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VCUHS HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY FELLOWSHIP CURRICULUM
Second- and Third-Year Fellow
Hematology-Oncology Faculty Ambulatory Rotations
Description of Rotation or Educational Experience
The Second and Third-year Fellow Hematology/Oncology Subspecialty Ambulatory Rotations provide experiences within a
single oncologic sub-discipline focus. The fellow in conjunction with the program director will select the areas of focus for
these assignments based on a balance of factors including the fellow’s academic interests; areas of need identified on the
fellow’s in-service training examinations; and prior clinical rotation experiences. Areas of focus can be selected among the
following oncologic sub-disciplines: breast oncology; gastrointestinal oncology; genitourinary oncology; hematologic
malignancies; and thoracic oncology. Other oncologic sub-disciplines outside of these core areas of focus can be considered
on an individual basis, including but not limited to additional time in gynecologic oncology and neurologic oncology.
Ambulatory clinic assignments consist of a combination of multi-disciplinary and faculty practice clinics within the area of focus
for the rotation.
Clinics included in this rotation include:
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Breast Oncology. Responsible faculty: Charles Geyer, MD; Mary Helen Hackney, MD; Hetal Vachani, MBBS
Gastrointestinal Oncology. Responsible faculty: Stephen Grossman MD, PhD; Khalid Matin, MBBS; Jennifer Myers,
MD; Bhaumik Patel, MBBS; and Asit Paul, MBBS.
Genitourinary and Soft Tissue. Responsible faculty: Sosipatros Boikos, MD; Asit Paul, MBBS; and Andrew Poklepovic,
MD.
Gynecologic Oncology Responsible faculty: William McGuire, MD and Weldon Chaffe, MD.
Heme Malignancy. Responsible faculty: Kevin Brigle, NP; John Christian Barrett, MD; Gordon Ginder, MD; Beata
Holkova, MD; Shejal Patel, DO; Brent Perkins, MD, PhD; Danielle Shafer, DO; Gary Simmons, DO; and Victor Yazbeck,
MD.
Neuro-Oncology. Responsible faculty: ZJ Chen MD; Mark Malkin, MD; and Alicia Zukas, MD
Thoracic / Head&Neck Oncology. Responsible faculty: Drs. Erin Alesi, MD; Sarah Gordon, DO and Sherman Baker,
MD.
Location:
MCVH/VCUHS Massey Cancer Center Dalton Oncology Clinic
Length of Experience:
4-8 week blocks – days only, no weekend or night call
Educational Goals
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Gain knowledge of the role of the various oncologic specialties in managing the complexities of the oncology patient
in a multidisciplinary model
Gain additional experience and knowledge in the diagnosis, staging, and management options of outpatients with
thoracic malignancies
Gain additional experience and knowledge in the diagnosis, staging, and management options of outpatients with
breast malignancies
Gain additional experience and knowledge in the diagnosis, staging, and management options of outpatients with
hematologic malignancies
Gain additional experience and knowledge in the diagnosis, staging, and management options of outpatients with
gastrointestinal malignancies
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Patient Care
Goal
Fellows must be able to provide patient care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the treatment of health
problems and the promotion of health. Please refer to overview of the fellowship curriculum for competencies/objectives for
patient care.
Specifically, fellows will see patients in all of these clinic settings under the supervision of the appropriate subspecialty faculty
member. Fellows will participate in the evaluation and management of acutely and chronically ill oncology outpatients in
order to learn the different approaches to subspecialty cancer treatment.
Competencies
Fellows are expected to:
• Gather appropriate clinical information
• Synthesize information into a care plan
• Partner with patients/families in the implementation of the plan
• Coordinate care plans with referring physicians, social workers, and home health agencies
Objectives
Fellows are expected to:
• Develop skills in history/physical examination of the patient with cancer
• Develop skills as an outpatient subspecialty consultant
• Integrate clinical data in the formation of a comprehensive care plan
• Document the encounter in the medical record in sufficient detail to communicate to other physicians and meet
billing requirements
• Provide compassionate, appropriate, and comprehensive patient care through:
o Responding to requests for outpatient consultation, evaluation and/or management in a timely and
appropriate fashion,
o Providing appropriate follow-up management
Medical Knowledge
Goal
Fellows must demonstrate knowledge of established and evolving biomedical, clinical, epidemiological, and social-behavioral
sciences, as well as the application of this knowledge to patient care.
