Outpatient Hematology-Oncology (Duke or Durham VA)

Catalog description

(1) Course Goals: To give the student experience in the diagnosis, long-term treatment, and supportive care of patients with hematologic and oncologic disorders in the outpatient setting. The use and interpretation of peripheral blood films and other specialized laboratory tests (e.g., bone marrow aspirate/biopsy, serum electrophoresis, coagulation studies, tumor markers, leukemia cell markers), as well as an approach to the evaluation and treatment of common hematologic problems (anemias, bleeding and clotting disorders, hematologic and solid tissue malignancies) are included. Issues such as quality of life and care of the geriatric oncology patient are addressed. (2) How Goals Are Achieved: The student is assigned several preceptors in the Hematology/Oncology clinic for five full days per week during a four-week block. If desired, preceptors who concentrate mainly on hematology or oncology may be arranged. 3) Methods of Evaluation: Students are evaluated by their preceptors on the basis of their ability to obtain a history, perform a physical examination, evaluate hematologic and other laboratory data, and propose assessments and plans of action. NOTE: Students cannot drop the course 2 weeks prior to the course start date. Credit: 4. Enrollment: max 1. Matthew Labriola, MD, and Hematology, Medical Oncology and Cell Therapy staff