what is the necessity of a 3 year senior residency?
I think it has all to do with the fact that an AP post at a medical college or a central institute takes 3 years post MD experience
Training in senior residency is again not uniform throughout India, how does that affect the 3 year margin, also doesnt this discrepancy result in overuse of chemotherapy in these training rad oncs??
Yes you are right. Places like TMH with a dedicated RT department and seperate Medical oncology department are probably best in this regard if you are serious about Rad Onc. But face it buddy most will grab the easy money in Mabs and CCT over the technically demanding IMRT anyday.
what senior residency is all about?
having nearly completed 3 years I feel Senior Residency is the time you have to improve yourself in the way you see fit. This is also the time to build up your publication list. Being single minded in thus aspect from the start is of great help. As such Rad Onco in most institutes of India demand little work so there is a danger of you turning lazy and complacent very easily. Keeping your focus on learning new things and publishing ensures success.
Some suggestions for improvement:
- Exclusive Rad Onc focussed departments - That is the number one issue. If you dont have chemo patients to care about your focus on Rad onco will ensure greater intake of knowledge
- Keeping your focus on publications and publications.
- Learn the more effecient way of publishing so that when the day comes and you are in private you dont lag behind as you dont know how to use SPSS or write / critique a paper
- Departments - Please upgrade your TPS and machines it is important for all patients as well as doctors. Without good equipment you cant have good radiation oncology. If nothing try for public private partnerships.
- Make your own community - criticise , discuss and learn from your peers - often they will know a lot more than your so called doyens and loins of Radiotherapy.
