Jay Burmeister1, Zhe Chen2, Indrin J Chetty3, Sonja Dieterich4, Anthony Doemer3, Michael M Dominello5, Rebecca M Howell6, Patrick McDermott7, Adrian Nalichowski8, Joann Prisciandaro9, Tim Ritter10, Chadd Smith3, Eric Schreiber11, Timothy Shafman12, Steven Sutlief13, Ying Xiao14. 1. Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. Electronic address: burmeist@karmanos.org. 2. Department of Therapeutic Radiology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut. 3. Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan. 4. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California - Davis, Sacramento, California. 5. Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Center/Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. 6. Department of Radiation Physics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. 7. Department of Radiation Oncology, Beaumont Health, Royal Oak, Michigan. 8. Karmanos Cancer Center, Detroit, Michigan. 9. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 10. VA Ann Arbor Healthcare and the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan. 11. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 12. 21st Century Oncology, Fort Myers, Florida. 13. Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California - San Diego, La Jolla, California. 14. Department of Radiation Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Physics Core Curriculum Subcommittee (PCCSC) has updated the recommended physics curriculum for radiation oncology resident education to improve consistency in teaching, intensity, and subject matter. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The ASTRO PCCSC is composed of physicists and physicians involved in radiation oncology residency education. The PCCSC updated existing sections within the curriculum, created new sections, and attempted to provide additional clinical context to the curricular material through creation of practical clinical experiences. Finally, we reviewed the American Board of Radiology (ABR) blueprint of examination topics for correlation with this curriculum. RESULTS: The new curriculum represents 56 hours of resident physics didactic education, including a 4-hour initial orientation. The committee recommends completion of this curriculum at least twice to assure both timely presentation of material and re-emphasis after clinical experience. In addition, practical clinical physics and treatment planning modules were created as a supplement to the didactic training. Major changes to the curriculum include addition of Fundamental Physics, Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, and Safety and Incidents sections, and elimination of the Radiopharmaceutical Physics and Dosimetry and Hyperthermia sections. Simulation and Treatment Verification and optional Research and Development in Radiation Oncology sections were also added. A feedback loop was established with the ABR to help assure that the physics component of the ABR radiation oncology initial certification examination remains consistent with this curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The ASTRO physics core curriculum for radiation oncology residents has been updated in an effort to identify the most important physics topics for preparing residents for careers in radiation oncology, to reflect changes in technology and practice since the publication of previous recommended curricula, and to provide practical training modules in clinical radiation oncology physics and treatment planning. The PCCSC is committed to keeping the curriculum current and consistent with the ABR examination blueprint.
PURPOSE: The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Physics Core Curriculum Subcommittee (PCCSC) has updated the recommended physics curriculum for radiation oncology resident education to improve consistency in teaching, intensity, and subject matter. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The ASTRO PCCSC is composed of physicists and physicians involved in radiation oncology residency education. The PCCSC updated existing sections within the curriculum, created new sections, and attempted to provide additional clinical context to the curricular material through creation of practical clinical experiences. Finally, we reviewed the American Board of Radiology (ABR) blueprint of examination topics for correlation with this curriculum. RESULTS: The new curriculum represents 56 hours of resident physics didactic education, including a 4-hour initial orientation. The committee recommends completion of this curriculum at least twice to assure both timely presentation of material and re-emphasis after clinical experience. In addition, practical clinical physics and treatment planning modules were created as a supplement to the didactic training. Major changes to the curriculum include addition of Fundamental Physics, Stereotactic Radiosurgery/Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, and Safety and Incidents sections, and elimination of the Radiopharmaceutical Physics and Dosimetry and Hyperthermia sections. Simulation and Treatment Verification and optional Research and Development in Radiation Oncology sections were also added. A feedback loop was established with the ABR to help assure that the physics component of the ABR radiation oncology initial certification examination remains consistent with this curriculum. CONCLUSIONS: The ASTRO physics core curriculum for radiation oncology residents has been updated in an effort to identify the most important physics topics for preparing residents for careers in radiation oncology, to reflect changes in technology and practice since the publication of previous recommended curricula, and to provide practical training modules in clinical radiation oncology physics and treatment planning. The PCCSC is committed to keeping the curriculum current and consistent with the ABR examination blueprint.
Authors: Jay W Burmeister; Monica W Tracey; Sara E Kacin; Michael M Dominello; Michael C Joiner Journal: Radiat Res Date: 2018-04-25 Impact factor: 2.841