Genitourinary Rotation
Residents will rotate with Dr. Ritter to evaluate patients with genitourinary malignancies, including renal, ureteral, bladder, prostate, testicular and penile cancers. These patients will be managed in conjunction with urologists and medical oncologists from UW and Meriter Hospitals, and a variety of community referral sources. The rotation will provide opportunities in enhancing the multidisciplinary knowledge in the management of these conditions. In addition residents will have ample opportunity, and are highly encouraged, to become proficient in the application of advanced radiotherapy techniques such as 3-D conformal radiotherapy and prostate brachytherapy. In order to truly appreciate the multidisciplinary management of these patients, selected patients with newly diagnosed GU tumors seen at UWHC are discussed at the weekly combined modality Conference attended by Dr. Ritter and the resident on his service as well as by faculty and residents from urology and medical oncology.
Typically, in an average 3-month rotation, residents will have contact with approximately 60 new GU oncologic problems, and over 120 follow-up contact opportunities. In addition, in an average 3-month time span, residents will have the opportunity to participate in approximately 12 prostate brachytherapy 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 sequalae 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 the cooperative management opportunities between urology and radiation oncology that post-prostatectomy radiotherapy and prostate brachytherapy provide. Become proficient in the technical aspects of radiotherapeutic management of GU malignancies, including routine radiotherapy, as well as specialized applications such as 3-D conformal radiotherapy and prostate brachytherapy. It is also expected that a basic foundation in the radiobiologic concepts underpinning these approaches will be developed. Understand and appreciate the opportunities for clinical and translational research in this patient population.