University of Melbourne welcomes $2m for proton beam therapy development

12 May 2015

The University of Melbourne has welcomed a $2-million investment by the State government in the budget to help plan and develop a National Centre for Proton Beam Therapy (PBT) as part of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre (VCCC).
The project will be undertaken in conjunction with the university and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

University of Melbourne Medical School
Learn more about Melbourne Medical School

Proton beam therapy is a cancer treatment that offers significant benefits to patients, particularly children, as it causes less side effects than other forms of radiation treatment and results in less damage to the healthy tissue surrounding a tumour.
There are presently no proton therapy facilities in Australia or South East Asia, and approximately 50 PBT centres globally. The presence of a facility in Victoria will not only benefit Victorians but also offer opportunities for research into cancer therapies and training of clinicians.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Margaret Sheil said the project is a great initiative for Victoria.  “This Centre will draw on the existing strengths of the Melbourne biomedical precinct, and the expertise located at the university’s Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science.
“The university welcomes the opportunity to be part of this project, that builds on our already strong record in cancer research and medical training, and will help ensure Victoria continues to lead the way in developing advanced treatments in the fight against cancer.”
The Centre will bring together experts in research and cancer treatment from both the University of Melbourne and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.  The $2-million commitment will allow work to begin on developing a business case for the Centre and determine the most appropriate location and machine.
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences Professor Stephen Smith said, “This announcement is an excellent recognition of the work that needs to be done in this area.”
“As a member of the VCCC we’re looking forward to working with our partners on further developing improved clinical treatments for patients.”

About the Melbourne Doctor of Medicine Program

Program: Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Location: Melbourne, Victoria
Semester intake: February
Duration: 4 years
Application deadline: June 22, 2015 (Melbourne time).  NOTE: All Melbourne MD application documents must be received by Friday, June 19, 2015 in order for your complete application to be submitted on time.
The Melbourne MD is a four-year, graduate-entry medical program that builds on the university’s reputation for excellence in teaching and research. It enables students to become outstanding medical practitioners who will excel as world-class leaders in their chosen field.

Entry Requirements for the Melbourne MD Program

To apply to the Melbourne MD, eligible Canadian applicants must have

  • successfully completed an undergraduate degree in any discipline at a recognized university;
  • completed prerequisite second-year university subjects (one each) in anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. Subjects from overseas universities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • completed the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or the Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT); and
  • received an invitation by the University of Melbourne to sit a multi-mini interview (MMI).

The selection of eligible international applicants, including Canadians, will be based on the following:

  • Academic record: grade point average (GPA) from a completed three-year (or more) university degree in any discipline (with prerequisites met and studies completed within the last 10 years)
  • Test results in an aptitude test, MCAT or GAMSAT: MCAT test results from January 2013 to May 2015 (inclusive) will be accepted for those applying for the 2016 intake. Applicants sitting the MCAT test more than once within this date range may choose which set of scores to include with their application
  • Structured multi-mini interview (MMI)

Apply to Melbourne Medical School!

*

Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Medical Schools Admissions Officer Sarah Bridson for more information about how to apply to Melbourne Medical School. Email Sarah at sarah@oztrekk.com or call toll free in Canada at 1-866-698-7355.

News