Radiation Oncology Elective – UTMC
Title of Course: Radiation Oncology Elective – UTMC
Elective Year(s): Fourth Year
Department: Radiation Oncology
Type of Elective: Clinical
Course Site: N. Eleanor Dana Cancer Center
Course Number: RDON 702
Blocks Available: Based on faculty availability
Number of Students/Block: 1
Faculty: Mersiha Hadziahmetovic, M.D.; E. Ishmael Parsai, Ph.D.; David Pearson, Ph.D.
Elective Description/Requirements: Students will participate or observe inpatient/outpatient functions including clinical and surgical procedures. Clinic hours are 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday without exception. Absence from the clinic must be pre-authorized. Students are provided one-on- one instruction throughout their clinical rotation. Attendance at weekly Tumor Conferences is expected.
Length of Course: 2 weeks
Educational Course Objectives:
- Discuss the basic principles of multidisciplinary oncology care, and explain the roles of radiation therapy in cancer treatment (EPOs: MK-4, PC-4, PC-9, IPC-2)
- Participate in the clinical evaluation of a patient (which may include taking a clinical history, performing a focused physical examination when appropriate, and interpreting radiographic and laboratory studies) (EPOs: PC-1, PC-6)
- Demonstrate the ability to organize, interpret and present patient data (history/exam, radiographic and laboratory studies) (EPOs: PC-6, PC-7)
- Describe the basics of the diagnostic work-up, staging and approach to treatment for selected common malignancies (EPOs: PC-6, PC-7)
- Consistently demonstrate professionalism/enthusiasm and relate well with patients, staff and colleagues (EPOs: PB-1, PB-2, PB-3, IPC-1, IPC-2, IPC-3)
- Perform and present a focused literature review (EPOs: PBL-2)
Professionalism: UT/COMLS students will meet or exceed the institutional standards for professionalism as stated in the current Educational Program Objectives and the current Educational Course Objectives for the Sponsoring Department.
Instructional Methods:
- Participate in weekly chart rounds
- Attendance at the Tumor Board and other interdisciplinary activities.
- Interaction with patients, including rapport and communication skills.
- Literature reviewed.
- Interaction with the healthcare team.
- Didactic course in Physics of Radiation Therapy.
Assessment Methods:
- M4 clinical assessment
Prerequisites: Successful completion of years 1 & 2 and a passing score on USMLE Step 1.
Clerkship Director: Mersiha Hadziahmetovic, M.D. Assistant Professor, Clinical Chief
Clerkship Coordinator: Shelby Clauson
Phone Number: 419.383.5433
Email: Shelby.clauson@utoledo.edu
Special Requirements: None
ECC Approved
December 2025