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  • Committee
  • University of Melbourne
28 May 2020

EOI Working Party Membership: Cancer Diagnostics Subject

The Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre is calling for open entry positions on its working party for the Cancer Diagnostics subject within the Master of Cancer Sciences and its nested programming.

Working party membership is an honorary role that will involve providing knowledge and advice to guide the development of the subject.

The Cancer Diagnostics subject development process will take place from May to December 2020 and is scheduled for delivery in Term 1 2021 (February-April). The Master of Cancer Sciences and its nested programming is a collaborative initiative between the VCCC and University of Melbourne.  

The time commitment required is likely to vary, dependent on individual capacity and the activities and milestones of the program. However, there will be a few meetings during the development phase (via zoom). Additionally, you may be contacted by email with specific questions/queries.

Opportunity

  • Contribute to the first cancer specific, multidisciplinary and wholly online nested Masters program offered in Australia and one of only two available in the world.
  • Provide content expertise and write content for development of the Cancer Diagnostics subject.
  • Nominate the most appropriate faculty to present directed instruction, comprise panels, or be involved in other educational activities.
  • Design educational activities and presentations and written content in collaboration with the Subject Development Coordinator, working party and Melbourne School of Professional and Continuing Education (MSPACE) team at the University of Melbourne.
  • Assist in the development of assessment materials including questions, answers, marking rubrics etc.
  • Collaborate with like-minded peers across the VCCC alliance to develop a Master’s level subject.

Master of Cancer Sciences

The Master of Cancer Sciences is a landmark collaborative initiative between the VCCC and the University of Melbourne.  It will be the first cancer specific, multidisciplinary and wholly online Spec Cert, Grad Cert and Masters program offered in Australia. It will be a multidisciplinary program for cancer clinicians from the fields of medical oncology, radiation oncology, surgery, haematology, nursing, allied health and other health professions. This will position the VCCC as a centre for educational excellence, contributing to the creation of a world class workforce that improves the experience and outcomes of cancer patients.

Cancer Diagnostics

There is now a vast array of diagnostic tools and techniques available to clinicians to aid in cancer diagnosis. In this subject, students will learn the indications, mechanisms and utility of each of these diagnostic tools. Students will also learn about the best practice diagnostic pathways that exist to facilitate accurate, efficient and cost-effective cancer diagnostics.

Learning outcomes

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the diagnostic imaging tools and techniques available, their appropriate indications and limitations
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the pathological tests, including molecular and genomic approaches, that are used to diagnose and classify cancers
  • Critically analyse and construct appropriate diagnostics pathways
  • Identify and evaluate the emerging technologies and techniques in cancer diagnostics

Potential topics

  • Tumour pathology, tumour grading and staging
  • Histopathology and cytopathology
  • Path Lab demystified, interpreting reports
  • Basic principles of histology, Immunohistochemistry
  • Principles of mammogram, ultrasound, lymphoscintigraphy
  • Pathology lab techniques, biomarkers, diagnostic and predictive factors
  • Molecular techniques, flow cytometry, karyotyping and cytogenetics, FISH
  • Radiology, MRI, CT, PET (FET, PMSA), SPECT
  • Diagnostic screening, inherited cancers, cytogenetics
  • Genomics, RT-PCR, NGS, liquid biopsy

Expression of interest

Download a copy of the expression of interest outline and application.

Applications are open for experienced researchers, clinicians, allied health professionals or educators working within one of the VCCC partner organisations.

If you are highly motivated to join this working group, please express your interest by completing this form, and attach a copy of your CV, no later than COB Wednesday 17 June 2020.

Please direct applications to

Dr Sathana Dushyanthen
VCCC Graduate Programs Lead, Master of Cancer Sciences
[email protected]   

Please direct queries to

Associate Professor Kais Kasem

[email protected]

Dr Kate Stewart

[email protected]

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