Course Descriptions

An introduction to radiation biology with attention to clinically used concepts: fractionated survival models, oxygenation and radiation quality effects, cell and tissue kinetics, acute effects, normal tissue response, effective and equivalent dose, and therapeutic ratio.

An introduction to the multidisciplinary practice and science of oncology including a site-based description of disease and treatment strategy with a parallel introduction to human anatomy. CT and MR imaging anatomy for radiotherapy treatment planning.

A general introduction to quality, its dimensions, management, and improvement followed by topics specific to radiotherapy: patient safety and error management, quality improvement, quality assurance, and equipment and patient specific quality control.

The second of a sequence of two courses. The physics and technology of radiotherapy taught at a level appropriate for radiation oncology residents: topics in modulated external beam radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery, patient motion management, image guided radiotherapy, proton therapy, special radiation procedures, quality assurance and radiation safety, and medical imaging.

The first of a sequence of three courses with a capstone requirement of an original research effort to be completed during the summer term. A review of contemporary medical dosimetry and related medical physics and radiation oncology research in seminar format.

The second of a sequence of three courses.

The first of sequence of three courses. Clinical rotations under the supervision of a medical dosimetrist or medical physicist and complementary lectures focusing on seven services: radiotherapy treatment, radiotherapy simulation, three-dimensional external beam planning, intensity modulated external beam planning, brachytherapy planning, stereotactic radiotherapy planning, and special procedures. All rotations must be completed during the three-term sequence in an order to be scheduled by the participating clinics.

The second of sequence of three courses.