Research Overview
The interactions between these investigators have derived accelerated clinical investigation of ideas and concepts in the laboratory. Such concepts are tested in small, high quality controlled pilot studies to determine if they should be mounted in larger clinical trials of the national cooperative groups. It can be said that the development and conduct of pilot studies at the institutional level is the backbone of national cooperative group trials. Throughout the past several years, we have developed the resources, facilities, and support personnel to conduct Phase I and II feasibility studies while searching for efficient and effective treatment schedules and combinations. The important feature of our work has been the establishment of a mechanism for developing studies that we believe represent the leading edge in radiation oncology research. Scholarship, in its broadest definition, and participation in research is an integral component of residency training. In addition to benefiting from the extensive knowledge, skills and experience of our faculty, our residents enjoy opportunities to learn from and work with distinguished faculty mentors on a research project of their choice. Resident Research RequirementsAll residents must select at least one research project to work on throughout the course of their residency. An appropriate project must be selected and discussed with the appropriate mentor. It is expected that each resident will present their findings at departmental grand rounds. This research should result in presentation at a regional or national forum and in publication in a peer-reviewed journal. National multi-institutional or SMH Cancer Center Protocols: Residents are closely involved in clinical research through the participation of the Department in several multi-institutional groups including SWOG, RTOG, and COG, as well as investigations organized within the Cancer Center. Patients are entered on appropriate protocols, providing the attending physician the opportunity to discuss issues relevant to clinical trials including ethical considerations. These protocols also provide the resident with current reviews of the relevant malignancy. Clinical or laboratory based investigations: Residents are required to initi At the end of their 1st year (PGY-2), each resident must submit an outline for their project to the Program Director. PGY-3 residents are then scheduled to participate in a one-month research rotation during their 2nd year to commence work on this project. This research rotation must be closely monitored by the appropriate faculty mentor. Following this rotation, it is expected that research work will be undertaken when residents have no scheduled clinical duties. Possible Research Projects 2007-08 |
The strong working relationship between scientists and clinicians that has evolved in the Department of Radiation Oncology has become the translational research model of the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center (JPWCC) at the University of Rochester.
ate and complete a clinical or laboratory investigation during their tenure. This may take the form of a retrospective review of a patient population or involvement in a prospective study conducted by an attending physician. Optimally, the resident is involved in the design and conduction of a prospective investigation. Extensive research facilities exist within the Department of Radiation Oncology and also in the Cancer Center and Medical Center as a whole.