What did you enjoy most about studying the Master of Radiation Therapy at Monash?

The placements had to be the most enjoyable and beneficial aspect of the course overall. Though being a student, the various clinical centres I was placed in had me working quite hands-on, whilst providing excellent supervision and critical feedback. Not only did this give me a sense of what I could expect from this career but it also helped me reflect, consolidate and apply all aspects of my learning from university lessons and material.

Tell us about your current role.

I currently work at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre within their Bendigo Campus as a Grade 1 Radiation Therapist (RT). I am currently on a treatment rotation, which involves setting the patient up onto our specialised treatment couch along with various stabilisation equipment, aligning their body contour using surface-guided techniques, capturing KV x-ray or cone beam CT images and matching anatomy against their Planning CT scan and then beaming on the linear accelerator (LINAC) which treats the patients. The work also involves a number of quality assurance checks.

Each LINAC is typically operated by 2 radiation therapists (RTs) for each patient, with 4 RTs working together on an average day swapping between treating and out time. As a new graduate,  I will be rotated between departments every 6-8 months regularly in order to gain experience across all aspects of the job.

What led you to work in Bendigo? What are the benefits of working in a regional community?

My first placement, which was only a week long, was in Bendigo. Initially, as a student, I was worried about how quiet Bendigo city was - however, after having placements in metropolitan Melbourne, I came to realise how nice and peaceful regional cities can be.

What attracted me to Bendigo was the convenient lifestyle of being able to drive and get to places within 5 minutes of leaving the house. Whether it be for work, the shops, hobbies or other activities, everything was close by. This saves me lots of time in travel, which has encouraged me to get involved in a number of hobbies and interests.

Being in a smaller community also meant being part of a close-knit team at work, and we hang out socially outside of work too. It was easy to get involved with my team both at work and socially as well. Overall, this move has taken me from the bustle of city life and into a more controlled and manageable peaceful setting. The regional pay bonus and other financial incentives helped make the decision a lot easier too!

What professional achievements are you most proud of so far?

The happiness and joy patients experience at the end of their course of treatment is truly remarkable. Many come to us to give thanks and gift us cards, chocolates and even handmade presents, which is not only very generous but also makes the job feel so fulfilling and rewarding.

What would your advice be for someone considering a career as a radiation therapist?

Ultimately you have to be a people person. RTs meet new patients and see new faces on the job on a daily basis. It is our duty to be there for them and to look after them, and this all starts with building trust and rapport. There are a lot of technical and clinical aspects to this job which can all be learnt and trained for, but the way you deal with people and showing consideration is something only experience can grant.

So as a new student if you ever feel out of place or nervous, just remember that every single qualified RT started as a lost and nervous student in the beginning!

Learn more about the Master of  Radiation  Therapy