Competencies
Fellows are expected to demonstrate skills in:
 Acquisition of knowledge
 Analysis of information
 Application of knowledge
Objectives
All fellows are expected to:
 Demonstrate the ability to perform a comprehensive and accurate physical examination; demonstrate the ability to
arrive at an appropriate differential diagnosis; outline a logical plan for specific and targeted investigations pertaining
to the patient’s complaints; and formulate a plan for management and follow-up treatment of the patient
 Demonstrate their knowledge by presenting the results of a consultation orally and in writing and by defending the
clinical assessment, differential diagnosis, and diagnostic and management plans
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Content-Specific Objectives
Disease specific objectives for each rotation will vary depending upon the area of chosen focus. Within each area of focus the
disease-specific objectives are as follows:
Thoracic Oncology
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology of thoracic cancers including incidence rates and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of non-small cell histology and biology including adenocarcinoma, bronchoalveolar,
squamous cell, and large-cell carcinoma
 Demonstrate knowledge of small cell histology and biology
 Understand the risk factors for lung cancer including lifestyle, active and passive smoking, asbestos and radon
exposure
 Understand prevention of lung cancer through smoking cessation
 Demonstrate knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms of lung cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of diagnosis via sputum cytology, imaging, Imaging-guided biopsy, thoracotomy,
bronchoscopy
 Demonstrate knowledge of staging and prognostic factors of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) via the TNM system
and small cell lung cancer via the TNM system and/or limited vs. extensive disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer based on stage of NSCLC
 Understand the first-line, second-line, and third line chemotherapy choices and the pharmacotherapy of the common
agents administered
 Understand the use of immuno-oncology and biologic agents in the management of lung cancers
 Demonstrate knowledge of the treatment of limited stage small cell lung cancer with combined chemotherapy and
radiation therapy, use of prophylactic brain irradiation, and indication for resection of solitary pulmonary nodule
 Demonstrate knowledge of the treatment of extensive disease with first-line chemotherapy, second-line treatment,
use of prophylactic brain irradiation, and treatment of brain metastases
 Demonstrate the knowledge of follow-up of Lung cancer according to ASCO and other guidelines
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of Pancoast tumors
 Understand how to identify and manage complications of the treatment of thoracic cancers such as radiation
pneumonitis, infection, dyspnea, and neuropathy
 Understand the importance of palliation of symptoms including pain and dyspnea in patients with thoracic
malignancies.
 Understand the interventional options in patients with thoracic malignancies and pleural effusions for palliative
purposes such as pleurodesis and pleurovac devices
 Understand the importance of clinical trials in thoracic malignancies
Breast Oncology
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology of breast cancer including incidence rates and mortality rates
 Understand the pathogenesis, pathology, and tumor biology of histiopathic subtypes of breast cancer
 Understand the genetic syndromes and recommendations for genetic counseling and testing
 Understand how to assess the risk of breast cancer in a patient based on family history, lifestyle factors, hormone
replacement therapy, and use the Gail and Claus models
 Demonstrate knowledge on the prevention of breast cancer including chemoprevention and surgical interventions
 Demonstrate knowledge of screening techniques
 Demonstrate knowledge of the diagnosis of breast cancer by fine-needle aspiration, core biopsy, excision, and needle
localization biopsy
 Understand axillary dissection techniques including complete dissection vs. sentinel node dissection
 Understand staging and prognostic factors including TNM system, histologic type, estrogen and progesterone
receptors, HER-2 neu, and other biologic and molecular markers
 Demonstrate knowledge of the treatment recommendations based on stage of lobular and ductal cancer including
surgery, radiation, preoperative vs. post-operative chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, immuno-oncologic and biologic
therapy
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Demonstrate knowledge on estimating the benefits of systemic adjuvant therapy utilizing Oncotype testing and/or
Adjuvant online
Understand treatment of locally advanced and inflammatory breast cancer using multimodal therapy
Understand the treatment of locally recurrent breast cancer in the breast or chest wall with surgery or radiation
therapy. Demonstrate knowledge of therapy for metastatic breast cancer.
