The curriculum for this two-year program consists of:
- 18 months core gynaecologic oncology
- 2 months radiation oncology
- 2 months medical oncology
- 2 months electives (such as colorectal surgery, surgical oncology, pathology, colposcopy and lower genital tract disorders, palliative care)
Core Gynaecologic Oncology
The fellows will develop extensive knowledge of the etiology, work-up, and management of gynaecologic malignancies, including uterine (endometrial), ovarian, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. This includes the spectrum of care from prevention and screening, to surgery, adjuvant therapy, treatment of recurrences, and principles of palliative care. There is a large volume of radical surgery as well as minimally invasive surgery, and outpatient clinics at BC Cancer – Vancouver Centre and Vancouver General Hospital.
Radiation Oncology
The fellows will develop a working knowledge of the basic sciences and physics of radiation therapy, including the mechanism of action, radiation sources, principles and techniques of dosimetry, and the prevention and management of acute and chronic radiation toxicity to the bowel, urinary tract, vagina, and vulva.
Medical Oncology
The fellows will develop an in-depth knowledge of chemotherapeutic agents for treatment of gynaecologic malignancies, including mechanism of action, indications for use, dosing, adverse effects, prevention and management of toxicity and acute chemotherapy reactions.
Curriculum
Formal Academic Curriculum
The fellows will attend protected weekly academic half-day sessions throughout the year, which incorporate most of the formal curriculum. These sessions are supervised by members of the multidisciplinary team, including gynaecologic oncologists, radiation and medical oncologists, pathologists, other surgical subspecialists representing urology, colorectal surgery, plastic surgery, genetic counselors, palliative care providers, and other health care providers (e.g., enterostomal and wound therapy). In addition to sub-specialty specific training, the curriculum also includes patient safety, quality improvement, and career development.
Professional Development
The fellows are expected to present at Gynaecologic Oncology Journal Club meetings (3-4 per year), BC Cancer Gynecology Tumour Group academic rounds that are broadcast provincially, UBC Department of Gynecology Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality Rounds, and the UBC annual Academic Day for trainees.
The fellows are also expected to participate in quarterly meetings as members of the Residency Program Committee, where they have input into the design of the teaching curriculum. They also participate in the annual provincial Gynaecology Tumour Group retreat, where they contribute to developing and revising evidence-based provincial guidelines for cancer care. They are expected to attend the annual D.A. Boyes Society meeting (late October/early November) and the annual BC Cancer Colposcopy Education Day (late April/early May).