Description

During the four-week radiation oncology elective, students work with several staff consultants to see patients with a variety of malignant diseases. Trainees participate in the initial evaluation, treatment planning, management and follow-up care of patients.

Students are encouraged to attend available multidisciplinary and radiation oncology-specific conferences. A resident-led lecture series providing an introduction to radiation oncology is available for interested students. In addition to photon-based external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT), students often gain exposure to other modalities including proton radiotherapy, radioactive implants (brachytherapy), intraoperative electron beam radiation, gamma knife radiosurgery and whole body irradiation.

Specific goals

1. Learn, in general terms, the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of malignant disease, including the goals and limitations of this approach to the treatment of cancer
2. Demonstrate the ability to take and convey an appropriately detailed history, perform examinations (including physical exam and laboratory, radiologic and other objective findings)
3. Learn the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of common malignant diseases, including lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer
4. Describe the role of radiation therapy in the palliation of symptomatic malignant disease, particularly in painful bone metastases
5. Communicate effectively with patients and their families in situations ranging from terminal to curable disease
6. Learn the basic physical and biological basis of radiation therapy
7. Learn about the role of prospective clinical trials in the evaluation of new cancer treatments

Activity outline

Method of evaluation

Staff members evaluate the students with whom they work. Students can earn a grade of honors by performing outstanding patient work-ups and by making excellent case presentations, including a brief review of pertinent peer-reviewed literature. Students are encouraged to participate in the new-patient conference, which allows evaluation of their teaching skills.

Per Mayo Clinic institutional policy, faculty and residents/fellows will not complete any outside evaluations. You will be provided with an electronic performance evaluation via Mayo Clinic’s MedHub portal. A final summative evaluation will be sent to you and your school official upon completion of your clerkship.