Demonstrate knowledge regarding follow-up of breast cancer based on ASCO and NCCN guidelines
Supportive care of breast cancer including: psychosocial issues and support groups, lymphedema, bisphosphonates
for bone metastases, menopausal symptoms, sexuality and fertility, cognitive dysfunction, surgical reconstruction
Other/Special issues including male breast cancer, breast cancer in pregnancy, in elderly women, in very young
women and recommendations for oophorectomy
Demonstrate knowledge of the pharmacology of the common chemotherapies used for the treatment of breast
cancer
Understand how to identify and manage complications of the treatment of breast cancers
Understand the importance of palliation of symptoms in patients with breast malignancies.
Understand the importance of clinical trials in breast malignancies
Hematologic Malignancies
 Demonstrate the knowledge of the WHO classifications of Hematologic malignancies
 Demonstrate an understanding of the pathophysiology of the hematologic malignancies including histologic grade,
role of infectious agents, and genetic factors
 Demonstrate an understanding of the diagnostic modalities used in differentiating hematologic malignancies such as
lymph node biopsy, bone marrow biopsy, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, and molecular diagnostics.
 Demonstrate knowledge of staging and prognostic factors for lymphoma including the Ann Arbor Staging System and
the International Prognostic Index.
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma based on grade (low, intermediate vs. high), as
well as aggressive vs. indolent nature and stage of disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of options for treatment of indolent Non-Hodgkins lymphoma including: observation,
chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant, monoclonal antibodies, and combination of
aforementioned above
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of aggressive Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma including those mentioned above
except observation
 Demonstrate knowledge of referral for stem cell transplant in relapsed or refractory lymphomas
 Demonstrate knowledge of the bcr-abl in CML, genetic and molecular abnormalities in CLL
 Demonstrate knowledge of the diagnosis of chronic leukemias based on peripheral blood smear review, PCR or FISH
for CML, and flow cytometry for CLL
 Demonstrate knowledge of the chronic, accelerated, and blast phase of CML
 Demonstrate knowledge of the staging systems in CLL
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of CML including but not limited to chemotherapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors,
interferon, treatment of blast phase, and the role of stem cell transplantation
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment options based on stage of CLL including observation, purine analogues,
alkylating agents, combination systemic therapy, monoclonal antibodies, stem cell transplant, radiation therapy,
splenectomy, steroids
 Demonstrate knowledge of hypogammoglobinemia, infection risk, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia and
thrombocytopenia in CLL
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma at all stages of disease (initial and relapsed)
distinguishing the role of radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplant.
 Demonstrate knowledge of follow up and continued treatment of the acute leukemias after discharge from the
inpatient setting, including the evidence regarding use of maintance therapy in APL and ALL
 Demonstrate knowledge of the pathophysiology, staging, prognosis, and therapeutic options for multiple myeloma.
 Demonstrate knowledge of the use of supportive therapies for bony disease including neuororadiologic interventions,
radiation therapy, radioactive biologics, medical pain management, and bisphosphonates.
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Understand supportive care related to treatment of hematologic malignancies including fertility and sexuality issues,
development of secondary malignancy due to prior chemotherapy +/- radiation exposure, and long term cardiac
complications
Understand the importance of clinical trials in hematologic malignancies
Gastrointestinal Oncology
 Demonstrate knowledge of epidemiology of GI cancers including esophageal, gastric, colorectal, gallbladder,
hepatocellular, and pancreatic cancers
 Understand the pathophysiology of GI cancers
 Understand the treatment of GI malignancy and its relationship to disease stage
 Understand how to identify and manage complications of the treatment of GI cancers such as pain, mucositis,
infection, diarrhea
 Understand the importance of palliation of symptoms in patients with GI malignancies.
 Understand the importance of clinical trials in GI malignancies
Anal Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology and incidence rates and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of the pathology and histology of anal cancer including premalignant lesions and cloacogenic
vs squamous histology
 Demonstrate knowledge of the risk factors associated with anal cancer including HPV infection, sexual activity,
condyloma, HIV infection
 Demonstrate knowledge on diagnosis of anal cancer via physical examination, biopsy, anoscopy/proctoscopy,
transrectal ultrasound, FNA of palpable inguinal nodes
 Demonstrate knowledge of the TMN Staging System and the treatment based on stage for anal cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of follow-up of anal cancer
Biliary Tree Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of the risk factors associated with biliary tree cancer including primary sclerosing cholangitis,
gallstones, choledochalcysts
 Demonstrate knowledge related to the diagnosis including clinical signs and symptoms such as obstructive jaundice,
imaging, ERCP, and endoscopic biopsy
 Demonstrate knowledge of TMN Staging and histologic grade of the cancer and treatment by stage for bilary tree
cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of supportive care including biliary drainage for biliary tree cancer
Colorectal Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of genetic syndromes, including but not limited to Familial adenomatous polyps and
Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.
