Advanced Practitioner Radiation Oncology Course
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Register
- Non-member - $425
- Member - $375
The following topics will be covered in this course:
- Introduction to Radiation Oncology
- Radiation Biology and Physics
- Radiation Safety and Compliance
- Radiation Treatment Delivery
- Patient Evaluation and Simulation
- Disease Overview: CNS Tumors
- Disease Overview: Head and Neck Tumors
- Disease Overview: Chest (Breast/Lung) Tumors
- Disease Overview: GI Tumors
- Disease Overview: GU Tumors
- Disease Overview: GYN Tumors
- Disease Overview: Systemic, Palliative, Emergent and Benign Conditions
- Common Toxicities: Acute
- Common Toxicities: Late/Long Term
- Emerging Changes
- Pediatric Considerations
- Supportive Care, Survivorship and Patient Education
- AP Practice Fundamentals for Radiation Oncology
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Contains 1 Component(s)
Please complete this 3–5-minute pre-course survey for the DNP project. Your feedback will help improve the course. Thank you for your valuable input and commitment to advancing your practice. Together, we can create an enriching learning experience that benefits you and the radiation oncology community.
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Contains 6 Component(s)
Introduction to Radiation Oncology, the first module in the course, introduces the principles of radiation therapy, including its biologic basis and therapeutic window. This module covers how to recognize the roles and responsibilities of each member of the radiation oncology team, outline the steps in the radiation therapy treatment workflow, and identify indications for radiation therapy.
- Radiation and Basic Principles of Radiation Oncology
- History and Development of New Technologies
- The Radiation Oncology Team
- Define and explain the principles of radiation therapy, including its biologic basis and therapeutic window.
- Describe the roles and responsibilities of each member of the radiation oncology team.
- Outline the radiation therapy treatment workflow steps, from referral/consultation to simulation, treatment planning, and safety and quality assurance.
- Identify the indications for radiation therapy in different contexts: definitive, palliative, neoadjuvant, and adjuvant.
Katie Bukolt, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, AOCNP (Moderator)
Texas Oncology Baylor Sammons Cancer Center
Katie is a dedicated Nurse Practitioner at Texas Oncology Baylor Sammons Cancer Center, specializing in radiation oncology. She is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with additional certifications as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner and in Radiation Oncology. Katie earned her BSN from Texas Tech University in 1998 and her MSN from Barry University in 2008. She is pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at The University of Texas at Tyler. Since 2011, her clinical role has focused exclusively in radiation oncology. In addition to her clinical duties, Katie is the APP Area Manager at Dallas Sammons. She is passionate about advancing the Nurse Practitioner role in radiation oncology and mentors new practitioners entering the field. Katie is also one of four committee members on the Advanced Practice Provider Executive Committee for Texas Oncology and a faculty member for US Oncology’s APP boot camp. Katie is a seasoned speaker, having lectured locally and nationally on various topics related to the care and management of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy.
Katie Bukolt has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Contains 10 Component(s)
The Radiation Biology and Physics module provides a comprehensive overview of radiation principles and applications in medical treatments. Additionally, this model covers therapeutic radiation types, ionization effects on tissue, genetic factors in tumor growth, and secondary cancer risks.
- Mechanisms of Carcinogenesis
- Fundamentals of Radiation Biology
- Biologic Effects of Radiation and Radio-Resistance
- Secondary Cancer Risk and Mitigation
- Describe the different forms of therapeutic radiation and in what cases they would be most appropriate to utilize.
- Describe the process of ionization and its effects on biological tissues, particularly DNA.
- Identify the 4 Rs of tissue response in radiation therapy and explain their significance in fractionation.
- Understand the acute and late effects of radiation on normal tissue.
- Outline how oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and epigenetic alterations impact tumor cell proliferation.
- Assess the potential risks of radiation-induced secondary cancers and explain strategies to minimize these risks.
- Explain the biological mechanisms of radio-resistance in tumor cells.
Kate Martin, PA-C (Moderator)
Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center
Kate Martin is the senior manager of APPs for the Department of Radiation Oncology at Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women's Cancer Center in Boston, MA. Kate began her career as a radiation therapist in 2007 at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY, before completing her Honors BSc in Neurobiology at Brock University and attending Weill Cornell Medical College where she obtained her Physician Assistant degree. She is currently an MBA candidate at Boston University’s Questrom School of Business. She has experience in inpatient medical oncology and neurosurgery and ultimately joined the Department of Radiation Oncology in 2017. Her primary clinical focus is the central nervous system. Her administrative role focuses on oncology APP strategy, utilization of APPs in radiation oncology, leadership development, and systems integration.
