Southwest Campus

Radiation/Oncology

Medcenter One/St. Alexius Hospital

RAD 9104

Participating Faculty:
Glen R. Hyland, M.D.
Kathleen A. Nordstrom, M.D.

Offered: All
Positions: One

Objectives of the Electives:

  1. To acquaint the student with the problem of cancer as seen in a radiation oncology practice. Emphasis will be on natural history, methods of treatments, alternative treatments and outcome as well as potential toxicities and side effects to be expected of the treatment.
  2. To allow participation in a busy radiation oncologic practice. This would include participating in the consultative process as well as obtaining histories and physicals, in treatment examinations and follow-up examinations of patients selected to undergo radiation therapy.
  3. To review basic concepts of radiation biology and radiation physics as well as to develop an overview on uses of radiation and problems with its use in the management of malignant disease.
  4. To review the relevant literature on the cancer situations that are seen during the elective.
  5. To take part in weekly Tumor Boards, including case presentation.

Instructional Activities:

  1. Examination and evaluation per week of about eight new patients, 35 on treatment patients and 10 follow-up patients; examined jointly by student and staff.
  2. One to two hours per day with instructor reviewing readings in textbooks, literature.
  3. Hands-on experience in patient treatments, computer plan design and block fabrication.
  4. Assist at any brachytherapy procedures.

Standards of performance (Outcomes) Indicating Attainment of Objectives:

  1. Satisfactory completion of one consultation per week, and will include treatment planning, assessment of computer plan, discussion with patient of toxicity and course of therapy.
  2. Satisfactory completion of five progress notes per week.
  3. Satisfactory completion of three follow-up visit notes per week.
  4. Attendance at Tumor Board(s) and presentation of one case for discussion.

Criteria for Grading:

  1. Clinical performance during rotation.
  2. Examination of concepts of radiation therapy, including radiation biology, physics, treatment planning, staging and natural history of cancer, multimodality treatment planning and side effects/toxicity of therapy.