The 1940s
Written by Professor Whitehouse
In 1940-41, there were 7 candidates, 5 of whom passed.
Dr R E Roberts was appointed Honorary Consultant Radiologist to the Army in 1940.
In 1940-41 there were 2 Diplomas awarded,
In 1941 Thurstan Holland died.
The DMRE was discontinued in 1941 for the duration of the War.
1946 – Dr R E Roberts died suddenly, aged 55. He was succeeded by Dr P H Whittaker, initially as acting Lecturer in Charge of Radiology.
The M Rad and DMRD
New legislation came into being for replacement of the DMRE by a Mastership in Radiology (M Rad), which coud be taken in either Radiodiagnosis or Radiotherapy.
The M Rad was awarded to candidates who had completed a 2 year course of instruction and who had satisfied examiners in written and oral examinations.
Lectures were in Physiology, Anatomy, Pathology, Medicine and Surgery in addition to Radiology and Physics.
Part 1: Physics and Pathology. Part 2: Radiodiagnosis or Radiotherapy..
It was found impossible in 2 years of training to achieve a high standard of academic attainment or to have the experience and judgement which are associated with a candidate for a Masters degree.
It was suggested that the DMRD should be reintroduced and obtainable after 18 months, the time recognised by other universities and the Conjoint Board.
It was suggested that the instruction in Physics with the DMRD should be more concentratedand completed in 4 months, similar to the same course in London. It was considered that the shadow of the Part 1 (Physics) hung over students who then gave insufficient attention to Radiology until this exam was completed. Students would therefore have a longer period to concentrate on Radiology. Instruction in Radiodiagnosis would continue throughout the whole 18 months.
Thereafter the M Rad was only conferred on candidates who hold the University diploma and who have completed 2 years of radiological work after obtaining the DMRD. At the end of this time they must complete a thesis on some radiological subject which should show evidence of original work experience and maturity in,Radiology, and also submit it to an examination.
In 1947 the Department of Radiology was split into Dept of Radiodiagnosis and Dept of Radiotherapy, in order to meet special requirements for courses leading to M Rad.
Also in 1947 Dr Chalmers was appointed Special Temporary Lecturer in Physics applied to Medical Radiology.
In 1947/48, 6 of 8 students who completed their second year course were awarded the DMRD. The Radiology course was ‘filled to capacity’. 12 took the Part 1 DMRD (Conjoint) in the April, 8 being successful.
In 1948 14 registered in first year and 10 in second year for M Rad. 2 resigned from the first year.
The failure rate for DMRD in the UK was slightly over 59% for last 2 years. The Liverpool success rate in 1948 was felt to be a satisfactory reflection of the adequacy of the teaching in postgraduate radiology.
1949/50 saw the inception of the new Liverpool DMRD to replace the M Rad.
All 10 candidates passed the Part 1.
In the past it had been the practice to employ students as registrars only during their second year of study. In 1950 ‘it appears that we have to consider further the custom which has been adopted elsewhere n the country and offer them employment as junior registrars during their first year if we hope to maintain an adequate supply of students for our own diploma. It appears that the demand for radiologists is still considerable and it would be inadvisable to reduce the number entering the course at the present time.’ (Annual Report).
A technician was appointed to work in the X Ray Dept of the Royal Infirmary to tabulate and copy films for teaching purposes. The amount of teaching material at the disposal of the Dept of Radiodiagnosis is unrivalled by any school in the country.’
There was now a weekly meeting in the form of a discussion class, attended by the postgraduate students.
