At the end of the first year, residents are expected to know enough about patient simulation, treatment planning and related calculations, and patient setup on the treatment machines, to enable them to function as part of the clinical team. Specifically, they will know what decisions have to be made prior to and during simulation, and what information they need to convey to the physics group so that therapy can be planned. They will discuss alternative plans with the physicist and attending, and will be capable of checking initial setups. Lecture material to be mastered includes basics of radiological physics, treatment planning, and radiation safety, with the emphasis on general concepts rather than detail. During the second year, the resident will hone those writing skills developed during the first year.
Emphasis is placed on communicating in a succinct, yet complete fashion.
The presentation will include reference to appropriate literature to support the planned management of the case. The resident must be able to cite at least two classic articles on the subject being presented. Communication skills will be refined. Cognitive Skills Treatment planning related tasks Emphasis on expanding the range of treatment plans for a particular problem, from those which are basic and commonly used, to the more esoteric. Dynamic therapy, tissue compensators, mixed beam and other advanced techniques are perfected.