Trainee Support

MOGA offers support for medical oncology trainees in the following ways:

1. Free membership of MOGA: Membership of MOGA is free to all trainees and to fellows who continue in training positions or who are continuing with higher degrees. As part of the membership, MOGA produces a quarterly newsletter which is mailed to all trainees. The newsletter provides trainees with information on awards, grants, educational events, job advertisements and industry information. Trainees are also entitled to the representative benefits of membership of the premier Association for medical oncologists in Australia.
    
2. Reduced registration rates for the MOGA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM): MOGA conducts an ASM each year. Registration is offered at a reduced rate for trainees. The MOGA-ASM is an excellent educational meeting and an opportunity to meet other trainees and consultants. It is also an opportunity to write your first abstract/poster, or perhaps to make your first presentation at a national meeting. The MOGA-ASM generally includes a trainees’ education session. MOGA members also participate in the ASM of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA). This meeting also provides an opportunity to present your research, particularly that of a multi-disciplinary nature. Trainees are eligible to join COSA as Associate members. Please visit the COSA website.
    
3. MOGA trainee representation: MOGA encourages and appreciates feedback from trainees. There is a trainee committee which includes representatives from most states. The Chair of this committee also sits on the MOGA Executive Committee. Please see the current list of state trainee representatives.
    
4. Mentoring/support: MOGA has an educational subcommittee (MOGES) comprising of representatives from all states. All members of this committee have indicated that they are happy to act as mentors for trainees. Although MOGA is separate from the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in Medical Oncology, if you are having troubles or concerns with your training, you are most welcome to contact a member of the MOGES or trainee committees, or the MOGA Executive Officer, Ms Kay Francis | P: 02 8247 6207.
    
5. Communications Skills Workshops: MOGA has developed a communications skills training program in conjunction with the Pam McLean Cancer Communications Centre for trainees to increase skills in dealing with some of the difficult issues that arise in oncology practice. For further information please visit the Communications Skills Training page.
    
6. Travel awards: MOGA offers a number of travel awards for trainees to attend overseas conferences, such as those of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). These awards are advertised through the MOGA newsletter and E-News, and in the Awards and Grants page on the MOGA website.
    
7. Membership of ASCO: Trainees can become associate members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the main international body representing medical oncologists. Membership of ASCO is free for trainees. As MOGA is a reciprocal society of ASCO, an abbreviated application process applies. ASCO has an Annual Scientific Meeting each year. They also have an excellent website and journal, the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
    
8. Complimentary trainees package: In 2009, MOGA will be releasing a new trainees welcome package which includes instructive materials such as Cancer: Principles & Practice of Oncology (Devita et al.) and Palliative Care (Therapeutic Guidelines), the Communications Skills Training CD “Managing Emotional Issues” and a USB packed with useful resources and information. The previous Trainees resource pack—titled The Hitchhikers Guide to Medical Oncology—is still available for download in the interim.