Download Radiation Oncology - School of Medicine, Queen`s University

Radiation
Oncology
Academic Program
The Radiation Oncology program provides comprehensive training through a well-structured system of
one-on-one clinical rotations, supported by site and rotation-specific clinical objectives. There is a systematic
approach to resident evaluation based on these objectives.
Radiation Oncology at Queen’s University is a rigorous program fully accredited by the Royal College
of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Our graduates are ready to function independently as competent
generalists in Radiation Oncology, and have also been thoroughly prepared for the RCPSC examination.
The PGY1 year is broad-based and the introduction of Radiation Oncology is highlighted. Other rotations
include surgery, gyne-oncology, diagnostic imaging, pathology, and internal medicine.
The PGY2 year of radiation oncology training is a period of close supervision. Residents become familiar
with the problems seen in radiation oncology practice and develop clinical skills to deal with them.
Emphasis is placed on the basic sciences as applied to radiation oncology, initial assessment of cancer
patients, and decision- making in common malignancies.
In the PGY3 year, consolidation of basic science knowledge and application of it to clinical problems
and refinement of clinical skills are highlighted. Major progress in clinical decision-making and treatment
planning is expected, and residents take increasing responsibility for patient care. They also have the
opportunity to assist in the teaching and supervision of junior colleagues and medical students.
As residents near the completion of their training in the PGY4 and 5 years, a final check is completed to
ensure that all of the goals and objectives of the program have been achieved. Residents see increased
responsibility for independent decision making both in patient assessment and radiation treatment planning.
Our faculty provide advice and direction for the transitional period between residency, Fellowship and
independent practice.
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Education
Numerous educational opportunities are available
for residents. A weekly Academic Half-Day is
mandatory and residents are relieved of clinical
responsibilities during this time. These half-days
include a core seminar series in clinical oncology
and radiation treatment planning as well as
surgical oncology, medical oncology, diagnostic
imaging, and pathology.
Other didactic teaching includes comprehensive,
formal teaching in basic sciences (physics and
radiobiology). Courses in statistics and clinical
trials are also offered.
An active journal club reinforces critical appraisal
skills while regular interdisciplinary clinical
conferences take place covering all major tumour
sites many times each week.
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Research
Although not a mandatory component, residents are expected to complete
a research project during their training period.
The program is committed to providing a wide range of research
opportunities for residents. A research mentor is assigned on entry into
the program and residents are expected to have at least one research
project underway by the second year.
One of the strong assets of the research component of the program is
access to several internationally renowned cancer research groups based
at the Queen’s Cancer Research Institute (QCRI). Several members of
these groups are also members of the Radiation Oncology department.
The Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology at QCRI is a cancer health
services research unit comprised of clinician-scientists, epidemiologists,
and biostatisticians. This multidisciplinary research group evaluates access
to cancer services, the management and outcome of cancer in the general
population, and public policy related to cancer prevention and treatment.
NCIC Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) is a national research group that
develops, conducts, and analyses multi-institutional trials of cancer
therapy. Residents are encouraged to participate in the clinical research
activities/ meetings of the NCIC CTG. This Queen’s University-based
group is internationally recognized for its expertise in the design, conduct
and analysis of Phase I, II and III clinical studies. The group has extensive
experience in research pertaining to quality of life, clinical trials methodology and the economic analysis of cancer therapies. Members of this
group participate in the clinical and educational activities of the Cancer
Centre and are a willing resource for residents.
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Kingston General Hospital
Kingston General Hospital is a community of people dedicated to transforming the patient and family
experience through innovative and collaborative approaches to care, knowledge, and leadership. As
southeastern Ontario’s leading centre for complex-acute and specialty care, KGH serves almost 500,000
regional residents through its Kingston facility and 24 regional affiliate and satellite sites. Fully affiliated
with Queen’s University, KGH was named as one of Canada’s top research hospitals in 2011.
Patients with oncologic conditions requiring hospital admission are admitted to the Hematology
Oncology service at KGH. This is a joint service that provides care for patients with both hematological
and oncologic conditions. The unit consists of thirteen beds and is supervised by an attending physician
from one of the above specialties. The primary care of patients is shared by residents, a General
Practitioner in Oncology, and attending staff. Residents are involved in inpatient care throughout
the year as well as during their Junior Attending rotation and when on call.
Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario
The Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario (CCSEO) is a world-class facility and many of its cancer
specialists are recognized internationally for their expertise in cancer treatment and research. It is also
an academic cancer centre, housing the Department of Oncology and playing a vital role in educating
tomorrow’s health professionals.
A major redevelopment of the CCSEO was completed in 2011. Its facilities were modernized and an
additional 37,000 square feet was added to improve the patient and caregiver experience. Two new
radiation treatment bunkers have been added, an HDR brachytherapy suite has been built, and the
chemotherapy space has been increased from 15 treatment spaces to 39. Dedicated space for children
with cancer was also created, in addition to separate areas for its palliative medicine and supportive
care program.
The Radiation Oncology Residency Training Program
Back row L - R: Alex Banashkevich, Kadir Mullings, Jim Rose, Bunmi Ogundimu, Pierre-Yves McLaughlin, Micheline Primeau (Program
Coordinator), Martin Korzeniowski
Front row L - R: Dr. Maria Kalyvas (Program Director), Marc-Emile Plourde, Michelle Ferguson, Darwin Yip
Absent: Allison Ashworth
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photos: Queen’s Marketing and Communications
Queen’s University
Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario
25 King Street West
Kingston, Ontario k7l 5p9
613.544.2631 ext 6647
meds.queensu.ca/oncology
12-0064 Queen’s Marketing and Communications
DEPARTMENT OF ONCOLOGY