Læknablaðið - 01.04.1975, Page 49

LÆKNABLAÐIÐ
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very different in the various countries. 10
countries have only general radiology. In
21, no general radiology exists but instead
training in the different branches. There
is a definite trend to specialisation, but
some countries declare that general radio-
logy is still necessary. We think that a
specialisation in the different branches is
absolutely necessary. This can be done in
two different ways: primary training in
the special branch without knowledge of
the sister branches or training in the whole
field and secondary specialisation. An in-
termediate solution is the „tronc commun"
and training in one field. All three possi-
bilities can lead to good results. As all
three branches have many common as-
pects, the primary training in the whole
field and secondary specialisation leads,
most probably, to better final results, but
is a more time consuming training. Good
knowledge in the sister categories will
most probably favour good work in the
specialty.
A combination of radiotherapy or radio-
diagnosis with nuclear medicine may be of
benefit to many patients. Theoretical in-
formation is indispensable. The training
time in diagnostic radiology should last at
least three years. We think that some basic
training in the other two fields should be
recommended.
The training time in radiotherapy is
generally longer. Supplementary training
in radiodiagnosis and nuclear medicine is
very useful.
Nuclear medicine is not established as a
separate category to date in 25 countries.
The training time should be of the same
order as in the other branches. The
training in general radiology still neces-
sary in many countries should last at least
5 years.
An examination, given to date in 30
countries, is considered mandatory. An
early examination in the basics is highly
recommendéd, followed at the end of the
training by the specialty training. The
basic exam can be given in the multiple
choice manner. The final examination
should consist of a theoretical and a practi-
cal part.
We are in favour of supplementary
training in other fields of medicine.
Continuing education of radiologists is
carried out in 61% of the answering mem-
bers, generally on a theoretical basis but
in half the countries practical activity is
given too. The courses take place generally
annualy and deal primarily with new
developments. In the majority of countries
refresher courses are also offered. The
courses are obligatory in only two coun-
tries.
We consider further education of the
radiologists after specialty training as a
conditio sine qua non to keep the specia-
lists up to date in their branch of medicine.
We are in favour of elective annual lectu-
res and practical courses and think that
even a moral pressure of the radiological
societies on their members is justified to
bring them to the meetings.
The medical radiological technician is a
profession with great deficiency. Only 9
countries have enough MRT, the average
deficiency is estimated at % to y2 of the
numbsr necessary. The number considered
necessary pcr million population varies in
the median from 47,5 to 200, depending
mainly upon the degree of sophistication
of medical care. The ratio of the numbers
of MRT to radiologists ranges from 0,55
to 14,4 with median values from 1,56 to 4,5.
The desired values fluctuate in the median
from 1,25 to 3,2. 3 MRT to one radiologist
seems to be a realistic relation, A syste-
matic training is considered as an absolute
necessity. Two kinds of training should be
distinguished: the apprenticeship system
and the school system. The latter exists in
9 countries, the former in 32. Some kind
of organized training is, however, conside-
red essential although in exceptional cases
in service training has given appropriate
results. The training differs widely as it
does with radiologists. 14 countries train
only in general radiology, 20 countries
have only separate training in the branches
of radiology. The trend is toward training
in the different branches, but we consider
a common basis as very useful. This dura-
tion of training varies from 12 to 72
months.
A good founded theoretical training is