Professionalism Audit

Radiation therapy is the use of high doses of radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. The radiation can come from a machine outside of the body, such as external beam radiation, or from a radioactive material placed inside of the body near cancer cells, such as brachytherapy.

As a radiation therapist in Ontario, I am a member of the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT), the College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario (CMRTO), and the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS). It is through these colleges that radiation therapists and other medical radiation technologists follow best practice guidelines, have guidance in continuing education, and are protected with professional liability insurance. It was really interesting reading the chapter on Professional Socialization of Health Care Professionals because it is true that I feel a place of belonging and professional identity by being a part of a larger governing college. Having the best practice guidelines offers standards to strive for in your day to day practice.

Similar to other healthcare professionals, interprofessional collaboration is prominent in the field of radiation therapy. Day to day, we interact with the radiation oncologists to identify any changes in the course of a patient’s treatment, such as gross changes in tumour size; radiation treatment plan approvals by the oncologists after the therapists have made the plan; and also during case reviews when all radiation plans are reviewed by all radiation doctors and therapists. As well, we work closely with the radiation oncology nurses to help patients with radiation side effects and symptom control, such as medication re-evaluation. Aside from working with people within the radiation department, there is also a larger group of people in the hospital that we work with to help with patients’ needs, such as dietitians, spiritual care advisors, social work, booking office, reception staff, and pharmacists. There would be no way that the best care could be given if it was not for all the different professions working together.

References

Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. (2018). Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.camrt.ca/

College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario. (2018). College of Medical Radiation Technologists of Ontario. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.cmrto.org/

Mayo Clinic. (2018). Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/radiation-therapy/about/pac-20385162

Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. (2018). Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences. Retrieved September 12, 2018, from https://www.oamrs.org/Apps/P

ages/home