About the Course
The DNB Training Program in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre was started in 2017. The Training Program is a three -year program offered to any medical graduate with MBBS qualification, who has qualified the Entrance Examination conducted by the NBE and fulfils the eligibility criteria for admission to this DNB Broad Specialty course.
The duration of the training program is spent in Radiation Oncology department, evaluating both new patients and follow-up patients. Our average annual number of new patients is over 2000/year and includes a broad mix of patients with all types of neoplasms. The patient population includes a significant paediatric patient population. The department is equipped with 3 Varian LINACs, Eclipse Treatment planning systems and a HDR brachytherapy unit.
Our residents participate in the initial evaluation, staging, treatment planning, simulation, and therapy of their patients. They receive comprehensive training in megavoltage external beam therapy (3DCRT, IMRT, IGRT, VMAT), electron therapy, HDR brachytherapy and frameless stereotactic radiotherapy. There is a strong emphasis on Brachytherapy procedures as warranted. Our residents are expected to present at least 4-5 seminars weekly on various aspects of cancer management. In addition, at the end of the first, second and third year of training, they are required to take the Formative Assessment Test conducted by National Board of Examinations.
Our interaction with other clinical departments is substantial. We participate in many combined joint clinics and tumour boards. Didactic lectures in radiation physics and radiation biology are routinely held. Ancillary rotations include stints in medical oncology, surgical oncology, paediatric oncology, Gynec. oncology, nuclear medicine, pain & palliative care, pathology & radiology as part of the residency program. In addition, postings to other centres for training in 2D planning is part of the program in our hospital. The training programme is conducted as per the curriculum recommended by NBE.
https://nbe.edu.in/mainpdf/curriculum/RADIOTHERAPY.pdf
Course Objectives
1. Learn to evaluate patients for the full range of oncology care necessary, including gathering the appropriate information, performing a directed physical exam, reviewing diagnostic test results, and presenting the case to the faculty radiation oncologist
2. Learn the utilization & indications of radiation in radical, adjuvant and palliative settings.
3. Learn the principles of treatment planning and the technical aspects of simulation
4. Understand the acute effects of treatment and their management
5. Participate in follow-up clinics to understand the late effects of treatment and management of complications and recurrences
6. Throughout the course of their training, residents will gain experience with simulation scanning, on-treatment patient management, and the clinical and technical aspects of brachytherapy.
7. The academic programme includes seminars on treatment planning drills and lectures covering all aspects of the radiation oncology, biology & physics.
8. Internal written or planning exams are held quarterly so that residents can self-assess and be assessed to prepare for the final exams.
9. Each resident is expected to complete one research project during the program and submit to NBE.
More Information
By the end of training, residents will be well versed in all aspects of radiation oncology decision making and planning, including seeing patients in clinic (new patient consults, follow-ups, reviews), contouring and plan evaluation, monitoring of patients, assessment of response, dealing with toxicities, and ongoing surveillance, as well as interacting with the radiation therapy team and the multidisciplinary team in providing care for the patients.
Course Faculty
Dr. Giri G V
Dr. Karthik S Rishi
Dr. Prakash B Ramachandra
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Reddy
Dr. Hamsini R S