International engagement

International Study Tour: Fostering Global Connections in Radiation Therapy.

During the mid-year break (July 2025), the Radiation Therapy (RT) team within the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences proudly hosted their first international study tour. We welcomed ten RT students and academic Associate Professor Jacky Wong from Tung Wah College in Hong Kong, who joined eight Monash University RT students from Australia for a program of collaborative learning and cultural exchange.

The day commenced with a campus introduction and interactive icebreaker activities, setting the tone for an engaging program. Students then participated in RT case studies, sharing insights, clinical knowledge, and diverse perspectives from their respective healthcare contexts.

To showcase the Monash University Clayton Campus uniquely and engagingly, students were grouped into mixed teams and took part in an “Amazing Race”-style Monash Discovery Challenge. This activity encouraged teamwork, communication, and problem-solving as participants explored campus landmarks. The energy, laughter, and collaborative spirit were evident throughout, making it a highlight of the day.

The afternoon featured an in-depth session on Patient Care, Ethics, and RT service delivery. Students engaged in thoughtful discussion on real-world patient scenarios, reflecting on the importance of culturally responsive care in radiation therapy.

The following day, participants embarked on a field trip to the National Centre for Synchrotron Science in Clayton, an experience that was both inspiring and intellectually enriching. This visit provided valuable insight into cutting-edge research and technology, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees. It was an unforgettable way to conclude our time with the Tung Wah College students.

The study tour was an outstanding success, creating opportunities for knowledge sharing, cross-cultural understanding, and professional networking. Most importantly, it celebrated what matters most - our students and their commitment to learning, collaboration, and excellence in patient care.

Partnership between the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences.

As part of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Sub-regional Approach to the Pacific Islands (SAPI) framework for cooperation within the technical cooperation programme, the IAEA is partnering the Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (DMIRS), in an education initiative to support the radiographic community in the Pacific Islands.  In 2023, two regional training courses were conducted.

Training Course: 8-12 May, 2023

Professor Jenny Sim, Head of DMIRS, welcomed 13 radiographers from 6 Pacific Islands: Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Palau, and the Marshall Islands. A significant number of these radiographers operate either solo or in environments with limited or no access to radiologists. The Department hosted the visiting contingent for a week, with the delegates actively participating in a Radiographic Quality Workshop supported by the IAEA and DMIRS. The focus of the workshop was on quality assurance, quality control, radiation protection, and radiographic positioning.

The week-long event was facilitated by Dr. Cynthia Cowling, the Project Lead, and the key IAEA presenter was Dr. Napapong Pongnapang, President of the International Society of Radiographers and Radiological Technologists (ISRRT) and Mahidol University Thailand. The DMIRS academic team contributed to the lectures, radiography laboratory, and CT practical sessions at Monash Biomedical Imaging.

^{A photo of the May participants learning at the Monash University Digilab with Dr. Napapong Pongnapang.}

^{Participants’ evening visit to the Wildlife Sanctuary.}

Training Course: 23-27 October, 2023

The week-long workshop was repeated with a different group of 16 participants from the Pacific Islands: Fiji, Marshall Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. As a result of feedback from the first group, delegates from the second workshop also visited the Royal Children’s Hospital, Peninsula Health, and Monash Medical Centre.

Following the successes of the 2023 training courses, a leadership course is currently being developed to run May 13-17^th 2024.

^{Photo of the October participants, with Professor Wayne Hodgson (Dean of sub-Faculty Health Science: (front row second from extreme right), Dr Cynthia Cowling (front row extreme right), Dr. Napapong Pongnapang (middle), Professor Jenny Sim, (Head of Department of Medical Imaging Sciences: front row extreme left), Professor Steven Maloney (Deputy Head of School of Primary Allied Health Care: back row extreme left) and DMIRS staff.}

^{Participants observing a stent placement at the emergency department at Peninsula Health.}

^{Participants at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Parkville, Melbourne, along with DMIRS staff member John McInerney (extreme left) and the Chief Radiographer Mita Pedersen (extreme right).}

^{Participants in a radiography room at the Monash Medical Centre.}