Hematology and Oncology

Catalog description

This is a face to face clinical rotation receiving 3 or 6 credit hours. The student should function with increased autonomy in patient care and must demonstrate competency in several of the Entrustable Professional Activities required for graduation. This two- or four-week rotation in Hematology and Oncology provides medical students with hands-on clinical experience in diagnosing and managing blood disorders and cancers at the UTMC-Knoxville campus. Students work alongside experienced clinicians in both inpatient and outpatient settings, enhancing their understanding of conditions such as anemias, leukemias, lymphomas, myelomas, and solid tumors. Key learning objectives include: mastering diagnostic techniques like bone marrow biopsies and imaging studies, along with treatment strategies involving chemotherapy, targeted therapies, and palliative care. The rotation emphasizes interprofessional collaboration, effective communication skills, and compassionate patient care. Students will attend tumor boards and formal didactics as scheduled. Informal teaching will occur during clinics and consults. By the end of the rotation, students will be equipped with essential skills and knowledge to approach hematologic and oncologic patients in their future medical practices. Preferred scheduling for this elective will pair a MS4 student with a single physician. The exact student­physician pair can be adjusted according to physician availability, student’s goals, and individual student interests. A broader experience with multiple physicians can be considered on a case-by-case basis.