ACE: Radiation Oncology

School of Medicine

This 4 week clinical rotation in radiation oncology is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in radiation oncology. Students are integrated into the clinical workflow. They are assigned to work one on one with individual attendings covering all aspects of radiation oncology including malignancies of the head and neck, lung, breast, gastrointestinal, gynecological, prostate and brain. Students work with radiation oncology residents in the initial evaluation of patients, formulation of treatment, supervision of treatment, and follow-up evaluations. Students will learn indications and techniques for radiation therapy. With each new patient, the student will be expected to go in to see the patient first and obtain a basic history and physical. This will be presented to the resident who will then review these findings directly with the attending. The clinical team (resident/attending/student) will then discuss treatment options with the patient and formulate a treatment plan. At the conclusion of this course students will be able to take a focused oncologic history, perform a pertinent exam, and understand the basics of diagnosis, staging, and treatment options for cancer patients. They will learn about the multidisciplinary nature of oncologic care. At the end of the rotation students are required to give an oral presentation at the departmental teaching seminar.