Townsville physicist ROMPs in radiation oncology cert training

The Townsville University Hospital (TUH) medical physics team has celebrated a major achievement after registrar Dr Peter Stokes officially become a certified Radiation Oncology Medical Physicist (ROMP).

Dr Stokes is the second medical physicist to complete the Training and Education Program (TEAP) at TUH since the department received its medical physicists training accreditation in 2020.

The intensive three-year clinical residency requires candidates to hold a master’s or PhD before undergoing intensive training as well as final oral and practical examinations.

Acting director of medical physics Dr Ariadne Brodmann said the qualification was an incredible achievement for Dr Stokes, the department, and the Townsville Cancer Centre.

“In radiation oncology, we work as a multidisciplinary team and the role of the medical physicist is behind the scenes, ensuring things like the linear accelerators for treating cancer patients operate to a safe and precise standard,” Dr Brodmann said.

“The work our team does is important to making sure our treatment of cancer patients is effective and safe.

“The time and dedication needed to get ROMP certification is immense and Peter has done a fantastic job.

“I am incredibly proud of the work he has put in throughout his training.”

Dr Brodmann said TUH was the only accredited training site in north Queensland for ROMP certification.

“The peak medical physicist body, the Australasian College of Physical Scientists and Engineers in Medicine, requires a ratio of two qualified physicists per trainee, meaning Peter’s certification directly increases the hospital’s capacity to train future specialists.”

Dr Stokes, who has juggled full-time clinical responsibilities alongside his studies, said the support of his colleagues was instrumental in reaching the finish line.

“It was definitely a challenge performing clinical duties with the training requirements, but it flew by in the end,” Dr Stokes said.

“I had a lot of support from Ari and our Director, Dr John Baines.

It’s a lot off my shoulders now and I’m looking forward to having my weekends back.”