Description
This clinical elective in Radiation Oncology provides osteopathic medical students with an introduction to the principles and clinical applications of radiation therapy in the multidisciplinary management of cancer. Students will participate in the evaluation and care of patients across clinical settings, with exposure to referrals, consultations, treatment planning, and radiation delivery. Instruction includes development of skills in patient history and physical examination, recognition, and management of treatment-related toxicities, and understanding of foundational radiobiology and radiation physics.
Emphasis is placed on patient-centered care, incorporating osteopathic principles and consideration of psychosocial and systems-based factors. Students will work collaboratively with radiation oncologists and interprofessional teams while gaining exposure to a range of neoplastic diseases across stages of care. Learning experiences may include tumor boards, case presentations, and directed study. Upon completion, students are expected to demonstrate foundational competency in patient care, medical knowledge, communication, professionalism, and systems-based practice as applied to radiation oncology.