Kathy, Australia

I elected to work in Palliative Care in my intern year, and loved the experience of helping patients and their families navigate these often difficult times towards the end of their lives. It was rewarding and humbling to be part of this important life stage, and I felt that common sense and good communication helped the most. I then sought out Radiation Oncology as a career, as this profession had a great mix of Pall Care, physics/radiology/IT, and lots of multi-disciplinary team camaraderie. I have been working in Rad Onc for 20 years, and still love it!

The main challenges are time (or efficient use of it!), and my own well-being. Working within a public health system is fantastic for access to world-class Radiation Oncology treatment & the latest trials/research, and it also means my workload is incredibly busy! I work mainly within the Skin Cancer & Melanoma Unit @ Peter Mac, and with Australia being the Skin Cancer capital of the world, I always have a waiting list. Some days I feel like I'm definitely chasing my tail, still with a long 'to-do' list. Thankfully, I work within a much wider and very supportive team, who help each other out with the more tricky (& emotionally involved) cases, so that we don't feel too burdened or siloed. I also focus on my own health (including regular exercise, meditation, and social activities) to feel more balanced.

I think for me, it's connecting with patients and really understanding what they and their families need at that particular time. I have many long-term patients that I manage into their follow-up (cure) & survivorship stages, and these needs constantly change. Being open to ideas and being flexible, whilst knowing your own limits, also helps.

Australians are so lucky to have access to excellent public and private healthcare. Specifically for Radiation Oncology, the 2 main barriers remain AWARENESS & ACCESS. Firstly, patients need to be aware that radiation oncology exists. By definition, it is personalised to each patient and unique in every treatment session! Radiation Therapy is a safe, effective, precise, and excellent cancer treatment option (either alone or in combination with other modalities, including surgery and immunotherapy). If in doubt, patients can ask their GP for a referral directly to a Radiation Oncologist. Secondly, if a patient lives far from a Radiation Therapy treatment centre, it is difficult for them to complete a course of treatment. We offer help with accommodation/transport, and shorter treatment courses where appropriate. If in doubt, again, please refer & ask!

Really listen to what people need and what their concerns are. We can make a huge difference by being compassionate and calm.

And on an unrelated personal note, please continue to be Sunsmart (hats, sunscreen, etc. when the UV index is 3 or greater) so that we reduce the incidence of skin cancers and protect our precious skin. I've had a melanoma and BCC myself, and it's not something I wish on anyone. Thank you!