Clinical Medical Physics Residency Program Curriculum

Clinical Training
During the 24-month residency, residents take evaluated clinical rotations per table below:

Didactic Training
Clinical conferences, seminars, small discussion groups, journal clubs and one-on-one instruction are all an integral part of the program. You will participate in the following:

• Radiation Oncology journal club
• Medical Physics journal club
• Medical Physics and Oncology case conferences
• Radiation Oncology Chart Rounds conferences
• Physics section meetings
• Assigned readings

The following courses are required:

• Medical Physics (077:211)
• Radiation Biology course (077:103)
• Anatomy & Physiology course (803:001)
• Clinical Oncology course (803:001)

The Anatomy & Physiology Course content is designed to educate students on the cross-sectional anatomy of the human body. Material covered includes a brief review of gross anatomy and physiology, with an in depth look at cross-sectional anatomy for each of the body systems. The course presents normal anatomy using CT and MR cross-sections.
Text: Sectional Anatomy for Imaging Professionals, Kelley, Lorrie; Petersen, Connie. Mosby.

The Medical Physics Course is designed to help the student better understand the principles and application of physics in radiation therapy. By the end of the course the student should understand the following areas: Atomic and Nuclear Structure, The Production of Photons and Electrons, Radiation Interactions, Treatment Machines and Simulators, Photons and X-Rays, Electron Beams, External Beam Quality Assurance, Radiation Protection and Shielding, Imaging for Radiation Oncology, Three-dimensional Conformal Radiation Therapy (3DCRT) including International Commission on Radiation Units (ICRU) Concepts and Beam-Related Biology, Assessment of Patient Setup and Verification, Special Procedures, Brachytherapy, Hyperthermia, and Particle Therapy. Text: The Physics of Radiation Therapy 3rd edition, Faiz M. Khan, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2003.

The Radiation Biology course provides a comprehensive introduction to all modern principles necessary for developing a strong working knowledge of Radiation Biology. Topics include radiation chemistry, the physics of interaction of ionizing radiation with biological material, radiation protection, radiation mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, radiation therapy and the effects of radiation on signal transduction and gene expression. The emphasis is placed on mammalian radiobiology, however principles derived from lower organisms are also discussed. Students will attend 3 didactic lectures/wk given by experts on each respective topic, as well as making oral and written presentations on student selected cutting edge topics relevant to Radiation Biology in the 21st century. Exciting and emerging topics of Radiation Biology to be covered: Radiation Protection, Human Radiobiology, Metabolic Oxidative Stress and Radiation Effects, Radiation Therapy, Radiation Mutagenesis, Radiation Carcinogenesis, Radiation Teratology, Radiation-induced DNA Damage and Repair, Radiation Effects on the Cell Cycle, Radiation Effects on Signal Transduction and Gene Expression, Bystander Effects, Genomic Instability, Radiation-induced Adaptive Responses, and Modes of Cell Death.
Text: Radiobiology for the Radiologist (5th ed), EJ Hall

The Clinical Oncology course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the concepts of cancer, its causes, effects on the human body and current treatments. There is an emphasis on the practical application of radiation therapy principles and their appropriate use in the clinical setting. The epidemiology, etiology, detection, diagnosis, patient condition, treatment and prognosis of neoplastic disease will be presented, discussed and evaluated in relationship to histology, anatomical site and patterns of spread. The Radiation Therapist’s responsibility in the management of neoplastic disease will be examined and linked to the skills required to analyze complex issues and make informed decisions while appreciating the character of the profession.

Research Training
Research training is not explicitly offered as part of this two-year residency. However, opportunities exist for collaborative clinical projects as part of the clinical rotations.

• About the Program
• Curriculum
• Application Process
• Graduate Medical Education
• Iowa City Area Information
• American Association of Physicists in Medicine Reports