 Understanding of risk factors such as family history, dietary factors, inflammatory bowel disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of screening of colorectal cancer with rectal examination, fecal occult blood test,
colonoscopy , virtual colonoscopy in both the general population and high-risk populations
 Demonstrate knowledge of the diagnosis including clinical signs and symptoms, imaging, and endoscopic biopsy
 Demonstrate knowledge of staging and prognostic factors based on TNM Staging system, histology and grade, and
genetic and molecular abnormalities
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment by stage of colorectal cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of follow-up after curative resection based on ASCO and NCCN guidelines
 Demonstrate knowledge of supportive care of treatment related toxicities such as ostomy care, radiation proctitis,
diarrhea, neuropathy
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Esophageal Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of pathology including squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, and mixed histology
 Demonstrate knowledge of risk factors including Barrett's esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease, smoking and
alcohol use, genetic and molecular abnormalities
 Demonstrate knowledge of diagnosis of esophageal cancer including as clinical signs and symptoms such as
dysphagia, early satiety, and weight loss; endoscopy and biopsy, imaging
 Demonstrate knowledge of TNM staging and treatment of local-regional disease or recurrent and metastatic disease
with a multimodality approach
 Demonstrate knowledge of supportive care including management of obstruction with endoscopic stenting
Gallbladder Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of the risk factors including inflammatory bowel disease, cholesterol type gallstones, and
chronic inflammation
 Demonstrate knowledge of clinical signs and symptoms of gallbladder cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of imaging, surgery, bile cytology in making a diagnosis
 Demonstrate knowledge of the TMN staging system for gallbladder cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment based on the stage of gallbladder cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of recurrent or metastatic disease with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
 Demonstrate knowledge of supportive care for gallbladder cancer including use of biliary drainage
Gastric Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of the genetic and molecular factors involved in the development of gastric cancer including
precursor lesions, adenomatous and gastric polyps
 Demonstrate knowledge of risk factors such as b12 deficiency/pernicious anemia, tobacco use, occupational
exposure, and H pylori infection and its association with gastric cancer
 Understand the role of screening with endoscopy for patients at risk for gastric cancer
 Understand the clinical signs and symptoms, imaging, and use of endoscopy with biopsy in diagnosing gastric cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the TMN staging of gastric cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge regarding treatment of local gastric cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge regarding treatment of unresectable and metastatic disease
Hepatocellular cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of the relationship of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and cirrhosis to the development of HCC
 Demonstrate knowledge of the genetic relationship between hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, alpha1-antitrypsin
deficiency and HCC
 Understand the environmental factors including exposure to alcohol and alphatoxin and HCC
 Understand prevention of HCC with hepatitis B vaccines, alcohol and tobacco cessation
 Demonstrate knowledge of screening of high risk patients with ultrasound and alpha-fetoprotein
 Demonstrate clinical signs and symptoms of HCC including ascites, jaundice, confusion, pain, weight loss
 Demonstrate knowledge of imaging techniques used in diagnosis and staging of HCC including ultrasound, MRI, and
four phase CT scans of the liver
 Understand the role of imaging, alpha-fetoprotein level, and biopsy in diagnosing HCC
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Understand the Barcelona and TMN staging systems of HCC and the impact of cirrhosis on the Barcelona Staging
System
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of resectable disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment options for unresectable liver- only disease
 Demostrate knowledge of the treatment of multifocal liver cancer and metastatic disease
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Understand the role of supportive care for patients with HCC including therapeutic paracentesis
Pancreatic Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer including progression from ductal epithelial
dysplasia
 Understand risk factors associated with pancreatic cancer including tobacco use, pancreatitis, BRCA2, familial
pancreatic cancer, and MEN
 Demonstrate knowledge of the clinical signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer including pain, jaundice, and weight
loss
 Understand the role of endoscopy, ERCP, biopsy, laparoscopy, imaging, imaging directed biopsy, and surgery in
diagnosing pancreatic cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of resectable disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of unresectable, locoregional diseaseDemonstrate knowledge of follow up after
curative resection
 Demonstrate knowledge of supportive care for pancreatic cancer including pain control with celiac block, biliary
stenting for obstruction, and treatment of malabsorption
Prostate cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Understand genetic factors such as family history
 Demonstrate knowledge of the benefits and data on finasteride for chemoprevention
