Principles of radiation oncology training and manpower requirements in Canada

Abstract

Organization of radiation oncology in Canada The two national organizations responsible for the general and educational objectives of the specialty of Radiation Oncology in Canada are the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists (CARO) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC). The Royal College has as its primary function the definition of criteria for the designation of medical specialties, and the establishment and monitoring of the educational objectives leading to the certification and accreditation of medical specialists in Canada (except for Family Practice which has its own College, and in the Province of Quebec which has its own certifying body). The Royal College is not a licensing authority, but certification by RCPSC is a requirement for registration as a medical specialist in most provinces in Canada. The Royal College determines general requirements for educational programs and appoints a committee to represent each specialty. The Specialty Committee, which is made up of members of that specialty and may include representatives of closely related specialties, recommends to RCPSC the specific requirements for the accreditation of training programs in that specialty, the specific training requirements for residents, and nominates examiners. Successful completion of the training and examination requirements leads to certification in the specialty, and certificants may apply for Fellowship in the College. Therapeutic Radiology was first recognized as a specialty by RCPSC Council in 1937 and the first examinations were conducted in 1946. The name of the specialty was changed to Radiation Oncology in 1976. The national specialty organization is the Canadian Association of Radiation Oncologists. This Association was incorporated in 1988, radiation oncologists having previously been represented by a division of the Canadian Association of Radiologists. The Association has the general objects of providing a national organization of radiation oncologists to promote the interests of Radiation Oncology in Canada and to represent the specialty to governments, RCPSC, and other national and international societies.