Kate Martin has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Contains 8 Component(s)
The Radiation Safety and Compliance module covers radiation safety principles, historical factors, and radiation protection processes. It also provides a comprehensive review of the regulatory environment surrounding radiation safety.
- Background
- Sources of Medical Radiation
- International, National, State, and Local Radiation Protections
- Radioactive Material Safety
- Bringing It All Together
- Discuss principles of radiation safety related to radioactive materials and radiation-emitting devices.
- Discuss different forms of medical radiation, their uses, and safety implications.
- Understand dangers and the historical forces that created a very decentralized system of radiation protection.
- Discuss the complex radiation protection and the international, national, and local organizational structures.
John Hillson, DNP, AGNP-C, RN, OCN (Moderator)
Atrium Health-Wake Forrest Baptist
Dr. Hillson is a Doctoral prepared Nurse Practitioner at Atrium Health-Wake Forrest Baptist in Radiation Oncology, specializing in head and neck survivorship. He began his career as a nurse in oncology in 1998 and graduated with an AGPCNP DNP in 2023. He is a member of ROECSG and an associate member of ASTRO. He serves on the ASTRO MDQA Committee.John Hillson has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. -
Contains 6 Component(s)
Topics in the Radiation Treatment Delivery module range from different types of radiation therapy to advanced techniques and key equipment used in radiation oncology. In addition, this module delves into how to differentiate treatments and understand their clinical applications.
- Types of Radiation Therapy
- External beam
- Brachytherapy
- Radiopharmaceuticals
- Advanced techniques
- Radiation Equipment
- Overview of machines used
- Differences in equipment capabilities and indications
- Differentiate between various types of radiation therapy and identify appropriate applications of each.
- Understand advanced techniques like adaptive therapy and proton therapy.
- Describe key equipment used in radiation oncology and its clinical capabilities.
Brianna Whitener, MPAS, PA-C (Moderator)
Houston Methodist Hospital
Bri is a dedicated radiation oncology physician assistant, serving as the system Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Manager for radiation oncology at Houston Methodist Hospital. She holds a Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) degree from Baylor College of Medicine, and a Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy (BSRT) from Texas State University and is NCCPA certified. With a background as a radiation therapist before pursuing physician assistant training, Bri brings a unique perspective and depth of experience to her practice. She is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to her patients, leveraging her expertise in both radiation therapy and diagnostic image reconstruction and review. She is a member of several professional organizations, including ACHE (American College of Healthcare Executives), TGCPAA (Texas Gulf Coast Physician Assistant Association), AAPA (American Academy of Physician Assistants), APAO (Association of Physician Assistants in Oncology), ASCO (American Society of Clinical Oncology), APSHO (Advanced Practitioner Society for Hematology and Oncology) and ASTRO (American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology). Bri is known for her exceptional clinical skills, strong communication abilities, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those she serves.Brianna Whitener has no relevant financial relationships to disclose. -
Contains 10 Component(s)
The Patient Evaluation and Simulation module highlights various imaging modalities used for radiation planning, the use of immobilization devices, differences between external and internal radiation, and managing implanted devices during therapy.
- Importance of Imaging in Treatment Planning
- Simulation Techniques
- Planning Techniques
- Dose Constraints and Organ-at-Risk (OAR) Considerations
- Describe different imaging modalities and their application to radiation planning.
- Explain the purpose of different immobilization devices.
- Describe the difference between external and internal radiation.
- Distinguish the management of implanted devices during radiation therapy.
Rachael Guenzel, APRN, CNP, DNP (Moderator)
Mayo Clinic
Rachael Guenzel is a nurse practitioner in the Department of Radiation Oncology who specializes in head and neck and hematological malignancies at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She is also a Mayo Clinic assistant professor in Radiation Oncology. Ms. Guenzel received her Bachelor of Science Nursing Education through College of Saint Benedict/St. John’s University in May 2009. She achieved her Family Nurse Practitioner degree through Viterbo University In May 2017. Her clinical interests include cancer survivorship and palliative care. She also currently staffs a Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Clinic staffed by advanced practice providers.
She enjoys precepting students and new employees and previously served as adjunct faculty for Nurse Practitioner students through Viterbo University. In partnership with her colleagues in Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology, she serves as course director for a program called “Global Bridges Oncology Nursing Seminar” to educate nurses around Africa about oncologic care to improve cancer and patient outcomes. She also enjoys research and has led a quality improvement project to improve PM&R referral rates for head and neck cancer patients to improve patient outcomes.
Rachael Guenzel has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Contains 8 Component(s)
The CNS Tumors module covers the differences between primary and secondary tumors, classifications, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic workup, and treatment. It also addresses radiation toxicities and follow-up guidelines, and includes case studies for practical insights.
