Program objectives focus on AGH's three primary areas of excellence:
Patient Care
Education
Research
Organize clinical research opportunities for the resident through participation in approved clinical trials, development of phase I/II clinical trials and/or review and presentation/publication of retrospective analyses of patient data.
A basic science experience is necessary to ensure continued development of new technologies for the advancement of patient care. A multidisciplinary approach with the staff, AHNCI, Cancer Biologist, Department of Pathology, and director of Cancer Cell Biology and Genetics emphasize translation of basic science work to the clinical care of patients. Exciting opportunities include instruction in oncogene expression, as well as tumor evolution. The residency program is affiliated with the Allegheny-Singer Research Institute.
The National Surgical Adjuvant Bowel and Breast Project, one of the largest cancer study groups in the United States, is headquartered at AGH and collaborates with us and provides unique opportunities for instruction and participation in national multicenter cooperative trials.
Residents must be primarily involved in the care of 150-250 patients per year, a minimum of 450 patients in 4 years. Clinical experiences are scheduled in interdepartmental clinics, pediatric radiation oncology, and radiation physics.
Pediatric Radiation Oncology
The Department of Radiation Oncology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offers an excellent one-month rotation in pediatric radiation oncology for Allegheny General Hospital radiation oncology residents at the PGY 4
level. The program introduces residents to the major pediatric cancers
reviewing in both clinical and didactic sessions the clinical aspects of
childhood cancer. Residents have the unique experience of getting to work with proton therapy during their rotation which has important implications in avoiding critical normal structures while delivering radiotherapy in the pediatric population.
Techniques specific to treating all common pediatric neoplasms are reviewed during the rotation with residents actively participating both in patient evaluation and treatment planning under the close supervision of the radiation oncology faculty. Residents also have the opportunity to monitor patients under treatment, participate in both short- and long-term follow-up, participate in national pediatric oncologic protocols and attend weekly tumor boards related to leukemia, solid tumors and brain tumors. This experience is an unparalleled unique opportunity which has become a favorite of the residents.
Clinical areas of focus include childhood leukemia, tumors of the central nervous
system, pediatric sarcoma (Ewing's sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and other less common types of soft tissue and bone sarcomas) neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, Hodgkin disease, malignant lymphoma and other less common childhood cancers.
Allegheny General Hospital assumes full financial responsibility for travel and lodging expenses.
An additional 1 month rotation in Pediatric Radiation Oncology is performed at Childrens Hospital Pittsburgh of UPMC during the PGY5 year.
Radiation Physics
Residents also spend a one-month clinical rotation in medical physics/dosimetry
to gain hands-on experience with the practical aspects of treatment planning, computerized dosimetry, and machine calibration and operation. During the
course of the training program, residents also are encouraged and given
opportunities to participate in basic laboratory or clinical physics research.
The Radiation Oncology rotations consist of:
