About the Program > Curriculum

Curriculum

In order to complete our physics residency program, the physics resident must demonstrate satisfactory performance and participation in the following within the 3 year program:

1. Research year (YEAR 01)
   Demonstrate in-depth understanding of a radiation oncology physics topic by performing independent research and development in the first year of the program. Performance will be evaluated by the research mentor based on assessment of progress, ability, creativity, critical judgment and productivity.
2. Didactic Courses (YEAR 01-02)
   Complete the required six didactic courses in the first two years:
   
   1. Radiation Oncology Physics (biennial)
   2. Radiation Biology (biennial and annual summer short course)
   3. Anatomy and Physiology for non-physicians (biennial)
   4. Biostatistics (biennial)
   5. Introduction to Oncology and Pathology (annual)
   6. Medical Imaging Modalities for Radiation Oncology Physicists (biennial)

   The performance of the residents will be evaluated by the primary faculty member in charge of the course.

   In addition, we require residents to attend the departmental Clinical Oncology seminars given by our clinical faculty. We also have an introductory clinical physics course and a clinical orientation, which are designed to help residents who are not familiar with clinical radiation oncology physics to make a smooth transition into medical physics and the clinic. However, these courses are not counted toward the program requirements, but are available for those who need them.

3. Clinical Rotation (YEAR 02-03)
   Complete and demonstrate competency in the seven clinical rotations to the extent that the resident can carry out clinical physics tasks independently during the last two years of training.
   1. Module 1 --- Treatment machines and simulators
   2. Module 2 --- Treatment planning
   3. Module 3 --- Brachytherapy and Radiation Safety
   4. Module 4 --- Radiation Dosimetry
   5. Module 5 --- Special treatment procedures
   6. Module 6 --- Outreach Clinic operation
   7. Module 7 --- Education and professional experience

   For each rotation, a mentor (a senior faculty member) will oversee and evaluate the performance of the resident who must demonstrate competency in all the assigned tasks in the clinics.

4. Conferences, Rounds, and seminars (YEAR 01-03)
   In addition to the above research, didactic course and clinical rotation requirements, the residents are expected to attend and participate in rounds, selected departmental conferences, seminars, lectures, journal clubs and meetings that are relevant to their training. Attendance of at least 80% of these activities is expected.