Curriculum

There are two main components to the training: clinical rotations and seminar. An optional research component is offered.

I. Clinical Rotation

The 24-month clinical training is divided into rotations and covers the following topics.

  1. Monthly and Daily QA of linac, simulator and CT/CT-sim, IMRT plan QA
  2. Annual quality assurance of linac, simulator and CT simulator
  3. Linac acceptance and commissioning
  4. Radiation output calibration of linac
  5. Commissioning of treatment planning system
  6. Treatment planning: manual, computer aided 2D and 3DCRT, IMRT
  7. Chart checking
  8. Design and fabrication of treatment aids
  9. SRS, SRT and SBRT
  10. IGRT
  11. Brachytherapy LDR and GYN LDR
  12. Brachytherapy HDR, QA, source calibration and procedure
  13. Brachytherapy prostate seed implant
  14. Brachytherapy eye plaque
  15. Other special procedures: TSI/TBI, commissioning and procedure, in-vivo dosimetry, application of TLD and other dosimeters.
  16. Radiation Safety
  17. Imaging

Each rotation covers several training topics with multiple learning objectives. Each training topic is individually evaluated and summarized at the end of rotation.
 

II. Seminars

Regular attendance is required for the departmental weekly chart rounds, grand rounds, Morning Conference and other medical physics related speeches as arranged by the Residency Program. The residents will be giving talks on selected topics periodically.
 

III. Research

24-month residency: To prepare the resident to implement the ever-emerging new technology in medical physics and to be a leader in developing new technology, the program trains the resident in conducting research as an optional art of the residency.

If the resident chooses this option, the Program will help them work with research projects that they can finish within the time frame of the residency. The minimum goal for the research training is to submit and present one abstract at a conference at a professional society. No blocked time in the residency will be set aside for this effort. The resident would have to be self-motivated to take on such an option, and find "spare time" among their regular training schedule to work on this research option.

Another option to conduct research is to extend the residency beyond the 24-month with extra time and extra research funding.