Reflections on TEAP: training for the future of medical physics

Abstract

2013 marks the tenth anniversary of the ACPSEM’s Training, Education and Assessment Program (TEAP) for radiation oncology medical physics. It also marks the launch of TEAP for diagnostic imaging medical physics, a new program that caters for both nuclear medicine and radiology medical physics trainees. For both these reasons, this seems like a good time to stop and reflect on the importance of training for medical physics in Australia and New Zealand. What has been achieved? What is the purpose of TEAP? And where do we need to go next? I believe that TEAP marks a fundamental shift in our view of what it means to be a medical physics professional. When I first started working in medical physics in the late 1980s, there was very little formal training. Medical physics was mostly learnt on the job. The skills learnt were dictated by the clinical needs of the department, very often by being thrown in at the deep end. Many highly skilled medical physicists learnt their trade in this system, but the level of expertise that developed was variable. Those who wished to do so could seek external recognition through the ACPSEM accreditation examinations for radiation oncology medical physics, nuclear medicine physics and radiology medical physics. But in most cases achieving accreditation through these processes was not required for professional advancement. Now the story is very different. TEAP registrars commit to completing a highly structured training program which aims to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes to practice as a medical physics professional. Registrars must undertake an extensive period of competency based training in a hospital, which is far broader in scope than the previous accreditation programs. Radiation oncology medical physics registrars must achieve competencies in treatment planning, brachytherapy and ancillary modules that were not part of the previous system. Diagnostic imaging registrars must undertake common modules which address core professional skills, regardless of the discipline in which they intend to specialize. In addition to the competency based training, registrars in both programs must also demonstrate skills in research and communication by completing an accredited postgraduate degree in medical physics, publications and conference presentations. Competency is assessed by clinical supervisors in departments during the training period, and assessed again by the certification panels during final examinations. Completion of TEAP results in the award of ACPSEM Certification as a Medical Physics Specialist, and is recognized by employers and governments as the new standard for professional competence. In the 10 years since the introduction of TEAP for radiation oncology medical physics, the program has become well established. There are approximately 100 registrars A. Perkins (&) ACPSEM, Suite 7.12, 247 Coward Street, Mascot, NSW 2020, Australia e-mail: Anne.Perkins@acpsem.org.au