Rad Sci Medical Dosimetry (RSD)

A comprehensive overview of the patient receiving radiation therapy and other oncology care. The course is designed to provide a foundation for patient assessment, physical needs, psychological needs, diagnosis and treatment modalities, and factors impacting treatment. This is a hybrid course which consists of a faceto-face and online component.

This course is designed specifically for the Medical Dosimetry and Radiation Therapy student. It is customized to focus on structures that are vitally important to identify in the field of Radiation Oncology. This course is designed to introduce the student to human gross anatomy as seen in the axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Correlations with CT, MRI and ultrasound will be presented as well as some clinical correlations. Anatomic regions studied in this course will include: an introduction into the historical development of CT, structures in the pelvic and thoracic regions.

"This course is designed specifically for the Medical Dosimetry and Radiation Therapy student. It is customized to focus on structures that are vitally important to identify in the field of Radiation Oncology. This course is designed to introduce the student to human gross anatomy as seen in the axial, sagittal and coronal planes. Correlations with CT, MRI and ultrasound will be presented as well as some clinical correlations. Additionally, VERT will be used to complement the information presented. Anatomic regions studied in this course will include: bones of the entire skeleton, and structures of the following areas: brain, head and neck, and thorax. Prerequisite: RSD 401 "

Provides the opportunity to work with the clinical personnel in a team approach to radiation therapy treatment, planning and patient care. Includes clinical experience such as dose calculations and treatment planning, radiation safety, quality assurance and annual calibrations of equipment with a physicist.

"Clinical Medical Dosimetry II is an extension of the clinical experiences developed during Medical Dosimetry I. The students continue to develop more advanced treatment planning skills under the direct supervision of a certified medical dosimetrist. Prerequisite: RSD 412 "

"Clinical Medical Dosimetry III is an extension of the clinical experiences developed during Medical Dosimetry I and II. The students continue to develop more advanced treatment planning skills under the direct supervision of a certified medical dosimetrist. Prerequisite: RSD 413 "

"The purpose of the course is to expose the oncology student to important topics in radiation oncology. Specifically this course will focus on the following two topics: Research and issues of safety and quality assurance Prerequisites: RSD 435, RSD 401, and RSD 412"

Case Studies in Dosimetry is designed as an independent study to complement the knowledge acquired as a TJU Radiation Therapy graduate in the simulation, treatment planning calculation/design, and clinical setup for a breast treatment.

The first semester of a two-semester course sequence presents the basics principles of physics and technology in dosimetry of radiation therapy focusing on describing the productions of ionizing radiations, the radiation producing machines, basic measurements of dosimetric parameters, MU calculations, treatment planning, and their medical and clinical applications to therapy of human diseases.

"The second semester of a two-semester course sequence presents the basic physical and dosimetric principles of radiological and nuclear science and technology, focusing on the generation and measurement of ionizing radiations, atomic and nuclear transformations, the characteristics of radiations, interactions of radiation with matter, charged particle physics, and their medical and clinical applications to therapy of human diseases. Prerequisite: RSD 435"

Presents basic principles of radiation protection and safety for patients, staff, and members of the general public, in the radiation therapy environment. Discusses radiation safety requirements of federal and state regulatory agencies, accreditation agencies and healthcare organizations. Radiation detection and measurement instrumentation and methods, as well as personnel monitoring, is also presented.

This course will present concepts, theories, and principles of modern radiation biology. The physical properties of radiation and how radiation interacts with biological matter will be discussed. The effects of radiation on DNA, cells, and individuals, as well as the concepts and practice of clinical radiation therapy will be examined in detail. Specific topics will include human cellular biology; molecular and cellular radiobiology, including early and late effects, cellular survival curves, and factors affecting cellular radiosensitivity; establishing risk estimates; and regulations pertaining to current radiation protection practices. This is a hybrid course which consists of a face-to-face and online component.

Presents the procedures for quality assurance of the following: radiation producing devices, sealed and unsealed radioactive sources used for therapy, treatment planning computers, and treatment simulators. Also presents quality assurance procedures for treatment delivery, record-keeping, radiation exposure monitoring for patients and staff. The class will discuss the issue of compliance with governmental rules and regulations.

Presents the introduction of properties of radioactive isotopes used in brachytherapy and basics clinical procedures of brachytherapy including low-dose-rate temporary or permanent interstitial implants, gynecological intra-cavitary insertions, high-dose rate (HDR) remote afterloader and inter-vascular brachytherapy. Also, presents the essential rules of safe-handling of radioactive materials, radiation protection and the basic requirements in compliances with governmental rules and regulations.

Presents introduction and basic clinical procedures of high dose rate remote afterloader (HDR), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), linac-based stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), three dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity modulated radiotherapy (static and rotational IMRT) and image guided radiotherapy (IGRT). Additionally, this course presents multiple advancements in the field of radiation oncology.

Presents a comprehensive survey of the physical principles, technology concepts, equipment and procedures used in medical imaging.

A research project taught in an independent study manner. Students will produce a written literature review paper and present research projects on Medical Dosimetry topics agreed to by the instructor.