 Understand the role of PSA screening and digital rectal exam in prostate cancer
 Understand the use of transrectal ultrasound in diagnosis of prostate cancer
 Understand the Gleason grading, TNM staging, and PSA use in prognosis
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment options and management of organ confined prostate cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of metastatic prostate cancer, including the role of bone-directed therapies
 Understand the survival benefit of therapy for metastatic prostate cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of supportive care for patients with prostate cancer including sexual dysfunction, hot
flushes, osteoporosis, proctitis, urinary incontinence
Renal Cell Cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Understand genetic factors including Von Hippel-Lindau and Li-Fraumini in relation to renal cell cancer
 Understand the diagnosis of renal cell cancer, signs and symptoms, and imaging techniques used for staging
 Understand the TNM staging system for renal cell cancer, histology, and prognostic factors
 Understand the treatment of local disease
 Understand the treatment of pulmonary metastatic disease
 Understand the treatment of metastatic disease
Bladder and other Urothelial cancers
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology, incidence rates, and mortality rates
 Understand the relation of cigarette smoking, phenacetin, schistosomiasis infection
 Understand screening with urine cytology and imaging
 Understand TNM staging, tumor grading, localized vs. invasive disease in terms of prognosis
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of superficial bladder cancer
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of early stage and locally advanced disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of recurrent disease
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment of metastatic disease
 Understand surveillance of urothelial cancers with cystoscopy, urine cytology, and imaging
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Neurologic Cancers
 Demonstrate knowledge of the epidemiology of primary and secondary neoplasms of the central and peripheral
nervous system including incidence rates and mortality rates
 Demonstrate knowledge of diagnosis and cost-effective evaluation of primary and secondary neoplasms of the
central and peripheral nervous system
 Understand the staging of primary and secondary neoplasms of the central and peripheral nervous system
 Demonstrate knowledge of treatment by stage of primary and secondary neoplasms of the central and peripheral
nervous system
 Demonstrate knowledge of risk factors for the development of and cost-effective methods of preventing primary and
secondary neoplasms of the central and peripheral nervous system
 Understand complications primary and secondary neoplasms of the central and peripheral nervous system, including
the toxicities and consequences of the treatments employed in the management of these neoplasms
 Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate supportive care of patients with primary and secondary neoplasms of the
central and peripheral nervous system
Practice- Based Learning and Improvement
Goal
Fellows must demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate their care of patients, to appraise and assimilate scientific
evidence, and to continuously improve patient care based on constant self-evaluation and lifelong learning.
Please refer to overview of the fellowship curriculum for competencies/objectives for practice based learning and improvement.
Systems Based Practice
Goal
Fellows must demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care, as well as the
ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.
Please refer to overview of the fellowship curriculum for competencies/objectives for systems based practice.
Professionalism
Goal
Fellows must demonstrate a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and an adherence to ethical principles.
Please refer to overview of the fellowship curriculum for competencies/objectives for professionalism.
Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Goal
Fellows must demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and
teaming with patients, their families, and professional associates.
Please refer to overview of the fellowship curriculum for competencies/objectives for interpersonal and communication skills.
Teaching Methods
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Clinical teaching
Role modeling
Patient care/clinical experience
Didactic sessions (division, department, institution)
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Performance feedback
Self-directed learning
Assessment of Fellow Performance
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Evaluation by the attending of the fellow
Assessment of Rotation
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End-of-rotation evaluation by the fellow of the attending
Annual program review
Discussions with fellows during biannual review
Review in-service and ABIM exam results
Level of Supervision
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Indirect supervision with direct supervision immediately available by adult-trained hematology and/or oncology
physicians
Educational Resources
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Devita, Hellman, and Rosenberg’s Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology
Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice
UpToDate
ASCO University
ASCO Practice and Guidelines
ASCO-SEP
ASH-SEP
NCCN Guidelines (www.nccn.org)
NCI Common Cancer Types and Clinical Trails by Cancer Type/Disease (www.cancer.gov)
The AJCC 7th edition TMN staging of Cancer
Common Toxicity Criteria v4.0 (aka Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events)
GAIL model
Claus model
Adjuvant! Online
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