Radiation oncology plays a critical role in the comprehensive non-surgical management of cancer, covering a range of responsibilities from chemotherapy to radiotherapy, cancer screening, palliative care, and the management of oncological emergencies. Given its broad scope and depth, there is a compelling argument for maintaining Radiation Oncology as a feeder branch for DM Medical Oncology. Below are some reasons that support this perspective:
1. Comprehensive Oncology Training
Radiation oncologists are trained in a diverse set of skills that extend beyond radiotherapy. In most medical colleges, radiation oncology departments are responsible for the non-surgical management of cancer, encompassing clinical oncology aspects such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and palliative care. This comprehensive training provides radiation oncologists with a unique skill set that aligns closely with medical oncology.
2. Curricular Scope and Flexibility
As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) and National Board of Examinations (NBE) curricula, radiation oncology covers not only radiotherapy but also chemotherapy, haematological malignancies, palliative care, and oncological emergencies. This broader scope ensures that radiation oncology graduates are well-versed in various aspects of cancer treatment, making them suitable candidates for further specialization in medical oncology.
3. International Practices and Terminology
In countries such as the United Kingdom, the term "Clinical Oncology" is used to describe medical practitioners who are trained in both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This terminology reflects the reality that radiation oncology often encompasses a broader range of cancer treatment modalities, reinforcing its role as a feeder branch for DM Medical Oncology.
4. Extensive Clinical Experience
Radiation oncology postgraduate students often manage more cancer cases within a single month than their counterparts in medicine or pediatrics encounter in their entire three-year course. This extensive clinical exposure provides radiation oncologists with invaluable hands-on experience, reinforcing their readiness to transition into medical oncology if they choose to pursue it as a super-specialty.
5. Pathway for Specialization
Many students choose to pursue radiation oncology with the goal of eventually specializing in medical oncology. This pathway is well-established, and maintaining radiation oncology as a feeder branch for DM oncology ensures continuity and consistency in the training and career progression of oncology professionals.
6. Limited Super-Specialty Options
For radiation oncologists interested in further super-specialty training, there are limited to no options besides DM Medical Oncology. Keeping radiation oncology as a feeder branch provides these professionals with a clear pathway for career advancement and specialization in medical oncology.
7. Addressing Unfilled DM Medical Oncology Seats
The observation that many DM Medical Oncology seats remained unfilled as of March 2023 underscores the need to maintain a robust feeder system. Radiation Oncology, with its comprehensive training and broad scope, is well-positioned to address this gap and ensure a steady stream of qualified candidates for DM oncology programs.
Recommendations for NEET SS
Establish a separate Oncology Group: Implement a dedicated NEET SS (Oncology) examination instead of NEET SS (Medical Group) for entrance into DM Medical Oncology. This formal assessment ensures that candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills related to cancer prevention and management.
Radiation Oncology should remain the part of Oncology Group: Radiation oncology should be incorporated into the broader Oncology group alongside Medicine and Pediatrics.
Rename the Department to "Clinical Oncology": Changing the department's name from "Radiation Oncology" to "Clinical Oncology" would align with international practices and reflect the broader range of services provided by radiation oncologists.
These recommendations and reasons collectively underscore the importance of maintaining radiation oncology as a feeder branch for DM Medical Oncology. The comprehensive training, extensive clinical experience, and alignment with broader oncology principles make radiation oncologists well-suited for specialization in medical oncology, contributing to a robust and effective oncology workforce.
