ABSTRACT
We sought to supplement medical physics textbook knowledge and clinical learning with case-based discussions. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a structured combined applied physics curriculum for radiation oncology (RO) and medical physics (MP) trainees. We reviewed our yearly applied physics course given from the years 2016-2021 inclusive. The number of applied physics trainees ranged from 7 to 14 per year (2-9 RO and 3-6 MP residents per year). Each session was taught by a pair of (RO and MP) faculty members. Twenty-nine case-based sessions were given yearly (2016 to 2019). Because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the course was shortened to 8 case-based sessions in 2020 and 2021. For the years 2016-2021, the mean and median teaching evaluation scores were 4.65 and 5, respectively (range 2-5), where 1 represents worse teaching quality and 5, the best teaching quality. For the year 2021, 2 questions relating to the video virtual format (implemented due to the covid-19 pandemic), revealed consistent high scores with the mean and median responses of 4.14 and 5, respectively (range 1-5). The results from the teaching evaluation scores indicate that the trainees highly valued the teaching sessions and teachers. Our experience indicates that a case-based applied physics course was delivered successfully with continued high teaching evaluation scores. A video virtual platform for an applied physics course could be useful, especially for small programs without a structured applied physics curriculum.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: Radiation oncology and radiation physics residents learn physics principles through textbooks and clinical placements. We supplemented radiation physics teaching with structured casebased discussions, designed to foster collaborative interaction between radiation oncology and medical physics trainees. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a structured applied physics curriculum for radiation oncology and radiation physics trainees. Material(s) and Method(s): We reviewed the curriculum and teaching format for the yearly applied physics course given from 2016-2019 (inclusive). Due to the covid-19 pandemic, we also reviewed the changes to the applied physics course during the years 2020- 2021 (inclusive). This course was given to radiation oncology and radiation physics residents in a multi-hospital site (university affiliated) accredited training program. Teaching evaluation scores were assessed as an indicator on how well the course was received by our trainees. Result(s): The number of applied physics students ranged from 7-14 per year (2-9 radiation oncology and 3-6 medical physics residents per year). Each session was taught by a pair of radiation oncology and radiation physics faculty members. Twenty-nine case based sessions were given yearly (2016 to 2019). Because of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, the course was shortened to 8 case based virtual sessions in 2020 and 2021. Out of a possible 1, 800 teaching evaluation forms, there were 366 teaching evaluation forms received. For the years 2016-2021, the mean and median teaching evaluation scores were 4.65 and 5 respectively (range 2-5), where 1 represents worse teaching quality and 5, the best teaching quality. For the year 2021, 2 questions relating to the video virtual format (implemented due to the covid-19 pandemic), revealed consistent high scores with the mean and median responses of 4.14 and 5, respectively (range 1-5). Conclusion(s): The results from the teaching evaluation scores indicate that the teaching faculty demonstrated excellent teaching skills. Trainees highly valued the teaching sessions. During the pandemic, the case based applied physics course was successfully delivered virtually, with continued high teaching evaluation scores. A video virtual platform for a structured case-based applied physics course could be useful, especially for small programs without an existing applied physics case based curriculum Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC-BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).