Introducing new radiation oncology safety and quality committee member Anita O’Donovan

I studied for my undergraduate degree at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and became one of only seven graduates from our course in 2002; it was a very small class. In school, I had always been interested in going into a medical field, and I really enjoyed my undergraduate studies. I was lucky to have many inspirational lecturers throughout my time at college. In particular, I remember our head of department, Mary Coffey, as being very encouraging and positive towards all students. She was keen to develop the profession and to support students and professionals to do likewise in various areas. I still work quite closely with Mary, and this enthusiasm has never waned!

I went on to work clinically for 10 years as a radiation therapist (RTT) in two large clinical centres in Ireland. I always intended to return to study at some stage, but that clinical experience was vital in terms of shaping my ideas for research and enabling me to learn what a diagnosis of cancer and radiotherapy treatment meant for the patients and to see the treatment from their perspectives. One of the main things I miss about clinical practice is supporting patients through their treatment and trying to ensure it is as positive an experience as possible.

When a lectureship position came up at Trinity College in 2011, I jumped at the opportunity, thinking it would be only for one year. Yet I am still here!

I was able to complete my PhD in 2019. My doctoral thesis was on the subject of cancer in older adults: “The Development, Implementation and Evaluation of Frailty Assessment in Oncology”. Through my pursuit of this research, I have been able to expand my network greatly in the academic community that looks at cancer and aging, and this interest is complementary to my role in quality and patient safety. 

In my academic role, I coordinate the teaching of quality and patient safety for the radiation therapy discipline, at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I am committed to ensuring that future RTTs realise what hazards are involved in their chosen profession and the importance of practising safely. I am particularly keen that they also see the implications of harm from the patient’s perspective. I was delighted that this commitment was formally recognised when I received a Trinity College Dublin Provost Teaching Award in June 2017; this was a highlight of my career to date. 

I am a member of the cyber-attack subgroup within the radiation oncology safety and quality (ROSQ) committee. This group expands on our research in this area to implement guidelines for the profession on preparedness and response to cyber threats. I have also been actively involved in the development of online educational materials for radiation oncology professionals on various quality and patient safety topics. I think cyber-security is one of the biggest risks to the profession and to patients at the current time, and I hope that this work we are completing through ROSQC will succeed in raising awareness and in neutralising potential threats in the future.

It is heartening to see RTTs having a strong presence and voice within ESTRO, and to see many RTT leaders in various aspects of the role from different countries doing tremendous work to enhance patient care. It is now more important than ever that we share these aspects of good practice and aim to implement advanced practice roles in order to ensure that radiation therapy remains an attractive career choice as RTTs progress further in their careers.

Dr Anita O’Donovan

Assistant professor in radiation therapy

Trinity College Dublin, Ireland