All of the staff physicists of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre are involved in the program

POLICY

1. 
   The Radiation Oncology Physics Residency Program is largely a program within the Department of Medical Physics.
   

2. 
   The Radiation Oncology Physics Residency Program incorporates a Post Ph.D. Diploma Program of the University of Calgary for suitably qualified applicants.
   

3. 
   For residents with insufficient background in the theory of Medical Physics, appropriate graduate courses in Radiation Oncology Physics (University of Calgary) are not only open to them, but required to be taken. See the policy on Course Work (on page 34).
   

4. 
   A relationship exists with the Radiation Oncology Residency Program. This program received accreditation from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2003.
   

5. 
   Currently, the Radiation Oncology Physics Residents and Radiation Oncology Residents participate jointly in weekly site oriented treatment planning sessions. More details of these are provided in Appendix I: Clinical Treatment Planning Course.
   

6. 
   Imaging Physicists in the Foothills Medical Centre and Seaman Family Magnetic Imaging Resonance facility contribute to the training of Resident Oncology Physics Residents.
   

7. 
   Relationships to other groups within the Tom Baker/University of Calgary system is on an ad hoc basis. As opportunities for new relevant educational experiences arise, these are evaluated and accessed as appropriate.
   

POLICY

PROCEDURE

1. 
   Resources for this program are provided by the Alberta Health Service (AHS) through the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The TBCC has had long standing commitments to education.
   

2. 
   The University of Calgary provides an academic home for the Program through its Post Ph.D. Diploma in Radiation Oncology Physics, at the department of Physics and Astronomy.
   

Entering residents educated to the Ph.D. level will register for the University of Calgary’s Post Ph.D. Diploma in Radiation Oncology Physics. All residents, whether or not in the Post Ph.D. program, will take all MDPH 700 level courses plus the 4 practica. Non Post Ph.D. Diploma residents will audit the MDPH courses and be evaluated by the same process as Diploma residents. Non Post Ph.D. Diploma residents are not eligible to take the Haskayne business courses.

Orientation

MDPH 711*: Clinical Competency 1

MDPH 741*: Treatment Planning

MDPH 721*: Clinical Projects 1

Oncology Combined Curriculum (selected topics)

Practicum: Basic and intermediate treatment planning

Practicum: Quality control in diagnostic radiology

Practicum: Clinical project

Equipment quality control and other clinical duties as assigned

Clinical orientation

Instructional Skills Workshop

MDPH 712*: Clinical Competency 2

MDPH 731*: Seminars in Radiation Oncology Physics

MDPH 722*: Clinical Projects 2

Radiation Oncology Residents Treatment Planning Course
May – August:

Practicum: Advanced treatment planning

Practicum: Quality control in nuclear medicine


September – August:

Equipment Quality Control and other clinical duties as assigned.

Teaching on graduate courses MDPH 623 and 625

Haskayne Business Courses*

Peter Dunscombe December 2010

This course extends over the first year of the diploma program and consists of rotations through areas of clinical physics under the supervision of adjunct faculty. Objectives are established at the commencement of the clinical rotations comprising this course. Student performance is evaluated by the course mentors and by oral examinations.

This course extends over the second year of the diploma program and consists of rotations through more complex areas of clinical physics under the supervision of adjunct faculty. Objectives are established at the commencement of the clinical rotations comprising this course. Student performance is evaluated by the course mentors and by oral examinations.

(Prerequisite: MDPH 711)
MDPH 721 - Clinical Projects 1

Two to three clinical projects are completed during this course extending over the first year of the program. Projects, which generally have immediate clinical relevance, have clearly defined objectives established by mutual agreement between the student, project supervisor and program director. The projects culminate in written reports and oral presentations. Student performance is evaluated against the objectives established at the commencement of each project.

Two to three clinical projects are completed during this course extending over the second of the program. Projects, which generally have immediate clinical relevance, have clearly defined objectives established by mutual agreement between the student, project supervisor and program director. The projects culminate in written reports and oral presentations. Student performance is evaluated against the objectives established at the commencement of each project.

(Prerequisite: MDPH 721)
MDPH 731 - Radiation Oncology Physics Tutorials

This course requires the student to prepare written answers to 120 pre-set questions published by the Canadian College of Physicists in Medicine as part of the certification process in Radiation Oncology Physics. The course is conducted in a tutorial setting and the students are evaluated on the basis of their answers to a subset of the questions.

