Course Description
This course covered the use of brachytherapy in radiation therapy. The characteristics of sources, source activity, and dose delivered were covered. Methods and instruments utilized to apply brachytherapy treatment planning techniques to clinical treatment situations were discussed.
Assessments & Activities
|
Course Discussions
|
Students were assessed and graded on their performance and participation in weekly discussions, quizzes, practice problems, and e-portfolio contributions. Every week there were assigned readings and power point presentations to review. The quizzes consisted of multiple choice questions pertaining to the information that was presented during the designated weeks.
Please follow the link below to view an example of the practice problems. Practice Problems weeks 1 & 2 |
For all five weeks of this course we were required to answer a specific question or discuss a provided topic. Our responses had to be written in the American Medical Association (AMA) format with a minimum of 200-250 words and reference at least one or two scholarly sources. To promote analytical discussions, we were required to respond to at least one classmates' posts.
Please follow the links below to read my discussion posts. Week 1: Radioactive Emission Week 2: 10 CFR Part 19 Week 3: Freiburg Flap Week 4: Quimby Dose Calculation System Week 5: Prostate HDR Treatment |
Self Reflection
At the completion of every course students are asked to reflect on a series of questions that focused on their knowledge gained, skills, areas of opportunity, and overall thoughts about the course.
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
Though the topic of brachytherapy was covered previously in my radiation therapy program, it was not to this great of detail. From this course, I am more confident in performing dose calculations for various brachytherapy techniques and understanding the different mechanisms for radioactive decay.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me...
Though I am currently at a site where all brachytherapy planning is done by a physicist, I could obtain a job at a facility where brachytherapy planning is completed by dosimetrists. It is important to be knowledgeable about all the treatments that your facility is able to deliver so as to be able to assist when needed. In addition, brachytherapy is commonly used in addition the external beam radiation therapy. Since I am creating these plans, it is always good practice to know what the total dose to the patient is and its dose distribution.
I struggle with...
I had a difficult time with all of the regulations and quality assurance guidelines for brachytherapy. Both of these topics presented a great deal of information and I had to dedicate extra time to feel like I had a concrete understanding of them.
I feel pretty good about...
I feel very confident about performing calculations. Though I had some trouble at the very beginning of this course with the various equations and when to use them, I spent a great deal of time going over problems until I felt comfortable using them.
Other reflective thoughts...
This was a very interesting course, especially because dosimetry really isn't involved in brachytherapy planning or treatments. I have been fortunate to have been able to see a variety of brachytherapy treatments both in my current clinical internship and previously in my clinical rotations for my radiation therapy program. I hope to be more involved with brachytherapy in the future, and will continue to use the skills and knowledge I acquired through this course in my career as a medical dosimetrist.
The new knowledge and skills I gained during this course were...
Though the topic of brachytherapy was covered previously in my radiation therapy program, it was not to this great of detail. From this course, I am more confident in performing dose calculations for various brachytherapy techniques and understanding the different mechanisms for radioactive decay.
The new knowledge and skills will benefit me...
Though I am currently at a site where all brachytherapy planning is done by a physicist, I could obtain a job at a facility where brachytherapy planning is completed by dosimetrists. It is important to be knowledgeable about all the treatments that your facility is able to deliver so as to be able to assist when needed. In addition, brachytherapy is commonly used in addition the external beam radiation therapy. Since I am creating these plans, it is always good practice to know what the total dose to the patient is and its dose distribution.
I struggle with...
I had a difficult time with all of the regulations and quality assurance guidelines for brachytherapy. Both of these topics presented a great deal of information and I had to dedicate extra time to feel like I had a concrete understanding of them.
I feel pretty good about...
I feel very confident about performing calculations. Though I had some trouble at the very beginning of this course with the various equations and when to use them, I spent a great deal of time going over problems until I felt comfortable using them.
Other reflective thoughts...
This was a very interesting course, especially because dosimetry really isn't involved in brachytherapy planning or treatments. I have been fortunate to have been able to see a variety of brachytherapy treatments both in my current clinical internship and previously in my clinical rotations for my radiation therapy program. I hope to be more involved with brachytherapy in the future, and will continue to use the skills and knowledge I acquired through this course in my career as a medical dosimetrist.