Elective Years 3 and 4: Introduction to Clinical Oncology Practice

Introduction to Clinical Oncology Practice

Diversification = Subspecialty Internal Medicine

2-4 weeks

Placement Contact:  Mary Burns medonc@ualberta.ca

Visiting Canadian Medical Students: visitingelectives@ualberta.ca

An elective in Medical Oncology offers the student a large variety of interesting patients and clinical challenges. Under the supervision of a medical oncologist, the student will have the opportunity to interview and examine patients with a variety of different cancers.  Students will be in clinics where they will have the opportunity to see patients as initial consults, on treatment follow-up, and on post treatment surveillance. With the support of supervising staff, students will observe and participate in patient assessments, counseling on prognosis and expected outcomes, and on treatment options. 

By the end of the elective, students should be able to:

Make thorough and accurate assessment of the signs and symptoms of cancer.

Recognize and develop a plan to manage treatment related toxicities.

Understand principles behind the use of systemic therapy in cancer.

Identify preventative and screening measures for cancer.

Perform an appropriate history.

Perform an appropriate physical exam.

Identify patient problems and possible plan for management.

Dictate a concise consultation letter and progress note.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Undergraduate medical students in Canadian institutions.
• For students from 4-year programs, completion of a minimum of three years of medical school, prior to the requested date of elective.
• For students from 3-year programs, completion of a minimum of two years of medical school, prior to the requested date of elective.
• Submission of requests for elective (Internal University of Alberta students) at least 3 months before the requested elective date.
• Submission of requests for elective (External Applications) at least 6 months before the requested elective date.

Priority Policy: In order to utilize all available elective times, priority will be given to earlier applications. Students are to apply as early as possible. When more than 1 student applies at the same time for the same elective period, medical students in the University of Alberta Medicine Program will be given priority over students applying from other centres in Canada.