GI Rotation
Residents will rotate with Dr. Ritter to evaluate adult patients with GI malignancies, including tumors of the esophagus, stomach, biliary tree, pancreas, colon, rectum and anus. These patients will be seen primarily in a multidisciplinary context, together with surgeons, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists and other support personnel. Patients will be seen and evaluated as outpatients at UW Hospital and as inpatients both at UW and Meriter Hospitals. The primary outpatient clinic opportunity for evaluating these patients is the Combined Modality GI tumor conference that meets every Tuesday morning. The conference is immediately followed by the GI tumor board with is attended by representatives from each of the above disciplines. The rotation will provide opportunities for enhancing the resident's multidisciplinary knowledge in the management of these conditions. A substantial proportion of these patients are treated with bi- or tri-modality therapy, and the resident has the opportunity to participate in the planning, organization and execution of these treatments. In addition, participation in a sizeable follow-up clinic allows the resident to observe cancer control and toxicity outcomes.
Typically, in an average 3-month rotation, residents will have contact with approximately 50 new GI malignancy problems. In addition, in an average 3-month time span, residents will have the opportunity to participate in over 20 treatment-planning procedures.
Goals and Objectives
Observe and understand the etiology, epidemiology, molecular genetics, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, natural history, treatment options, risks and benefits of various options and long-term sequelae of treatment. Understand the educational, social, societal, quality of life and cost-effectiveness issues surrounding the management of the above patients. Understand the multimodality approaches to these conditions, and learn an appropriate physician behavior pattern that optimizes multidisciplinary interaction. Become proficient in the technical aspects of radiotherapeutic management of these conditions. Become proficient in the application of palliative radiation therapy techniques. Understand and appreciate the opportunities for clinical and translational research in this patient population.