Medical Student and Observership Rotation

Our department is located within an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, providing a dynamic, high-quality learning environment in the subtropical climate of Miami. Students and observers will be exposed to cutting-edge technology, including a proton therapy center, MRI-guided Linac, Gamma Knife, and a dedicated brachytherapy suite. The rotation offers a comprehensive clinical experience and an opportunity to work closely with faculty, residents, and patients.

Program Structure

The rotation is designed to give students and observers broad exposure to radiation oncology, from patient care to advanced radiation techniques. Each participant will be paired with attending physicians and residents, participating in a variety of clinical, research, and educational activities.

Before Starting:

• Students will receive their schedule from the Chief Residents.
  
• A one-on-one meeting will be scheduled on the first day to discuss the rotation's expectations, areas of interest, and prior oncology experience to tailor the experience as needed.

Daily Schedule

The clinical workweek is structured to give participants experience in different aspects of patient care and treatment planning:

Clinic Days:

• Each participant will work closely with different attendings on clinic days, initially observing and eventually participating independently in patient care under supervision.
• Students will participate in new patient visits, on-treatment visits, follow-ups, and radiation simulation.
  
• Pre-charting: Participants are encouraged to review patient charts ahead of clinic to familiarize themselves with the clinical history and imaging.
• Typical Clinic Involvement: Expect to see 1-2 new patient visits per day, attend all CT simulations, and manage on-treatment visits alongside attending physicians.

Non-Clinical Days:

• Students will be provided with 2-3 non-clinical days per rotation to allow for preparation, study, and independent research or reading.

Educational Conferences:

• Grand Rounds and Tumor Boards: Students will attend Grand Rounds and Tumor Boards to deepen their understanding of radiation oncology and multidisciplinary care.
  
• Resident Didactics: Students are invited to attend resident didactics, which cover topics such as clinical oncology, radiation biology, and physics.

Mid-Rotation and End-of-Rotation Feedback

Midway Check-In:

• Halfway through the rotation, participants will meet informally with the Chief Residents to discuss their progress, address any concerns, and ensure that learning objectives are being met.

End of Rotation:

• Participants are required to deliver a formal presentation (45-60 minutes) on a chosen topic related to radiation oncology. This will be presented to the department, offering the student a chance to showcase their learning and receive feedback.

Workflow and Responsibilities

Patient Encounters:

• New Patient Visits: Students will perform history and physical exams, review imaging and pathology, and develop a treatment plan with the attending physician.
  
• Simulation and Treatment Planning: Students will assist in radiation treatment planning, understanding the anatomy’s role in treatment, and collaborating with the radiation oncology team.
  
• On-Treatment Visits: Participants will monitor patients for acute side effects and participate in care adjustments.
  
• Follow-Up Visits: Students will assess tumor response, manage late effects of treatment, and address patient quality-of-life concerns.

Professionalism and Attendance

• Patient-Centered Care: Students will be involved in patient care under the direct supervision of attending physicians. All work must be coordinated with the attending and the clinic schedule.
  
• Attendance: Students are expected to attend all scheduled activities, including educational sessions and conferences. If absences are necessary, students must inform the attending and Chief Residents ahead of time.

Learning Objectives

The rotation is structured to provide hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of radiation oncology. Key objectives include:

• Understanding the role of radiation therapy in cancer management.
• Gaining proficiency in patient evaluation, diagnostic workups, and treatment planning.
• Recognizing the indications for radiation therapy and understanding its integration with other cancer treatments.
• Learning about the acute and late effects of radiation therapy and how to manage them.
• Developing familiarity with the workflow of radiation therapy, including simulation, planning, and treatment delivery.

Expectations for Observers

Observers are welcome to shadow residents and attendings during clinic days and observe key procedures. However, their role is strictly observational. Observers will not participate in direct patient care or treatment planning but are encouraged to ask questions and engage in discussions with faculty and residents.