This course has three components and will be spread over the two years of the program to ensure that the student’s increasing knowledge can be consolidated into a thorough understanding of radiation oncology physics. The first component is the observation of simulation and localization under the supervision of a radiation oncologist. The second component is an in-depth study of the physics behind the treatment planning of the main tumour sites. This component utilizes a web based tool and is led by adjunct faculty. The final component involves following ten patients through the entire radiation therapy process from immobilization through localization, treatment planning, treatment delivery to verification. The students’ progress is evaluated throughout the course with regular feedback to the student.

The major concepts and theories of negotiation; the dynamics of interpersonal and inter-group conflict; analysis of negotiation strategies and individuals styles. Application to a broad range of business negotiations. Use of simulations and written assignments.

Examines how decisions are made in organizations and how these decisions can be made more effectively, particularly at the top management and Board levels.   Decision making in current business contexts are explored by way of simulations, case analyses, discussions, debates and written assignments.

This course explores the dynamics of managing in public sector institutions.  Intent is to foster an understanding of the issues and complexities of strategic management in public sector institutions and to develop a better appreciation of the differences between managing in the private and public sectors.  Building within the larger framework of a considerable general public sector management literature, focus will be on the realities that senior managers face in advancing their organizations in meeting the challenges of often difficult internal and external environments.

Department of Medical Physics

Phone: 521-3088

Rao.Khan@albertahealthservices.ca

COURSE OUTLINE
Class Times

As required to meet clinical requirements.

Introductory radiation safety, linac and simulator design and operation, dosimetry equipment calibration. Introduction to brachytherapy, QA on external beam and brachytherapy equipment, IMRT delivery QA.

Students are expected to be thoroughly familiar with all background material. The classes take the form of practical instruction and supervision by a staff physicist with increasing independence for the student as the course progresses. Additional clinical components may be introduced and will be credited to the class schedule.

MDPH 711 extends over an 8 month period during the Fall and Winter terms of the first year.

Alana Hudson, Eduardo Villarreal, Derek Brown, Rao Khan, Mauro Tambasco.

• 
  Satisfactory completion of each course component will be indicated by the signatures of the Instructor and Course Leader on this form.
  
• 
  The course Leader, in consultation with the other Instructors, will evaluate the student’s performance in practical clinical applications and assign a letter grade.
  
• 
  Four oral examinations to test the students in depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics covered will take place at approximately equally spaced intervals throughout the course. The Course Leader will schedule the oral examinations and will invite Instructors and other faculty as appropriate.
  
• 
  The oral examinations will be graded and the student’s performance discussed with the student following the examination.
  
• 
  At the conclusion of the course, the Course Leader in consultation with the other instructors will assign an overall grade based on clinical performance and performance in the oral examinations. The student may choose three of the four oral exams for inclusion in the final grade.
  
• 
  The student is also expected to provide to the Program Director his/her evaluation of the course and the Instructors.
  

Acceptance into the University of Calgary Post Ph.D. Diploma Program in Radiation Oncology Physics, approval of the Department.

1. 
   Academic Plan; Appendix A
   
2. 
   Course Evaluation by Student, Appendix B
   
3. 
   Clinical Performance Evaluation, Appendix C
   
4. 
   Attendance record at rounds, seminars, etc, Appendix D
   

F.M. Khan, “The Physics of Radiation Therapy”. 2009, 4^th edition.

Oral exam 1. Quality assurance of External beam therapy equipment (Rao Khan & Alana Hudson).

C.J. Karzmark, and Robert J. Morton, Aprimer on Therory and Operation of Linear Accelerators in Radiation Therapy.

CAPCA Linac Standards

CAPCA ⁶⁰Co Standards

TG 40 (sections concerning external beam), Co-60)

TG 142

Code of practice for Linacs AAPM TG45 report

Van Dyk, J. (ed) The Modern Technology of Radiation Oncology: A Compendium for Medical Physicists and Radiation Oncologists. Medical Physics Publishing, Madison, WI, 1999 “Simulators” Chapter 4 page 95

TG66 CT Sim QC report

Portal imager QA AAPM TG58 report

CAPCA Conventional Simulators

CAPCA CT Simulator

TG40 (simulators)

CAPCA EPID

Sections of ICRP 103, and CNSC regulations
Oral Exam 3 Dosimeters, MLC and Dynamic Wedges (Rao Khan & Eduardo Villareal Barajas)

