April 1, 2021 Journal article Open Access

Towards an updated ESTRO-EFOMP core curriculum for education and training of medical physics experts in radiotherapy – A survey of current education and training practice in Europe

Efi Koutsouveli; B. Petrovic; Ben J.M. Heijmen; Albert Lisbona; Erato Stylianou Markidou; Margaret Moore; Tomasz Piotrowski; Antonio López Medina; Irena Koniarová; Nuria Jornet; Catharine H. Clark; Catharine H. Clark; Catharine H. Clark; Raphaël Moeckli; Cristina Garibaldi; Marion Essers; Jenny Bertholet; Ad J.J. Maas

PURPOSE: ESTRO-EFOMP intend to update the core curriculum (CC) for education and training of medical physicists in radiotherapy in line with the European Commission (EC) guidelines on Medical Physics Experts (MPE), the CanMEDS methodology and recent developments in radiotherapy. As input, a survey of the current structure of radiotherapy MPE national training schemes (NTS) in Europe was carried out.

METHODS: A 35-question survey was sent to all European medical physics national societies (NS) with a focus on existence of an NTS, its format and duration, required entry-level education, and financial support for trainees.

RESULTS: Twenty-six of 36 NS responded. Twenty had an NTS. Minimum required pre-training education varied from BSc in physics or related sciences (5/2) to MSc in medical physics, physics or related sciences (6/5/2) with 50-210 ECTS in fundamental physics and mathematics. The training period varied from 1 to 5 years (median 3 years with 50% dedicated to radiotherapy). The ratio of time spent on university lectures versus hospital training was most commonly 25%/75%. In 14 of 20 countries with an NTS, a research project was mandatory. Residents were paid in 17 of 20 countries. The recognition was mostly obtained by examination. Medical physics is recognised as a healthcare profession in 19 of 26 countries.

CONCLUSIONS: The NTS entrance level, duration and curriculum showed significant variations. This survey serves to inform the design of the updated CC to define a realistic minimum training level for safe and effective practice aiming at further harmonization in line with EC guidelines.