Surgical Oncology (KISC)

2 units

The Surgical Oncology KISC teaches a bench-to-bedside foundation for the diagnosis, management and basic/translational science surrounding solid tumor malignancies. With a focus on head and neck, hepatobiliary, and aerodigestive tract tumors, students will learn how to approach patients with a new diagnosis of cancer, the anatomy and principles governing surgery, and the long-term sequela of treatment. Through immersive experiences in the clinic, operating room, and research lab, students will gain insight and experience into how cancer biology, patient factors, and treatment plans impact clinical outcomes. Students will spend time rotating through the surgical, medical and radiation oncology clinics, head and neck operating room, surgical oncology operating room, and translational oncology research labs. Students will be exposed to the multidisciplinary tumor board discussion consisting of surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. Additionally, didactics will include lectures covering a range of topics from tumor genomics to principles of surgery and radiation oncology, journal clubs and case conferences. Our goal is to provide a road map connecting how basic and translational research is directly impacting patient care, treatment decisions and how this translates to clinical outcomes.