MOGA Support For Trainees

Please see the following ways in which MOGA supports medical oncology trainees.

Free membership of MOGA

Membership of MOGA is free to all trainees and to Fellows who continue in training positions or who are continuing with higher degrees.

The aims and objectives of MOGA are:

  • To promote the advancement of knowledge and the practice of medicine in the field pertaining to medical oncology, for the benefit of the community.
  • To promote and maintain the highest standards of medical oncology practice and ethics throughout the community.
  • To promote research relevant to clinical practice and medical oncology.
  • To represent members in medical matters relevant to medical oncology practice.
  • To cooperate with and advise medical or other bodies interested in medical oncology practice and the management of neoplastic disease.
  • To promote and facilitate the distribution of information relevant to medical oncology practice throughout the community

MOGA produces a quarterly newsletter, which will be mailed to all trainees on a quarterly basis. The newsletters are also available from the MOGA website www.moga.org.au.  MOGA also sends out a regular e-news letter which often includes information on awards and grants, educational events and job advertisements.

Reduced registration rates for MOGA ASM

MOGA conducts an annual scientific meeting each year. Registration is offered at a reduced rate for trainees. The MOGA ASM is an excellent educational meeting and an opportunity to meet other trainees and consultants. It’s also an opportunity to write your first abstract/poster or, perhaps, to make your first presentation at a national meeting.

MOGA members also participate in the Annual Scientific Meeting of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA). This meeting also provides an opportunity to present your research, particularly that of a multi-disciplinary nature. Trainees are eligible to join COSA as Associate members, for a fee of $80 per annum, and are encouraged to do so.  Please see the attached link to the COSA Website.

MOGA Trainee Representation

MOGA encourages and appreciates feedback from trainees. There is a trainee committee which includes representatives from most States and the Chair of this Committee is also on the MOGA Executive Committee. 

Web-based resources designed specifically for trainees

MOGA in collaboration with Omnus, provides a website for medical oncology trainees which provides free access to a variety of online journals and to electronic MIMS and many other resources. The website also provides a list (and generally full text copies) of what are considered to be the key papers in medical oncology as well as training information and links to other online resources. All content within the trainees’ section of the Omnus website is controlled through MOGA.

Mentoring / support

MOGA has an educational subcommittee (MOGES) comprising representatives from all States.  All members of this Committee have indicated that they are happy to act as mentors for trainees. Although MOGA is separate from the Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in Medical Oncology, if you are having troubles or concerns with your training, you are most welcome to contact a member of the MOGES or Trainee Committees, or the MOGA Executive Officer, Ms Franca Marine, on 02 8247 6207 or by e-mail, fmarine@bigpond.com.

Communication Skills Workshops

MOGA has developed a communication skills training program in conjunction with the Pam McLean Cancer Communications Centre for trainees to increase skills in dealing with some of the difficult issues that arise in oncology practice. Further information can be obtained from Dr Fran Boyle email franb@med.usyd.edu.au

Travel Awards

MOGA offers a number of travel awards for trainees to attend overseas conferences, such as those of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). These awards are advertised through the MOGA newsletter and e-newsletter, the MOGA website (www.moga.org.au ) and the trainee website through Omnus.

Membership of ASCO

Trainees can become Associate members of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), which is the main international body representing medical oncologists.  Membership of ASCO is free for trainees.  As MOGA is a reciprocal society of ASCO, an abbreviated application process applies.  ASCO has an Annual Scientific Meeting each year. They also have an excellent website www.asco.org and journal (Journal of Clinical Oncology – www.jco.org).  Full text access to JCO is available to MOGA trainees through the trainee website.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to Medical Oncology

MOGA has produced the enclosed ‘Hitchhiker’s Guide to Medical Oncology” which will hopefully provide trainees with some useful tips for a smooth journey through medical oncology training.    LINK