Lae Cancer Unit,
Angau Memorial Hospital
Papua New Guinea 

An initiative of the ACPSEM Asia-Pacific Special Interest Group funded
by the VIDA Volunteer Program of AUSAID

Expressions of interest are invited from qualified/experienced Radiation Therapist Trainer who would like to challenge their skills in a unique and beautiful part of the world.

The Lae Cancer Unit began treating patients using a newly installed Theratronics Phoenix Cobalt-60 teletherapy unit earlier this year. The Unit also has a new Huestis Medical Simulator and Theraplan Plus treatment planning system. Plans are also in place to have a low dose rate brachytherapy service available for patients very soon.

There is a significant need for a Radiation Therapist to support the further development of the radiotherapy unit for the future and provide training to treatment and technical staff for its ongoing operation. The intention of this expression of interest is to find a suitable volunteer and then apply for funding through the Volunteering for International Development from Australia program (www.vidavolunteers.com.au).
The length of the assignment can be for a minimum of 3 months up to a maximum 12 months depending on the volunteer's availability.
Funding for living expenses, transport and other associated expenses are included and there is provision for partners and children to accompany the volunteer on assignment as well.

Lae is situated on the north coast of Papua New Guinea in Morobe Province which curves its way around the tropical blue waters of the Huon Gulf taking in the mountainous Huon Peninsula and the superb Markham Valley.

Role of Volunteer:

Build capacity of locally employed staff to be able to simulate, plan and treat patients using established treatment techniques and, in the future, for locally trained staff to provide training to new staff.

Develop treatment protocols and quality assurance checks for specific treatment sites
Supervise simulation and treatment and provide guidance to improve treatment accuracy and reproducibility

Develop the staff's knowledge of the computerized treatment planning system to enable treatment plan interpretation, dose distribution optimization, and identify clinical and physical constraints of treatment techniques

Provide tutorials to treatment staff to further improve their knowledge and skills of treatment methods, clinical understanding and expected outcomes as a result of the treatments they are delivering.


Volunteer Qualifications:

Essential:

- Eligible for a Validated Statement of Accreditation from the AIR
- A minimum of 5 years experience in Radiation Therapy treatment and planning
- Ability to work independently in a multidisciplinary environment
- Australian citizen or permanent resident

Desirable:

- Demonstrated experience in protocol and treatment technique development
- Demonstrated experience in radiation therapy education

If you feel you meet these criteria and are interested in a rewarding and fulfilling professional experience, please contact:

Christopher Walsh
Radiation Therapist
Queensland Health
Mobile 0450134113
Home: (07) 38558765
Work (07) 36368482
Email: christopher_walsh@health.qld.gov.au

http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Papua_New_Guinea