Past Outreach Activities
Discipline of Radiation Therapy 25th Anniversary and Visiting Professor Event
The Discipline of Radiation Therapy at Trinity College Dublin, celebrated its 25th anniversary on the 14th of December 2018, with a celebratory evening held in the Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, St. James’s Hospital campus. Prof. Søren Bentzen, University of Maryland, USA was the keynote speaker.
The event reflected on the many changes which the Discipline of Radiation Therapy over the past 25 years. Starting in St. Luke’s Radiation Therapy Department, Rathgar in 1983 the programme awarded a diploma qualification but changed to an honours degree in 1993 when it joined the Faculty of Health Sciences, Trinity College.
In the past few years, in response to the need for radiation therapists to have higher level degrees, staff in the Discipline developed an online Master’s programme. This programme is, designed for healthcare professionals working full-time to undertake part-time studies.
 |
 |
Discipline of Radiation Therapy develops Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) - An Introduction to Radiation Oncology-From Diagnosis to Survivorship.
Michelle Leech, Associate Professor and Claire Poole, Assistant Professor from the Discipline of Radiation therapy, together with Trinity Online Services recently developed a MOOC to advocate for Radiation Oncology as an effective and cost effective cancer treatment.
The first iteration of the MOOC was in September 2018 and had participants from 111 countries. The course will run three times per year in January, May and September. Registration for the course can be found at: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/radiation-therapy
Radiation Therapy Policy Forum at the European Parliament
Michelle Leech, Associate Professor, Discipline of Radiation Therapy took part in a European policy forum at the European Parliament on January 31st 2019 on equity of access to radiation therapy services for European citizens. This meeting was hosted by Ms. Lieve Wernicke, MEP and followed on from the publication of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology’s white paper and 5 point action plan on improving access to radiotherapy.
Transition Year Programme
The Discipline of Radiation Therapy runs two separate work-experience weeks for transition year students each year, taking 16 students for each session, as part of a college wide programme. Students are selected from a range of schools around the country to maximise school participation. The students spend some time in the molecular medicine laboratory and the remaining time is devoted to providing an overview of the course and clinical aspects of radiation therapy.
Secondary School Students
The Discipline is actively involved in the Trinity College Open Day for secondary school students. Second-level students, mature students, guidance counsellors, teachers and parents/guardians are invited to attend. Academic staff and current students are present at this event to provide detailed course information and to discuss your course options at the many course specific stands.
Further information is available from Studying at Trinity website
Other information sessions are organised throughout the year, on demand, with tours of clinical departments to give secondary students an insight into what a career in radiation therapy entails.
Prospective Student Hospital Information Sessions
The Discipline provides information sessions for prospective students in clinical radiation therapy departments. These sessions are designed to provide students with a better understanding of radiation therapy and the role of the radiation therapist. These are organised throughout the academic year based on demand.
These sessions include a visit to a clinical department where prospective students are guided though a patient’s radiation therapy journey and insights are offered into the role of the radiation therapist. Information is also provided on the degree programme and career opportunities for radiation therapists.
If you are interested in attending a hospital visit please contact Ms. Magdalene Dougall, Executive Officer on dougallm@tcd.ie