The Radiation Oncology Residency Program

David S. Parda, M.D., Department Chairman

The merging of sophisticated technology with compassionate patient care in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment is the focus of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Allegheny General Hospital. A significant commitment of staff and resources throughout the department, hospital, Allegheny Cancer Center, and Allegheny Singer Research Institute ensure continual education and advancement allowing for the latest medical treatments to be available to our patients.

The radiation oncology staff includes 9 board-certified Radiation Oncologists at 8 clinical sites.

A full complement of sophisticated radiotherapy services is available including multi-energy photon and electron therapy, 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiotherapy, intracoronary vascular brachytherapy, a high and low dose- rate brachytherapy service utilizing permanent and temporary techniques, stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated stereotactic irradiation, total body irradiation, total skin irradiation, eye plaque therapy, and intraoperative radiotherapy. Approximately 200 patients per day receive external beam irradiation resulting in a combined total of more than 40,000 external radiotherapy treatments per year. In addition, approximately 300 radioactive implants are performed annually, including more than 120 prostate seed implants per year.

Medical Physics and Dosimetry

Integral to the department is a board certified physics staff comprised of one Ph.D. level and 5 Masters level physicists as well as 8 dosimetrists. The physics staff functions both clinically and academically to ensure a broad spectrum approach to medical education.

Radiation Biology and Scientific Research

A sound clinical foundation in the principals of normal tissue tolerance to radiation and tumor dose-response is stressed in basic instruction in radiation biology.

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 Ph.D. Radiobiologist, 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 based at Allegheny General Hospital and provides unique opportunities for instruction and participation in national multicenter cooperative trials.

Interdepartmental Clinics

Efficient and expeditious multidisciplinary care of patients is a distinctive strength at Allegheny General Hospital. This process is operational for all disease sites. Multidisciplinary Clinics have been established in Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer which provide a unique experience for resident education.

The Prostatic Cancer Clinic has been formulated into the Prostate Center at Allegheny General Hospital, which is a multidisciplinary patient oriented experience that is unique to Allegheny General Hospital. Patients are evaluated in a unique setting with urologists, radiation oncologists, and specialty nurses and are given the opportunity to discuss their treatment options in a group setting as well as an individual setting. Feedback from this approach has been tremendous and provides for an excellent educational and therapeutic experience. The Department of Radiation Oncology and the Department of Urology at Allegheny General Hospital have one of the most advanced Brachytherapy programs in the United States. Residents in training will participate in over 120 interstitial prostate implants per year.

The Allegheny General Hospital Lung Center provides comprehensive care for patients with lung cancer. This center brings together thoracic surgical oncologists, pulmonologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, basic scientists, data managers, computer specialists, statisticians, respiratory therapists, specialty nurses, and social workers in one location allowing for more comprehensive and expeditious care of patients.

New head and neck cancer patients are jointly evaluated by Head and Neck Surgeons and Radiation Oncologists. While undergoing radiation therapy the patients are jointly examined, and their progress is reviewed on a weekly basis.

< Back to Residencies