Radiation Oncology

Students are introduced to the diagnosis, staging, and management of patients with cancer. The rationale and techniques of radiation therapy are emphasized.

RADO 910.  Research in Radiation Oncology.  4 Credits.     

The student will engage in original research in an aspect of Radiation Oncology: clinical radiation therapy, radiation biology, or radiation physics. The exact area will depend upon the background and interest of the student, and the availability of an appropriate faculty mentor. In consultation with faculty, the student will develop a research project addressing a topic in Radiation Oncology. The student will then perform the indicated research project. At the conclusion of the project, the student will prepare a document describing the research and the findings, and will present a research seminar to the department. Student achievement will be evaluated by three endpoints. There will be a faculty assessment of the conduct of the student during the project period. Secondly, the manuscript produced by the student will be evaluated as an indication of the student's accomplishments. Finally, the student will be evaluated by his or her performance during the research seminar and/or other scheduled presentations of the results. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

RADO 912.  Radiation Oncology.  4 Credits.     

Students will see consultations, follow-up patients, and on-treatment patients along with the staff. They will participate along with the faculty in simulation of patients, surgical procedures, brachytherapy procedures, and other procedures that require physician participation. Students will attend conferences in radiotherapy, radiobiology, radiation physics, and treatment planning conferences. They will attend site-specific multidisciplinary and general multidisciplinary conferences and present cases if required of these conferences. Students will be required at the end of their rotation to present to faculty, residents, and staff in the department a topic in depth that involves radiation as a treatment modality. Students will be evaluated by their performance and conduct during their rotation with the faculty and by the quality of their presentation toward the end of the rotation. Prerequisite: Medical Basic Sciences and permission of instructor.