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MO‐E‐BRB‐01: ASTRO's 2007 Core Physics Curriculum for Radiation Oncology Residents
Author(s) -
Klein E,
Gerbi B,
Price R,
Balter J,
Paliwal B,
Hughes L,
Huang E
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
medical physics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.473
H-Index - 180
eISSN - 2473-4209
pISSN - 0094-2405
DOI - 10.1118/1.2761280
Subject(s) - curriculum , subject (documents) , core curriculum , medical education , medical physicist , subject matter , medical physics , radiation oncology , glossary , medicine , mathematics education , psychology , computer science , radiology , library science , radiation therapy , pedagogy , linguistics , philosophy
Purpose: In 2004, ASTRO published a curriculum for physics education. The document described a 54‐hour course. In 2006, the committee reconvened to update the curriculum. Method and Materials: The committee is composed of physicists and physicians from various residency program teaching institutions. Simultaneously, members have associations with the AAPM, ASTRO, ARRO, ABR, and the ACR. Representatives from the latter two organizations are key to provide feedback between the examining organizations and ASTRO. The subjects are based on ACGME requirements (particles, hyperthermia), while the majority of the subjects and appropriated hours/subject was developed by consensus. Results: The new curriculum is 55 hours containing new subjects, redistribution of subjects with updates, and reorganization of core topics. For each subject learning objectives are provided and for each lecture hour, a detailed outline of material to be covered. Some changes include: a decrease in basic radiological physics; addition of informatics as a subject, increase in IMRT; and migration of some brachytherapy hours to radiopharmaceuticals. The new curriculum was by the ASTRO board in late 2006. It is hoped physicists will adopt the curriculum for structuring their didactic teaching program, and simultaneously the ABR for its written exam. The ACR uses the ASTRO curriculum for their training exam topics. In addition to the curriculum, the committee added suggested references, a glossary, and a condensed version of lectures for a PGY2 resident physics orientation. Conclusion: To ensure continued commitment to a current and relevant curriculum the subject matter will be updated again in two years' time.