MDE 8646 Head and Neck Oncology

This elective is designed to give medical students an experience with multidisciplinary cancer care for Head and Neck Oncology patients.  In this surgically oriented rotation, students will have the opportunity to observe and assist in Head and Neck cancer resection and reconstructive operations (including microvascular reconstruction), participate in surgical and multidisciplinary clinics, and attend tumor board conferences, and participate in patient management with the in-patient Otolaryngology team.  The student will also be provided with some general Otolaryngology training both in the clinical setting and in the form of didactic lectures.  The rotation will take place at Moffitt Cancer Center main campus.

Objectives

1. Develop an understanding of the clinical applications of Head and Neck anatomy
2. Practice taking a history on a complex head and neck cancer patient, learn the salient symptoms associated with head and neck cancer
3. Practice head and neck physical examination skills
4. Develop an appreciation for multidisciplinary care of the oncology patient
5. Participate in complex head and neck surgical and reconstructive cases
6. Learn basic postoperative head and neck patient assessment including assessment of flap viability
7. Participate in team rounds and in-patient management with the Head and Neck Oncology team

Evaluation

The trainee will be evaluated by the course director at the end of the rotation, with input from faculty members and residents and fellows with whom the student has worked.  The student will also be asked to prepare a "grand rounds" style lecture to be presented at tumor board on the last week of the rotation.  The  final grade will be based 80% on clinical evaluation and 20% on the grand rounds lecture.