• Elizabeth F Foley and Daniel E Roos.
• Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
• J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol. 2020 Apr 1; 64 (2): 279-286.

IntroductionThe Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists Faculty of Radiation Oncology (FRO) requires trainees to complete a research project prior to the exit (phase II) examinations. We report results of a survey of current FRO trainees and Fellows graduating since 2013, regarding their experience of the overall requirement, supervision, barriers to project completion and subsequent publication.MethodsA 32-question online survey was sent via email to 285 FRO members in July 2019. Responses were anonymous.ResultsThe overall response rate was 32% (trainees 41%, Fellows 21%); 70% of respondents were trainees. About three-quarters of projects were retrospective reviews (64%) or surveys (13%), 94% met College requirements at first submission, 71% were published, and 81% were presented at a scientific meeting. Most assistance was provided by the project supervisor (57%), statistician (47%), another consultant (36%) or the Director of Training (28%). Finding time amongst other clinical/curriculum commitments, rotating to another training site and availability of a suitable supervisor were notable obstacles. Over half (52%) of respondents were satisfied/very satisfied with the process overall and 20% dissatisfied/very dissatisfied; 19% and 30%, respectively, thought requiring acceptance for peer review and completion prior to the phase II examination unreasonable/very unreasonable. Four per cent reported being less likely to be involved in future research as a result of this experience.ConclusionWhile the majority of respondents perceive the FRO research requirements as reasonable, a significant minority are not satisfied with aspects of the programme. Amendment of the pre-phase II stipulation may be worthy of consideration.© 2020 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists.

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