A SWRO Series: Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics Training Across The Globe, 2nd Edition. "Radiation Oncology Training in Spain & Venezuela"
By Danielle Cerbon, MD.
Our members Luisa Delgado, MD originally from Colombia, where she underwent her medical training, is now training as a radiation oncology resident in Spain, and Sandra López Vera, MD from Venezuela, where she trained as a radiation oncology resident; tell us about residency training in Spain and Venezuela respectively.
SPAIN
Is radiation oncology training combined with another specialty like med-onc or radiology?
Yes, both of them.
What is the pathway to becoming a radiation oncology resident/trainee?
Once the six-year medicine career is over, in Spain you have to study approximately 1 year to take a test called MIR, and then, according to your score, you can choose the specialty and the Hospital.
How long is the training?
4 years.
How big are training programs generally (how many trainees)?
In my Hospital it’s only one per year, so we are 4 residents.
Do you know how many radiation oncology training programs or training spots are available in your country?
Approximately 70 spots.
What are the technologies available in your center? (LINAC, Cobalt, Proton, Carbon)
LINAC.
Does your training offer the opportunity to train abroad/other institutions for technologies unavailable in your center?
Yes.
If so, are the expenses (budget) covered by your program?
It depends on the program you are aspiring to, most of them are in Europe and don't require extra payment.
What do you think are the most commonly used technologies for radiation in your country?
LINAC.
How many centers do you think offer brachytherapy in your country?
Approximately 50 centers.
Is learning brachytherapy a requirement for your training?
Yes
Is performing research a requirement or part of your training?
Yes, it's part of my training.
Do you have paid time off (vacation and sick leave) offered by the program?
Yes
If so, how many days?
28 vacation days, 5 medical permits.
Is it mandatory?
No.
Is the gender gap large, can you feel a difference in your day-to-day work life?
At the moment is very equilibrated.
Do you have parental leave?
Yes.
If so, how long?
16 weeks.
Is parental leave paid?
Yes.
Would parental leave interfere with the length of your training?
Yes, you would have to compensate for the time of the leave.
Do you get paternal leave?
Yes.
Do they offer access to childcare?
No.
Do they offer access to fertility preservation (egg harvesting)?
Only in special cases.
If so, is it fully covered? How much do you have to pay?
If you have any diagnoses that are covered by the health system, it's fully covered.
What is the most common career path once you graduate? (Public vs private healthcare, academic vs community medicine)
Public healthcare is the most common.
VENEZUELA
Is radiation oncology training combined with another specialty like med-onc or radiology?
Yes, rotations for medical oncology and radiology are included in the training.
What is the pathway to becoming a radiation oncology resident/trainee?
General medicine for 6 years, then 1 year of primary care in rural areas of the country, followed by an interview and exam at each training center you apply for residency.
How long is the training?
4 years.
How big are training programs generally (how many trainees)?
2 for each year.
Do you know how many radiation oncology training programs or training spots are available in your country?
In my hospital center, 8 spots, I'm not sure about the rest of the country.
What are the technologies available in your center? (LINAC, Cobalt, Proton, Carbon)
LINAC, Cobalt.
Does your training offer the opportunity to train abroad/other institutions for technologies unavailable in your center?
Yes, other institutions in the country.
If so, are the expenses (budget) covered by your program?
Yes.
What do you think are the most commonly used technologies for radiation in your country?
Linear accelerators (EBRT, SRS, SBRT). Brachytherapy (HDB-LDB).
How many centers do you think offer brachytherapy in your country?
In the hospital network in which I trained 5, I don't know about the rest of the country.
Is learning brachytherapy a requirement for your training?
Yes.
Is performing research a requirement or part of your training?
Yes.
Do you have paid time off (vacation and sick leave) offered by the program?
Yes
If so, how many days?
20 days.
Is it mandatory?
Yes.
Is the gender gap large, can you feel a difference in your day-to-day work life?
No.
Do you have parental leave?
I think so but I have never confirmed.
If so, how long?
16 weeks.
Is parental leave paid?
I'm not sure.
Would parental leave interfere with the length of your training?
Yes.
Do you get paternal leave?
I don't know.
Do they offer access to childcare?
No.
Do they offer access to fertility preservation (egg harvesting)?
No.
If so, is it fully covered? How much do you have to pay?
N/A
What is the most common career path once you graduate? (Public vs private healthcare, academic vs community medicine)
Private healthcare.
