Urologic Oncology
LOCATION: WVU Cancer Center, Morgantown, WV
PRECEPTOR: Ali Hajiran, MD
DURATION: 2-4 weeks
OFFERED: Continuously
MAXIMUM ENROLLMENT: 2
STATUS: Elective
Description:
This rotation offers medical students an in-depth experience in urologic oncology. Students will care for patients with prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancers through clinic evaluations, surgical participation, and tumor board discussions. Emphasis is placed on multidisciplinary care, evidence-based practice, and compassionate communication. Ideal for students pursuing urology, oncology, or surgical subspecialties.
Patient Care:
Perform focused histories and physical exams for patients with urologic malignancies. Interpret staging imaging such as CT, MRI, bone scans, and PET scans. Discuss indications for biopsy, surgery, systemic therapy, and surveillance in urologic cancers. Participate in counseling patients regarding diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options. Assist in the perioperative care of patients undergoing cancer surgeries, including cystectomy and nephrectomy.
Medical Knowledge:
Explain the pathophysiology and management of kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers. Explain current NCCN and AUA guidelines for urologic malignancies. Describe the role of minimally invasive and robotic techniques in oncologic surgery. Review treatment algorithms and risk stratification models. Discuss molecular markers and their implications in prostate and bladder cancer.
Practice-Based Learning:
Review and present landmark trials in urologic oncology. Identify personal learning gaps and seek faculty mentorship. Present an oncologic case or recent journal article at a tumor board or teaching conference. Incorporate feedback from residents and attendings into clinical care.
Communication Skills:
Communicate complex diagnoses and treatment plans with empathy and clarity. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary care team including medical and radiation oncologists. Document clinical reasoning and discussions appropriately in the EMR. Present patient cases effectively in clinic, OR, and tumor board settings.
Professionalism:
Demonstrate sensitivity in the discussion of life-altering diagnoses and treatment decisions. Maintain ethical integrity, especially in shared decision-making and palliative care contexts. Display maturity and professionalism during emotionally challenging conversations.
Systems-Based Practice:
Explain cancer care coordination including imaging, referrals, and follow-up planning. Discuss health disparities and access issues in urologic cancer care. Learn about clinical trial enrollment and research protocols.
METHODS TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES:
This is an in-person hospital-based rotation. Students will actively participate in: Outpatient Clinics: Evaluate new and follow-up oncology patients with faculty supervision. Inpatient Rounds: Manage surgical oncology patients alongside the urology team. Surgical Exposure: Assist in oncologic procedures including prostatectomy, nephrectomy, and cystectomy. Tumor Boards: Attend and participate in multidisciplinary case discussions. Didactic Sessions: Participate in urologic oncology lectures and journal clubs.
EXAMINATION PROCEDURES AND EVALUATION CRITERIA:
Formative Assessment:
A mid-rotation face-to-face evaluation will be conducted to review progress and provide constructive feedback.
Summative Assessment:
Final evaluation will include the standard elective student evaluation form and narrative that targets student’s completion of the rotation learning objectives.
PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE ROTATION:
Contact Morgan Myers, morgan.myers@hsc.wvu.edu at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the rotation.