Education

Curriculum        

The neurosurgery resident will rotate for 6 months in Neuroradiology – SRS in conjunction with rotations through neuro-ophthalmology.

Reading List/Supplemental Reading

Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Loeffler, Alexander & Landsford, 1993

Goals and Objectives  

The resident is to acquire requisite background information to understand the indications for and the various techniques used to perform radiosurgery.

Competencies

Medical Knowledge: - The resident will:

• Understand various sources and mechanical techniques of radiosurgery.
• Understand dose parameters and likelihood of radiation necrosis.
• Understand basics of planning including arc design and avoidance of critical structures.
• Understand radiation sensitivities of various pathologies and normal structures.

Patient Care and Assessment  - The resident will be able to:

• Learn to place a head ring, with attention to position and preprocedure sedation.
• Perform lesion outlining and treatment plan with the physicist.
• Review plans with the radiation oncologist and neurosurgeon with justification of decisions made.
• Become familiar with important features of planning software such as dose-volume histogram.

Practice-Based Learning - The resident will be able to:

• Foster personal growth and development and  learn from his or her own errors.

Systems-Based Practice - The resident will be able to:

• Effectively utilize the resources available to make optimal healthcare decisions.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills – The resident will be able to:

• Effectively exchange information with patients, their families and other health professionals.

Professionalism – The resident will be able to:

• Demonstrate respect, responsibility and sensitivity in relating to colleagues at all levels.
• Demonstrate consistent adherence of ethical principles and sensitivity to all patients regardless of gender, age, culture, religion, sexual preference, socioeconomic status, beliefs, behaviors or disabilities.
• Promote the principles of confidentiality and informed consent

Evaluation        

At the end of this rotation, the Radiation Oncology faculty will complete an evaluation form based on the goals and objectives outlined above.