The scholarly radiation therapist. Part one: charting the territory

Abstract

AbstractAs radiation therapy practice evolves with advancing treatment and planning technologies, merging of imaging modalities, changing working models and the advancement to higher education, radiation therapists are frequently finding themselves on the frontline of translating new knowledge into practice. To a large degree, this growing involvement in self-directed original research, with associated dissemination of completed results, has led to an increasing number of therapists being encouraged to pursue an academic path in addition to a clinical career. In Canada, radiation therapists are being appointed as faculty to university departments for the first time. It is heartening that such opportunities are increasing; therapists are able to play a profound role in developing an evidence-based professional body of knowledge while at the same time being recognised for scholarly endeavours. However, despite these many positive steps, barriers and challenges to the development of a scholarly culture for radiation therapists still exist. Part one of this two-part series explores the history of the profession and the subsequent development of a scholarly culture.