From cadet to a lifelong career: 40 years in Radiation Therapy
Pictured above: Assistant Director of Radiation Therapy / Gamma Knife Princess Alexandra Hospital - Michael Jenkins
At just 17 years old, Michael Jenkins began a career path he hadn’t fully imagined but would ultimately come to define his life’s work, humbly admitting he was “lucky” to have made such a great choice.
Michael in his prime
Radiation Therapy cadet 1985
His journey began straight out of high school on 7 January 1985, when he joined the Queensland Radium Institute at Royal Brisbane Hospital as a cadet Therapeutic Radiographer.
“Early in my career, treatment planning was far more limited in precision and flexibility,” said Michael.
Fast-forward four decades, and the Radiation Therapist Assistant Director at PA Hospital says the outcomes for patients receiving radiation therapy have improved dramatically with better tumour control, fewer side effects, and faster recovery.
“Today, we benefit from advanced imaging, sophisticated planning systems, and improved treatment delivery platforms. Patients also arrive better prepared thanks to early detection and screening programs, as well as significant advances in diagnostic imaging and pre-treatment care.
“What hasn’t changed during my time in the profession is our core goal: To deliver a therapeutic dose of radiation to the target while minimising the dose delivered to surrounding healthy tissues.”
Michael’s dedication to excellence throughout those decades has been unwavering.
Among his many achievements, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Ipswich Road (ROPAIR) service in 2001, led the rollout of the Radiation Oncology Information System across South-East Queensland between 2006 and 2010, and was Acting Director of Radiation Oncology Princess Alexandra Raymond Terrace (ROPART) in 2024.
A particularly rewarding chapter was being a member of the foundation team to launch the Gamma Knife Centre of Queensland at PA Hospital in 2015, a testament to Michael’s innovative and collaborative nature.
“One of the constants throughout my career has been the dedication of the entire radiation oncology team and the camaraderie it creates. Ours is a diverse mix of professionals who work together with a single purpose: to achieve the best possible outcome for our patients,” he said.
“Radiation oncologists, radiation therapists, nurses, medical physicists, administration staff, and a wide range of allied health professionals all contribute their expertise.
“When I first started, the only allied health professional we worked alongside was a social worker. Today, our team also includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietitians and speech therapists, expanding the support we can offer patients throughout their treatment journey.”
Michael said his hope for the next generation of radiation therapists is that they remain focused on the important role they play in each patient’s care.
“There is an excellent group of young radiation therapists coming through the system, bringing energy, skill, and compassion to the field.”
Michael also acknowledged three other Radiation Therapists who he trained with 40 years ago - Alison, Jenny, and Nikki – who are also still working hard across Metro South Health.
When asked for his advice on such a successful tenure, he simply replied, “take the job seriously but not yourself, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey.”
Congratulations on your extraordinary 40 years of service Michael, you’re a shining example of dedication to patient care and professional excellence at PAH!
Credit: Metro South Health - Source: https://www.metrosouth.health.qld.gov.au/about-us/news/pa-hospital/from-cadet-to-a-lifelong-career-michael-reflects-on-40-years-in-radiation-therapy
