Surgical Oncology Service. 0 Credit Hours

Catalog description

Purpose and objective of this elective is to expose the student to the current and multi-modal approach in the diagnosis and management of cancer. Students will observe and monitor all activities directed to the workup, treatment, and follow-up of patients with cancer. Students will have the chance to observe and participate in the different surgical procedures, specifically those related to the treatment of cancer. He or she will be introduced to and familiarized with the principles and concepts of adjuvant chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal therapy before and after surgical treatment of different diseases. They will also have the opportunity to observe and partake in the different activities in the conduct of clinical trials as sponsored by the different national cooperative groups, i.e. the Southwest Oncology Group and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Program. The students will learn the necessity for establishing different protocols in the quest for a greater understanding and improvement in the management of malignant diseases and will participate in the discussion of problems related to cancer patient care during rounds and more didactic teachings during Grand Rounds and the regular conferences of the service. Upon completion of this elective, students will have a fairly significant introduction and familiarization into clinical surgical oncology.