Course Catalog

 
76-407 Radiation Oncology Elective
Department RADIATION ONCOLOGY Campus Birmingham
Course Type(s) Elective AI Facility
Course Director ANDREW M MCDONALD, MD Enrollment Limit 1
Contact ANDREW M MCDONALD, MD Enrollment Minimum 1
Email ammcdonald@uabmc.edu Address 176F 2232
Phone 205-975-0222 Fax (205) 975-0784
Weeks
Normally Offered
See Offering Dates
Prerequisites * * * WRITTEN APPROVAL REQUIRED * * * NO PREREQUISITES AVAILABLE. CONTACT DEPARTMENT. 
Specific Clerkship Prerequisites:
Visiting Students
No LCME students accepted.
No osteopathic students accepted.
Course Description This Radiation Oncology elective offers medical students a comprehensive introduction to the principles and practice of radiation therapy in cancer care. Students will engage in a variety of clinical learning activities, including outpatient consultations, on-treatment visits, and follow-up care. They will observe treatment planning processes such as simulation, contouring, and dosimetry, and attend multidisciplinary tumor boards and departmental teaching conferences. Under the guidance of faculty and residents, students will have the opportunity to participate in patient care, learn about radiation modalities, and explore the integration of radiation therapy into multidisciplinary oncology management. Additional opportunities for self-directed learning and research involvement may be available based on student interest.
Where To Report HSROC 1240B
Requirements Students are expected to actively participate in all assigned clinical duties, including outpatient clinics, treatment planning sessions, and multidisciplinary conferences. Each student must complete at least one patient case presentation to faculty or residents, demonstrate basic understanding of contouring and treatment planning through supervised sessions, and attend all scheduled didactics. Additional requirements include completion of assigned readings, timely documentation of clinical encounters as appropriate, and professional conduct in all patient interactions.
Evaluation Pass/Fail. Evaluation forms are completed at the end of rotation and returned to the medical school.
Notes Clinical activities are scheduled from 8AM to 5PM. The medical student should display responsibility for selfdirected learning. Attendance at resident lecture series is strongly encouraged. At the completion of their rotation, the student will give a 1-hour oral presentation on the topic of their choice. Medical students not applying to Radiation Oncology have the option of writing a paper in lieu of a presentation. Emphasis should be placed on providing an evidenced based approach to the topic being presented. Topics that advocate for improvement in patient care are encouraged.