Van Dyk, J. (Ed) The Modern Technology of Radiation Oncology: A Compendium for Medical Physicists and Radiation Oncologists. Medical Physics Publishing, Madison, WI, 1999; “Beam shaping and Intensity Modulation”, Chapter 12, pg 437-479

James Galvin, The Multileaf Collimator – a complete guide;

http://www.aapm.org/meetings/99AM/pdf/2787-9625.pdf

Ezzell, GA, et al 2003, “Guidance document on delivery, treatment planning and clinical implementation of IMRT, MP 30(8), pp 2089-2097 (Only MLC sections)

CAPCA MLC

TG 142 QA of medical linacs, Table V, and relevant sections on MLC

TG50 Boyer, et al, Basic Applications of Multileaf Collimators, AAPM report no. 72

TG55 Radiochromic film dosimetry

TG62 diode in vivo dosimetry
Oral Exam 4. Brachytherapy (Rao Khan & Derek Brown)

ICRU 38

TG64 Permanent prostate seed implant brachytherapy

TG41 Remote afterlaoding technology

CAPCA Brachytherapy Remote afterloaders

CAPCA LDR Prostate Brachytherapy

TG43 Dosimetry of interstitial brachytherapy and its revisions

TG137 Permanent interstitial brachytherapy for prostate cancer, MP 36 (11), 2009.

Peter Dunscombe December 2010




Course Code: MDPH 712

Course Name: Clinical Competency 2

Tom Baker Cancer Centre

Department of Medical Physics

403-521 3598

As required to meet clinical requirements.

Radiation safety design and operation of Linacs, Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Orthovoltage units; Commissioning of Treatment Planning Systems for external beam RT; Dosimetry, QA and equipment calibration for external beam (IMRT included).

Students are expected to be thoroughly familiar with all background material. The classes take the form of practical instruction and supervision by a staff physicist with increasing independence for the student as the course progresses. Additional clinical components may be introduced and will be credited to the class schedule.

MDPH 712 extends over an 8 month period during the fall and winter terms of the second year. There will be 4 oral exams scheduled every two months, every exam will evaluate the sections previously covered as listed in the course schedule.

As assigned

• 
  Satisfactory completion of each course component will be indicated by the signatures of the Instructor and Course Leader on this form.
  
• 
  The course Leader, in consultation with the other Instructors, will evaluate the student’s performance in practical clinical applications and assign a letter grade.
  
• 
  Four oral examinations to test the students in depth theoretical and practical knowledge of the topics covered will take place at approximately equally spaced intervals throughout the course (approx. every 10 weeks). The Course Leader will schedule the oral examinations and will invite Instructors and other faculty as appropriate.
  
• 
  The oral examinations will be graded and the student’s performance discussed with the student following the examination.
  
• 
  At the conclusion of the course, the Course Leader in consultation with the other instructors will assign an overall grade based on clinical performance and performance in the oral examinations. The student may choose three of the four oral exams for inclusion in the final grade.
  
• 
  The student is also expected to provide to the Program Director his/her evaluation of the course and the Instructors.
  

Acceptance into the University of Calgary Post Ph.D. Diploma Program in Radiation Oncology Physics, approval of the Department

2. Course Evaluation by Student, Appendix B

3. Clinical Performance Evaluation, Appendix C

4. Attendance record at rounds, seminars, etc. Appendix D.

H.E. Johns and J.R. Cunningham, “The Physics of Radiology”, 1983, 4^th edition.

Raphex Examination Booklets

The Modern Technology of Radiation Oncology / Editor Jacob Van Dyk (Volumes 1 and 2)

NCRP 116

Johns on shielding

Patton H. McGinley Shielding Techniques

TG27 Neutron Measurements Around High Energy X-Ray Radiotherapy Machines

TG 61 AAPM protocol for 40–300 kV x-ray beam dosimetry in radiotherapy and radiobiology. 
Medical Physics, Vol. 28, Issue 6

CAPCA Orthovoltage unit

TG29 The Physical Aspects of Total and a Half Body Photon Irradiation

TG45 AAPM Code of Practice for Radiotherapy Accelerators (Reprinted from Medical Physics, Vol. 21, Issue 7)

TG62 Diode in Vivo Dosimetry for Patients Receiving External Beam Radiation Therapy

TG106 Accelerator beam data commissioning equipment and procedures: Report of the TG-106 of the Therapy Physics Committee of the AAPM. 
Medical Physics, Vol 35, Issue 9

