Towards an updated ESTRO-EFOMP core curriculum for education and training of medical physics experts in radiotherapy – A survey of current education and training practice in Europe

PurposeESTRO-EFOMP intend to update the core curriculum (CC) for education and training of medical physicists in radiotherapy line with European Commission (EC) guidelines on Medical Physics Experts (MPE), CanMEDS methodology recent developments radiotherapy. As input, a survey current structure MPE national schemes (NTS) Europe was carried out.MethodsA 35-question sent all physics societies (NS) focus existence an NTS, its format duration, required entry-level education, financial support trainees.ResultsTwenty-six 36 NS responded. Twenty had NTS. Minimum pre-training varied from BSc or related sciences (5/2) MSc physics, (6/5/2) 50–210 ECTS fundamental mathematics. The period 1 5 years (median 3 50% dedicated radiotherapy). ratio time spent university lectures versus hospital most commonly 25%/75%. In 14 20 countries research project mandatory. Residents were paid 17 countries. recognition mostly obtained by examination. is recognised as healthcare profession 19 26 countries.ConclusionsThe NTS entrance level, duration showed significant variations. This serves inform design updated CC define realistic minimum level safe effective practice aiming at further harmonization EC guidelines.