- Current Curriculum
- Radiation Oncology Committees
- Assessments in the Current Training Program
- Examinations
- Radiation Oncology Examination Awards and Prizes
- Radiation Oncology Accredited Training Sites
- Training e-Newsletters
- Policies
- Radiation Oncology CPD
- Faculty Position Paper on Local Radiation Oncology Fellowship Positions
Introduction to Radiation Oncology Training
An introduction to Radiation Oncology by the Chief Censor in Radiation Oncology
With the discovery of X-rays in the late 19th century and the pioneering study of radioactivity by Marie Curie and colleagues in the early 1900s, came a new era in medicine. In particular, the realisation that some types of radiation (X-rays, electrons and gamma rays from radioactive materials) destroy malignant cells, infinitely expanded our capacity to treat cancer. Over the last 100 years, the full potential of radiation in curing many cancer patients, and relieving distressing symptoms (palliation) for others, has unfolded. This stream of medicine has grown into the modern specialty of Radiation Oncology.
RANZCR radiation oncologists are highly regarded by other health professionals and bodies, both in Australia and New Zealand, and internationally. They are sought-after for overseas training fellowship positions, which usually involve a significant clinical or laboratory research component. Our recently substantially-updated curriculum and training program is designed to meet the ever-evolving modern requirements and skills of our specialty, and has been praised for being of world-class modern educational standard by analogous training bodies in other countries, as well as by the Australian Medical Council.
Radiation oncology is an intellectually challenging and exciting career with a range of opportunities in the public, and increasingly, private sectors as well as in the academic sphere. It incorporates the best aspects of direct clinical management of patients of all ages, with a highly effective, and technologically-interesting, treatment modality. It is a specialty that will appeal to clinicians with an interest in having direct contact and meaningful relationships with patients and their families, and in being a key player in their overall care.