MASTER OF MEDICINE IN RADIATION ONCOLOGY (MMed. Rad. Onco.)

1.0. INTRODUCTION/ PROGRAM BACKGROUND
Radiation Oncology is that branch of clinical medicine that specializes in the diagnosis and
management of cancer using ionizing radiation. The discipline also uses ionizing radiation
to treat other radiosensitive diseases and conditions. The Master of Medicine in Radiation
Oncology programme will achieve internationally recognized scholarly and professional
excellence in radiation oncology education and training through creation, preservation,
integration, transmission and utilization of acquired knowledge and skills.

1.1 PHILOSOPHY
The philosophy of the University of Nairobi is guided by the need to connect and inspire the
Kenyan community, to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the
Kenyan society that it can excel in whatever it chooses to do with passion, moral
responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism. The Master of Medicine in Radiation
Oncology programme aspires to uphold this philosophy by providing leadership, stewardship
and hope through world-class cancer care.

1.2 RATIONALE
Cancer cases are increasing worldwide, and about 70% of the burden of newly reported
cases is found in developing countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, cancer registration and
surveillance are minimal, therefore, data on cancer occurrence is rudimentary. The seven-
regional population-based cancer registries in Kenya clearly show that cancer is a major
public health problem. One of the goals of Kenya Vision 2030, the Social Pillar, is to improve
overall livelihood of Kenyans. This requires among others, provision of efficient and high-
quality health care with best standards. The Cancer Act (2012) is now in operation, paving
way for the country to roll out programs for cancer treatment and control strategies. One of
the 8 major problems identified in the Bill to the run up of the Act was lack of cancer
specialists, limiting achievement of the above goals. The country has a population
approaching 46 million people, and just about 20 specialists including 6 medical oncologists
and 8 clinical/ radiation oncologists involved in cancer treatment. Most of these cancer
specialists are based in Nairobi. Training facilities that have traditionally been accessed
abroad are expensive and largely unavailable currently. The situation for most other
countries in sub-Saharan Africa is even worse.

3 OBJECTIVE

Needs assessment survey carried out from 22 nd April to 16 th May 2016 showed that 220/244
respondents (90.2%) knew at least one person close to them with a diagnosis of cancer.
Only 21/244 (9.5%) were satisfied with the treatment they had received. Most, (98.8%),
thought that there was need to increase the number of cancer treatment specialists through
training locally. This market survey supports establishment of the programme. There has
been extensive stakeholders’ involvement which has further enriched the curriculum and
ensured it meets national and international expectations.

1.3 GOAL OF THE PROGRAMME
The learner will acquire knowledge, skills and competencies in Radiation Oncology to
manage cancer. This will be achieved promptly through the attainment of skills in patient
healthcare provision, communication, leadership and medical research.