This four-week clinical elective offers the student instruction and experience in clinical radiation oncology and an introduction to radiobiology and radiation physics in the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope National Medical Center. The student will spend time with faculty members in consultation, examination, treatment planning, treatment procedures and delivery, management, and follow-up of the particular subgroups of malignant disease managed by the individual physician. The student will also have opportunities to interact with resident physicians and clinic staff (e.g., advanced practice providers, nurses, therapists, etc.).

The student will attend departmental conferences, treatment planning discussions, tumor boards, and educational sessions. The elective allows each student to obtain an overall view of the field of radiation oncology and broad exposure to the Department of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope.

Objectives/Goals

Learn the fundamental approaches to the workup and staging of the oncology patient.
Become familiar with different therapeutic options for malignant disease.
Develop a basic conceptual approach to managing oncology patients in a multi-disciplinary setting.
Build an appreciation for radiotherapy's role in managing malignant and benign disease, including various radiotherapy techniques.
Cultivate an understanding of the common radiation-related side effects and their management.

Clinic Assignments

Typically, a primary attending faculty physician will be assigned for the week; however, students will spend one day weekly with a different physician, given that the primary attending physician often has at least one administrative/research day.
When a particular physician has a light-to-empty clinic, we may assign a secondary physician for that day to ensure a robust clinical experience.

Research Assignments

While this rotation's priority is clinical, there may be possible opportunities for involvement in radiation oncology research with faculty that can be discussed.

Expectations of the Medical Student

Clinical hours are generally 8 a.m.-5 p.m., though occasionally, the schedule for a teaching session, procedure, or tumor board may be between 7-8 a.m. and 5-6 p.m.
Students are expected to review patient charts for patients they plan to see before the clinic encounter.
Discuss expectations with the individual attending faculty physician and resident (if a resident is assigned to an attending).
1. Medical students will not be expected to document patient notes or place orders.
2. Medical students will not have their own log-in to Aria/Eclipse for treatment planning/contouring but may contour under the supervision of a resident/attending.
Students will be expected to do a 30-minute presentation in the form of a journal club or topic review at the end of a rotation.

Feedback/Evaluation

The teaching faculty will provide constant feedback to the student. One of the faculty members in charge will conduct a final rotation evaluation of their overall performance.

How to Apply

Interested medical students should apply through the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO). For any questions regarding the medical student rotation, please feel free to contact the medical student clerkship director, Dr. Arya Amini ([email protected]), or our medical student clerkship coordinator, Ms. Thalia Yaden ([email protected]).

City of Hope Department of Radiation Oncology Diversity & Inclusion Opportunity for Underrepresented Medical Students (DICOMS)

The elective is open to minority applicants who belong to diverse groups that have been traditionally disadvantaged, underrepresented, or inadequately supported in medical training. We seek applications from minorities historically underrepresented in Radiation Oncology, including African American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Hispanic American, and Pacific Islander. We also seek applications from sexual and gender minorities, such as those who identify as LGBTQI+. Finally, we seek applications from students whose pathway to medical training includes substantial personal or financial adversity.

City of Hope will award a Scholarship Award for elective rotation for a maximum of four weeks to two selected 4th-year medical students who identify as an underrepresented minority in medicine and are in good academic standing at one of the U.S. schools of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and students at accredited schools of osteopathic medicine. The stipend of $2000 helps offset the cost of travel, housing fees, VSLO fees, and other living expenses for the applicant. Students will be responsible for making their housing and travel arrangements.

Eligibility Requirements

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
Must be pursuing a medical degree at an LCME- or AOA-accredited medical school.
Must be in their final year of medical school.
Must be in good standing at their medical school.
Must provide a CV
Must provide a letter (one page in length) explaining:
- Why you want to come to City of Hope
- Why you are interested in radiation oncology
- Describe your qualifications as underrepresented in medicine or from a diverse background.

The Radiation Oncology Program Committee will review all applications submitted. The program administrator will notify selected recipients of the two stipends. City of Hope Department of Radiation Oncology will award the scholarship during the last week of the student rotation. Please contact Dr. Arya Amini ([email protected]) or Ms. Thalia Yaden ([email protected]) for questions.