Medical Radiation Oncology

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Medical Students Rotations and Clerkships (M1, M2, M3 and M4)

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RADONC 630: Elective Clinical Clerkship for M3 Students

RADONC 651 A: Elective Clinical Clerkship in Radiation Oncology for M4 students

RADONC 630: Elective Clinical Clerkship for M3 Students

Program Overview:
RADONC 630 is a two-week clinical clerkship in Radiation Oncology for M3 students. Students will work with the Radiation Oncology team in patient examination, staging, counseling, and the design of radiation therapy treatment plans. They will attend tumor boards and learn about the role of radiation therapy in cancer treatment.

Objectives:

Understand the role of radiation therapy in cancer management and its biological principles.
Learn diagnostic evaluation, staging, and prognosis for major cancers treated with radiation (prostate, breast, GI, lung, gynecologic, brain, head/neck).
Study anatomy and cancer spread to influence radiation delivery.
Recognize radiation therapy’s role in treatment and palliation.
Understand acute and late side effects of radiation therapy.
Learn basics of simulation, treatment planning, and delivery through collaboration with radiation therapists, dosimetrists, and physicists.

Program Structure:

Day 1: Orientation with the Program Coordinator and meeting with the Program Director to review the schedule.
Mid-Rotation: Progress review with the Program Director.
End of Rotation: Formal presentation on a selected topic and completion of course evaluation.

Students will work as part of a clinical team under the supervision of an attending physician.

Key Patient Encounters:

Consultation: Take patient history, perform physical exams, review imaging/pathology, and assist in treatment planning.
Simulation and Treatment Planning: Assist with designing radiation treatments and understanding the role of anatomy and cancer spread in planning.
Treatment Delivery: Observe radiation delivery (external beam and brachytherapy).
On-Treatment Visits (OTV): Monitor and manage acute radiation effects.
Follow-up: Evaluate tumor response, manage late effects, and address quality of life concerns.

Expectations:

Participate in patient evaluations and clinical visits, including at least one consultation, staging, simulation, and planning.
All patient encounters must be supervised. Students should not offer advice or make treatment recommendations without discussion with a resident or attending.
Attend teaching conferences and tumor boards.
Present a clinical case study at the end of the rotation, focusing on treatment planning and relevant literature.

How to Apply:

Email at gme-radiationoncology@umc.edu

RADONC 651 A: Elective clinical clerkship in Radiation Oncology for M4 students

Program Overview:

The department of Radiation Oncology offers a 2-4-week clinical clerkship for M4 students who are interested in applying to Radiation Oncology residency program.

Objectives:

This comprehensive course is designed for students who aspire to gain an in-depth understanding of radiation oncology, combining theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. Students will have the unique opportunity to work closely with expert faculty and healthcare professionals, actively participating in patient care and treatment planning.

Throughout the course, students will:

Study the Fundamentals of Radiation Oncology: Gain a thorough understanding of radiation therapy, its mechanisms, and its role in treating various cancers and other medical conditions.

Hands-On Experience in Clinical Settings: Participate in real-world clinical scenarios, assisting with patient assessments, treatment planning, and therapy delivery under the mentorship of experienced professionals.

Collaborate with Faculty and Healthcare Teams: Engage in multidisciplinary teams to collaborate on patient care, attend case discussions, and observe how radiation oncologists make critical decisions regarding treatment approaches.

Learn Treatment Planning and Techniques: Develop skills in creating individualized radiation treatment plans using advanced technologies and software, ensuring the most effective and targeted care for each patient.

Examine Cutting-Edge Research and Innovations: Stay abreast of the latest research, emerging technologies, and breakthroughs in radiation oncology, gaining exposure to cutting-edge treatment options.

Explore Ethical and Practical Aspects of Radiation Therapy: Understand the ethical challenges, patient communication strategies, and safety protocols that are central to the practice of radiation oncology.

By the end of the course, students will have acquired not only a more advanced theoretical knowledge but also required basic practical skills of a junior resident.

Program Structure:

Day 1:
- Meet with Program coordinator for general orientation and course materials.
- Meet with Program Director / supervising attending to discuss schedule.
Mid-way:
- Meet with Program Director / supervising attending to discuss progress.
End of rotation:
- Formal presentation on a topic of the student’s choice.
- Student completion of Course Evaluation (mandatory).

Expectations:

Students are expected to work closely with the attending physician in patient evaluation in ambulatory clinics. While all patient encounters will be supervised by a resident and/or attending, students have greater opportunity to work with the team to formulate an individual care plan, and also to contribute to radiation treatment planning.
Students are expected to attend teaching conferences and tumor boards along with residents.
Students are encouraged to discuss a research project with the Radiation oncology PD or Research Faculty, in preparation for residency application.

How to apply:

M4 interested in doing 2-4 weeks clinical elective in Radiation Oncology should contact email at gme-radiationoncology@umc.edu.