Educating Our Colleagues: Radiation Basics for Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents

Abstract

Exposure to Radiation Oncology is minimal among medical students, except for those who intend to pursue a career in Radiation Oncology. Consequently, fundamental knowledge of radiation treatment in gynecologic malignancies may vary among Obstetrics and Gynecology residents depending upon their experiences and level of training. To develop a curriculum to educate Obstetrics and Gynecology residents about basic concepts in Radiation Oncology to improve coordination and management of patients with gynecologic malignancies. Radiation oncology residents met with Obstetrics and Gynecology residents to identify gaps in their knowledge related to radiation oncology topics of interest. A lecture was developed to cover these topics with the help of Radiation Oncology and Gynecologic Oncology attending physicians. The target audience of the lecture were the members of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, including residents, attending physicians, nurse practitioners, and patient care coordinators. The session was divided into an orientation lecture, followed by hands-on training. The orientation lecture covered the following topics: • Common gynecologic malignancies and standard of care treatments • Indications for radiation treatments including emergent radiation treatment • Description of different radiation modalities including external beam radiation and brachytherapy and how they are used • EBRT: CT simulation, radiation planning software, and treatment machines • Brachytherapy: Basic physics background, placement of Smit sleeve for cervical cancer brachytherapy, CT simulation, and treatment planning and delivery • Expected treatment side effects • Radiation safety and protection • Radiation and pregnancy A demonstration/ hands-on-training session was conducted with patient mannequins to familiarize attendees with treatment planning, brachytherapy equipment, and placement of devices. Attendees also toured the department to learn more about the following: • Tandem and ovoids, tandem and ring, cylinders, and interstitial needles/catheters • Treatment planning software • Treatment machines – LINAC, brachytherapy after-loaders. This training session resulted in a better understanding of the rationale and logistics of radiation treatments and improved coordination of patient care for gynecologic oncologic patients. Future research opportunities and avenues for collaboration were identified as well. A Radiation Oncology education program targeted at Obstetrics and Gynecology residents led to greater knowledge about radiation treatments and enhanced patient care and coordination.