Radiology

Radiology

Radiology is the field of medicine that deals with imaging the body using various medical imaging techniques, advanced computers and complex equipment to allow doctors to see inside a patient's body. These imaging modalities include X-rays, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Nuclear medicine, Computed tomography (CT) and Ultrasound.

There are several training networks in New Zealand (NZ); the fully accredited sites are Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin with a variable number of positions and smaller affiliated sites associated with some of the networks (Tauranga, Rotorua, and Palmerston North). The application for all the NZ training positions is a national process managed by the NZ branch office of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) (See link below to RANZCR website). The interviews for all the NZ training positions are conducted in Auckland on a single day for all the short listed candidates and the training networks.

The training programme in the Auckland Training Network is the largest in New Zealand. At present there are 42 accredited Registrar positions rotating through the Auckland group of hospitals with affiliated positions at Tauranga, and Rotorua.

The training course for the Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (FRANZCR) qualification is of five years duration. There are several internal assessments to be completed each year and two research projects to be completed in the 5 years. Examinations for Part I are taken in September of the first year. The Part II examination is in two parts, Pathology and Radiodiagnosis which are taken simultaneously in the fourth year.  (See RANZCR website for details of curriculum)

The RANZCR is recognised by the New Zealand Medical Council as the academic body responsible for setting the standards of the training and examinations required to allow recognition and registration as a specialist in Radiology.

The aim of the training for the FRANZCR is to provide broadly-based experience in all current imaging modalities. The standards are set to ensure that, at the end of the five year training program, the trainee is capable of performing as a consultant in radiology and can be recommended to the various Medical Boards and Specialist Recognition Committees in Australia and New Zealand for registration as a Specialist. The FRANZCR Examinations and completion of the 5 years training ensure that these standards have been achieved.

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Interviews

Interview - Dr Dana Tipene-Hook

Dana Tipene-Hook has chosen Radiology as her career pathway. Read more about her experience of training in Radiology in the Auckland region...

Interview with Dr Kristin Chard

Kristin Chard recently completed her Radiology training and she shares what she has enjoyed about completing her training in the Auckland region. ⇡ Top

Radiology

Radiology is the field of medicine that deals with the scanning of radiographic images of the body using medical imaging techniques, advanced computers and complex equipment that allows doctors to see inside a patient's body. Some forms of imaging include MRI, nuclear medicine, ultrasound and computed tomography.

The training programme in Auckland is the largest in New Zealand. At present there are 38 accredited Registrar positions rotating through the Auckland group of hospitals with affiliated positions at Palmerston North, Tauranga, Rotorua and New Plymouth (numbers vary from year to year). The training course for the FRANZCR qualification is of five years duration. Examinations for Part I are taken in October of the first year. The Part II examination is in two parts, Pathology and Radiodiagnosis which are taken simultaneously in the fourth year.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists is recognised by the New Zealand Medical Council as the academic body responsible for setting the standards of the training and examinations required to allow recognition and registration as a specialist in Radiology. (see below for link to website)

The aim of the training for the FRANZCR is to provide broadly-based experience in all current imaging modalities. The standards are set to ensure that, at the end of the five year training program, the trainee is capable of performing as a consultant in radiology and can be recommended to the various Medical Boards and Specialist Recognition Committees in Australia and New Zealand for registration as a Specialist. The FRANZCR Examinations ensure that these standards have been achieved.

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Sites and Resources

Hospital Sites

• Waitemata District Health Board
• Auckland District Health Board
• Counties Manukau District Health Board
• Bay of Plenty District Health Board
• The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists

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How to train as a Radiologist

Criteria for application

• New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents (Applicants must hold New Zealand Permanent Residency at the time of the closing date of the application.
• Hold (or eligible to hold) Full General Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (or provide written assurance from the Medical Council of New Zealand that General Scope Registration will be approved by the start of the training year).
• Have a minimum of two years’ full time postgraduate experience.

General Comments

To be accepted by the College into the training programme applicants should refer to the Pre-requisites for Entry into the RANZCR Radiology Training Program. 

As a general rule, the Education Board encourages experience in a broad spectrum of clinical disciplines prior to undertaking radiology training.

Following commencement of training, a candidate must submit evidence of acceptance to an accredited training position with one of the training networks in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore, to the Chief Censor for Radiodiagnosis at the RANZCR. At the same time, he or she must apply for Student membership of the RANZCR.

Selection criteria for trainees:

• Must meet the prerequisites for entry into the Training Program
• High standard of academic performance
• Dedication and interest in pursuing a career in Diagnostic Radiology
• Good interpersonal and professional communication skills
• Personal commitment to continuing professional education and development
• Satisfactory professional referee reports
• Satisfactory reports from previous and current employers
• Interest and commitment to research

Further information on the selection process and rules can be obtained from the NZ Branch section of the RANZCR website.

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Who can I talk to and where to next?

For information about the Auckland network training programme contact Jacquie Withrington, Level 5 Radiology. Auckland City Hospital. Application forms and detailed information for Radiology Registrar positions can be obtained from the NZ Branch Office (see below).

Download forms and information from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologist website.

 

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Contacts

Contact Information