Dr Shane Dempsey

Biography

I am a radiation therapist who in in my early career worked extensively in radiation oncology clinical practice. In terms of clinical experience I have worked in both public and private radiation oncology, 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) and I have attended international training in the USA and Europe. As a clinician I was also a casual lecturer in Radiation Therapy at the University of Sydney.

In my early academic role at the University of Newcastle I was largely responsible for the coordination and teaching of the radiation therapy program. I am currently Program Convenor of the three Medical Radiation Science degrees (diagnostic radiography, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy) which has grown from a small niche program with around 60-70 students to a large program of over200 students. The MRS programs are some of the highest rated programs by students within the University. I also Chair of the School of Health Sciences Teaching and Learning committee, and I sit on both University and Faculty of Health Teaching and Learning committees.

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 clinical research focuses on issues of advanced practice, advanced technology assessment, and new professional roles that provide increased care and support for patients undergoing treatment. My teaching research looks at students conceptions of their learning and experience, assessment methods for active and reflective learning, methods to evaluate teaching (including peer assessment), and novel approaches to T&L.

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
110300	Clinical Sciences	65
139999	Education Not Elsewhere Classified	25
111299	Oncology And Carcinogenesis Not Elsewhere Classified	10

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