrars will develop
the specialised skills necessary to perform angiography and simple interventional
procedures. Registrars are also expected to become proficient in the interpretation
of plain radiographs, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, CT and MRI studies.
The training program is organised to ensure that candidates are able
to successfully complete both the Part I and Part II examinations within
the five year training period.
The program also aspires to ensure that the qualified radiologist will
continue to keep up to date with new developments in imaging and make
learning and teaching part of their entire professional career.
The College has received permission from The Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Canada to use its 'CanMEDS 2000' material which outlines
the seven essential roles and key competencies of a Specialist.
Radiological
Expert and Clinical Decision-Maker
Radiologists possess a defined body of knowledge and procedural skills,
which are used to perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and to
make appropriate clinical decisions. Their care is characterised by up-to-date,
ethical, and cost-effective clinical practice and effective communication
with patients, other healthcare professionals and the community. The role
of a radiologist draws on the competencies included in the roles of scholar,
communicator, health advocate, manager, collaborator and professional.
Communicator
To provide humane, high-quality care, radiologists establish effective
relationships with patients, medical practitioners and other health professionals.
Communication skills are essential for the functioning of a radiologist
and are necessary for obtaining information from, and conveying information
to, patients and their families. Furthermore, these abilities are critical
in eliciting patients' beliefs, concerns and expectations about their
illnesses, and for assessing factors impacting on patients' health.
Collaborator
Radiologists work in partnership with others who are involved in the care
of individuals or specific groups of patients. It is therefore essential
for radiologists to be able to collaborate effectively with patients and
a multidisciplinary team of health professionals for the provision of
optimal patient care, education and research.
Manager
Radiologists function as managers when they make everyday practice decisions
involving resources, co-workers, tasks, policies and their personal lives.
They do this in the settings of individual patient care, practice organisations
and in the broader context of the healthcare system. Thus, radiologists
require the ability to prioritise, effectively execute tasks through teamwork
with colleagues and to make systematic decisions when allocating finite
healthcare resources. As managers, radiologists take on positions of leadership
in the context of professional organisations and the healthcare system.
Health Advocate
Radiologists recognise the importance of advocacy activities in responding
to the challenges represented by the socio-economic, environmental and
biological factors that determine the health of patients and society.
They see advocacy as an essential and fundamental component of health
promotion that occurs at the level of the individual patient, the practice
population and the broader community. Health advocacy is expressed both
by the individual and collective responses of radiologists in influencing
public health policy.
Scholar
Radiologists engage in a lifelong pursuit to master their domain of professional
expertise. They recognise the need to be continually learning, and model
this for others. Through their scholarly activities, they contribute to
the appraisal, collection and understanding of healthcare knowledge and
facilitate the education of their students, patients and others.
Professional
Radiologists have a unique societal role as professionals with a distinct
body of knowledge, skills and attitudes dedicated to improving the health
and well-being of others. Radiologists are committed to excellence in clinical
care and ethical conduct and to continuing mastery of their discipline.
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