Education

David S. Parda, MD, Department Chairman

Download the 2012-2013 Core Curriculum brochure.

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 nine board-certified Radiation Oncologists at eight 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 PhD level and five masters level physicists as well as eight 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 PhD 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.