A/Prof. Shane Dempsey

Biography

I am a Radiation Therapist who in in my early career worked extensively in radiation oncology clinical practice. I have worked in both public and private radiation oncology centres, and held roles from an entry level therapist caring for patients undergoing treatment at the Prince of Wales and the Mater Hospital Newcastle, to the chief planning role at St Vincents Sydney and deputy chief of clinical operations at the Mater Hospital Sydney. I worked as the senior therapist in Papua New Guinea in 1985 (an amazing clinical and life experience). As a clinician I was also a casual lecturer in Radiation Therapy at the University of Sydney.

In my academic role at the University of Newcastle I am currently Program Convenor of the three Medical Radiation Science degrees (diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy) which have grown from small niche programs totaling around 60-70 students to large programs totaling over 200 students. The MRS programs are some of the highest rated programs by students within the University, and by the clinical professions.

In my current academic role I am also Deputy Head of the School of Health Sciences, Chair of the School of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning committee (around 10 health professional programs), I am on the Faculty of Health Teaching and Learning committee, and on the University Teaching & Learning Computing committee.

My professional role includes being active on national accreditation boards and teams, being on the editorial review boards of The Radiographer (Aust) and Radiography (UK), and being appointed in 2013 as Associate Editor of Journal of Medical Radiation Sciences.

I have a PhD, and Graduate Diploma in Epidemiology from the University of Newcastle, a Diploma of Applied Science in Radiation Therapy from the University of Sydney, and a Graduate Certificate in Higher Education from the University of New South Wales.

I am interested and active in researching issues to do with health professional practice, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.I am comfortable working in both qualitative and quantitative styles of research, and I enjoy developing novel approaches of data collection and analysis.

My clinically orientated research focuses on issues of advanced practice, emerging technology assessment and implementation, and new professional roles that provide increased care and support for patients undergoing treatment. I have undertaken international training and completed courses in advanced RT issues such as: Radiation Therapy planning (2007, 2009 in Los Vegas, USA); Molecular Imaging in Oncology (2012 Florence, Italy); and PET/CT in Oncology (2012 Vienna, Austria)

My teaching and learning focussed research looks at students conceptions of their learning and experience (my PhD and publication) assessment methods for active and reflective learning (several publications), methods to evaluate teaching including peer assessment (published work), and novel approaches to T&L (emerging publications). A highlight includes presenting my work on students' conceptions of learning at the 13th Annual International Conference on Education in Athens Greece in 2011.

Qualifications

• PhD (Medical Radiation Science), University of Newcastle, 2011
• Graduate Diploma in Clinical Epidemiology, University of Newcastle, 1996
• Graduate Certificate of Higher Education, University of New South Wales
• Diploma in Applied Science (Med Rad Tech), University of Sydney

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Research

Research keywords

• Radiation Oncology, Radiation Therapy, Medical Radiation Science, oncology related clinical history, nutrition and cancer, qualitative methods, phenomenography, content analysis

Research expertise

Radiation Therapy and Oncology, patient outcomes, quality of life, radiation therapy led review

Collaboration

Radiation therapy practice, quality of life, improving health and outcomes for oncology patients, multi-disciplinary care: collaborations with nutrition and dietetics, and physiotherapy.

Student learning, curriculum development, innovative assessment, peer assessment: collaborations across the Faculty of Health

Languages

• English

Fields of Research

Code	Description	Percentage
111208	Radiation Therapy	75
139999	Education Not Elsewhere Classified	25

Memberships

Body relevant to professional practice.

• Member - Australian Institute of Radiography, Professional Accreditation & Education Board

Editorial Board.

• Member - Radiography Journal - UK
• Member - The Radiographer Journal - Australia

Appointments

Scientific Program Convenor 20th Australian National Radiation Therapy Symposium (Australia)	01/01/2000 - 01/04/2002
Conference Convenor Australian Radiation Therapy Symposium (Australia)	01/01/1994 - 01/04/1996

Awards

Recognition.

2011	Citation for Oustanding Contributions to Student Learning Australian Learning & Teaching Council (Australia) For pioneering a transition to practice / workplace curriculum and written guides providing students with skills and increased awareness of the requirements of future graduate practice
2009	Varian Radiation Therapist Award Australian Institue of Radiography and Varian Medical Systems (Australia) Awarded for significant contribution and continued excellence in Radiation Oncology in Australia
2008	Vice-Chancellor's Citation The University of Newcastle, Australia (Australia) Citation for Outstanding Contribution to Student Learning
2005	Pro-Vice Chancellor Citation for Excellence and Engagement in the Radiation TherapyCommunity The Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Australia. (Australia) For Excellence and Engagement in the Radiation Therapy community

Invitations

Beyond Bricks and Mortar - Building Quality Clinical Cancer Services in Australia Department of Health and Aging, Australia (Invited Presenter)	2011
Enhancing Clinical Practice, Research and Personal Development in the Cancer Care Setting Queensland Health, Statewide Allied Health, Cancer Care Training and Development , Australia (Invited Presenter)	2007
Workshop on Patient Assessment during Radiation Therapy Austin Repatriation Hospital, Victoria, Australia (Invited Presenter)	2006
Evidence Based Practice in Medical Radiation Science Tasmanian Branch of the Australian Institute of Radiography , Australia (Invited Presenter)	2000

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Administrative

Administrative expertise

Program management, course review

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Teaching

Teaching keywords

• Radiation Therapy, Medical Radiation Science, Curriculum renewal, interest orientated learning, social constructivist learning, transition to practice

Teaching expertise

Content and conception of learning evaluation, phenomenography, qualitative analysis methods