TG142 Task Group 142 report: Quality assurance of medical accelerators

TG39 The Calibration and Use of Plane-Parallel Ionization Chambers for Dosimetry of Electron Beams (Reprinted from Medical Physics, Vol. 21, Issue 8)

TG42 Stereotactic Radiosurgery

TG50 Basic Applications of Multileaf Collimators

TG51 Protocol for Clinical Dosimetry of High-Energy Photon and Electron Beams (Reprinted from Medical Physics, Vol. 26, Issue 9)

TG55 Radiochromic Film Dosimetry (Reprinted from Medical Physics, Vol. 25, Issue 11)

TG75 The management of imaging dose during image-guided radiotherapy: Report of the AAPM Task Group 75
Medical Physics, Vol 34, Iss 10
TG76 The Management of Respiratory Motion in Radiation Oncology
-- Full Report


Oral Exam 4
TG25 and supplement (Med Phys. 36, issue 7, 2009) Clinical Electron-Beam Dosimetry, Reprinted from Medical Physics (Vol. 18, Issue 1)
TG30 Total Skin Electron Therapy: Technique and Dosimetry

TG65 Tissue Inhomogeniety Corrections for Megavoltage Photon Beams

Pinnacle and Eclipse TPS documentation

J. Eduardo Villarreal-Barajas September 2009

Course Code: MDPH 721

Course Name: Clinical Projects 1

Tom Baker Cancer Centre

Department of Medical Physics

As required to meet clinical requirements.

Two to three clinical implementations, development or research projects are undertaken over a period of one year.

Projects are selected with the mutual agreement of the Department and student. The projects will benefit both the Department by meeting some current or future clinical need and the student through the clinical experience gained. A staff member will be identified as project supervisor and between the supervisor and student, objectives and timelines will be established. At the conclusion of each project the student will submit a written report to the Supervisor in the format of a respected journal such as Physics in Medicine and Biology.

MDPH 721 extends over a 12 month period for students who are full time in the residency program. The length of the course may be extended for students in the program part time due to externally funded research activities or defined clinical duties supported from the TBCC operating budget.

As assigned

• 
  Satisfactory completion of each project will be indicated by the signatures of the Supervisor and Course Leader on this form.
  
• 
  The Course Leader, in consultation with the Supervisor, will evaluate the student’s performance and assign a letter grade.
  
• 
  The student will formally present the results of each project to the Medical Physics staff.
  
• 
  At the conclusion of the course, the Course Leader in consultation with the project Supervisors will assign an overall grade based on written material submitted and performance during the oral presentations.
  
• 
  The student is also expected to provide to the Program Director his/her evaluation of the course and the Supervisors.
  

Acceptance into the University of Calgary Post Ph.D. Diploma Program in Radiation Oncology Physics, approval of the Department

1 Course Evaluation, Appendix C

2 Project Plans, Appendix E

3 Project Evaluation, Appendix F

Department of Medical Physics

As required to meet clinical requirements.

Two to three clinical implementations, development or research projects are undertaken over a period of one year.

Projects are selected with the mutual agreement of the Department and student. The projects will benefit both the Department by meeting some current or future clinical need and the student through the clinical experience gained. A staff member will be identified as project supervisor and between the supervisor and student, objectives and timelines will be established. At the conclusion of each project the student will submit a written report to the Supervisor in the format of a respected journal such as Physics in Medicine and Biology.

MDPH 721 extends over a 12 month period for students who are full time in the residency program. The length of the course may be extended for students in the program part time due to externally funded research activities or defined clinical duties supported from the TBCC operating budget.

As assigned

• 
  Satisfactory completion of each project will be indicated by the signatures of the Supervisor and Course Leader on this form.
  
• 
  The Course Leader, in consultation with the Supervisor, will evaluate the student’s performance and assign a letter grade.
  
• 
  The student will formally present the results of each project to the Medical Physics staff
  
• 
  At the conclusion of the course, the Course Leader in consultation with the project Supervisors will assign an overall grade based on written material submitted and performance during the oral presentations.
  
• 
  The student is also expected to provide to the Program Director his/her evaluation of the course and the Supervisors.
  

Acceptance into the University of Calgary Post PhD. Diploma Program in Radiation Oncology Physics and approval of the Department.

2. Project Plan, Appendix E

3. Project Evaluation, Appendix F
References:
As recommended by the project Supervisors.
Peter Dunscombe August 2007

Post Ph.D. Program in Radiation Oncology Physics

Courses 721/722

Project Title: Independent dose verification for prostate Brachytherapy

Reference: 01/10