Undergraduate Education

Training at the undergraduate level in the field of Oncology is currently facilitated by the larger disciplines of Medicine, Surgery and Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Given the escalating number of cancer diagnoses worldwide, it is felt that basic principles of cancer management should be introduces at the undergraduate level by Oncology specialists. This is currently being discussed with the medical school.

Postgraduate Education

Registrars are prepared to sit their examinations administered via the Colleges of Medicine South Africa. The HCUs at both hospitals providing training are members of the Radiation Oncology College board of the CMSA, ensuring clear coordination of postgraduate training at the institutional level with the expectation of the CMSA. The basic sciences which comprise Part I of the CMSA examinations are Radiation Physics, Radiobiology and Anatomy. Part IIs include the practical application of these basic sciences as well as the theory of the management of malignancies, with a strong focus on clinical application. The written part of the examinations is augmented by an OSCE viva clinical case examination as well as an examination of the candidate’s case reports. Each registrar keeps a logbook of procedures, radiotherapy planning and cases managed. These are maked by the overseeing consultant for the relevant rotation. In addition to formal tutelage detailed below as well as the completion of logbooks, registrars are engaged in teaching at the bedside, in the clinics, in the CT scanning unit as well as the radiotherapy planning and chemotherapy unit. All training is done under the supervision of a specialist.

Academic Programmes

A diploma in palliative care is a useful qualification to have when considering submission of an application for a registrar post. This is offered through UCT. No formal oncology qualifications other than the specialist qualification through the CMSA is available for Radiation Oncology in South Africa.

With respect to the training jointly offered by UKZN and the Deoartment of Health at IALCH and Greys Hospital, the blueprint laid out by the Radiation Oncology College is used as a basis for teaching and training – refer to their website – link provided hereunder. In addition to informal teaching and Journal Club meetings, teaching is provided in several formats either by a specialist or supervised by a specialist. There are formal academic presentations and tutorials , planning tutorials as well as CME presentations.

Useful Links

https://www.cmsa.co.za/view_exam.aspx?QualificationID=34