Assessment of Radiation Oncology Medical Physics R

Authors: Jacob Van Dyk Jerry J Battista

Publish Date: 2012

Volume: , Issue: , Pages: 181-198

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Abstract

Medical physicists play an important role in radiation medicine Their positions entail significant responsibility and can involve lifeordeath actions due to significant radiation exposures To be safe and effective in the use of radiation rigorous education and training programs are essential This chapter summarizes the career structure of radiation oncology medical physicists in the Province of Ontario Canada The residency training program is outlined and methods of assessment of the training program are detailed These include 1 performance in courses 2 observation of onthejob proficiency 3 performance during practical rotations 4 “formal” sixmonthly review 5 performance in the clinically relevant research project 6 performance in the formal Ontario provincial “ReviewA” examination at the end of the residency program and 7 subsequent successful completion of the Canadian national certification examination by the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine CCPM The residency program itself is reviewed through the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Educational Programs CAMPEP Finally a survey was performed of all 16 residents who graduated during the last decade to determine how well prepared they felt for working in a clinical environment and asking for comments about how the program might be improved The survey yielded 100 response and provided useful feedback on the effectiveness of their training In summary the radiation oncology medical physics residency program in London Ontario Canada has proven to be a rich source of welltrained medical physics staff to radiation oncology programs throughout Canada

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