- Introduction to CNS Tumors
- Types of CNS Tumors
- Brain Structures and Function
- Approaches to Treatment
- Case Review
- Differentiate between primary vs. secondary CNS tumors.
- Learn classifications of primary CNS tumors.
- Review epidemiology, clinical manifestations, workup, and treatment of CNS tumors, highlighting the role for radiation.
- Recognize common toxicities associated with radiation to CNS tumors.
- Understand follow-up guidelines for CNS tumors and review case studies.
Catherine Johnson, MMSC, PA-C (Moderator)
Dana-Farber/Brigham Women’s Cancer Center
Catherine is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in radiation oncology. She has been practicing as a PA in oncology for 8 years and has been working full time in radiation oncology, specifically focusing on the treatment of CNS tumors, for the past 3 years at Dana-Farber/Brigham Women’s Cancer Center, in Boston, MA. Catherine began her career as a radiation therapist in 2012 and then completed her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, in 2016
Catherine Johnson has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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Contains 10 Component(s)
The Head and Neck Cancers module addresses the main anatomical structures of the head and neck, classic symptoms of head and neck cancers, and the potential acute and long-term effects of treatments to help advanced practitioners gain understanding and manage these cancers effectively.
- Background
- Epidemiology and Risk Factors
- Anatomy of Head and Neck Region
- Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Radiation Toxicities
- Follow-Up and Surveillance
- Thyroid Cancer
- Identify the main anatomy structures of the head and neck.
- Identify classic presenting symptoms of head and neck cancer.
- Summarize the potential acute and late effects from treatment.
Bridgett Harr, DNP, APRN-CNP, AOCNP (Moderator)
Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center
Dr. Harr has been an oncology nurse for 17 years, 12 of which she has worked as a nurse practitioner in radiation oncology, specializing in head and neck cancers. Her clinical practice is located at the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Center. In addition to clinical duties, she is the Director of the APP Fellowship Program for the Cancer Institute.
Bridgett Harr has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Background
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Contains 14 Component(s)
The module on Breast and Lung tumors focuses on the causes, prevalence, diagnosis, and characteristics of breast and lung cancers, along with the acute and long-term side effects of radiotherapy for both disease types.
- Breast Cancer
- Overview
- Treatment Guidelines
- Common Toxicities
- Special Considerations
- Follow-up Considerations
- Prognosis
- Lung Cancer
- Overview
- Treatment Guidelines
- Common Toxicities
- Follow-up Considerations
- Prognosis
- Provide an overview of breast cancer, including etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathology.
- Identify common acute and long-term side effects of breast radiotherapy.
- Provide an overview of lung cancer, including etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, and pathology.
- Identify common acute and long-term side effects of lung radiotherapy.
Leah Francis, PA-C, MPAS, BS R.T.(T) (Moderator)
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Leah has been a PA in Radiation Oncology at Mayo Clinic Rochester since 2015, primarily working on a breast cancer team. Prior to her role in Radiation Oncology, she spent 2 years working in Plastics and Reconstructive surgery, also primarily working with breast cancer patients. Before PA school, she spent just over 5 years as a radiation therapist, working in both a community and an academic practice. Leah is passionate about breast cancer patients as well as side effect prevention and management.
Leah Francis has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
- Breast Cancer
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Contains 12 Component(s)
The Gastrointestinal Tumors module covers GI cancers commonly treated with radiation therapy, radiation techniques, patient management principles, and common toxicities associated with GI radiation therapy.
Disease Overview of Upper and Lower GI Cancers
- Esophagogastric
- Hepatobiliary
- Pancreatic
- Rectal
- Anal
- Identify GI cancers that are commonly treated using radiation or chemoradiation.
- Describe common toxicities of GI radiation therapy, including acute and late effects.
- Summarize common radiation techniques used in the treatment of both upper and lower GI cancers.
- Identify lab testing used to monitor and assess patients during chemoradiation.
Lorraine Drapek, DNP, FNP-BC, AOCNP (Moderator)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Lorraine Drapek is an advanced practice nurse practitioner in Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital and earned a doctorate degree in nursing practice from the University of Massachusetts in 2017. She has been a nurse practitioner since 2010 and holds certifications in Family Practice and Oncology. She has practiced in nursing for over 40 years with an oncology focus for over 30 years. As a nurse practitioner, she focuses on patients with GI cancers receiving curative and palliative care, symptom management, patients receiving care on clinical trials, and survivorship. Her doctoral project focused on establishing a sexual health clinic for women undergoing pelvic radiation. She currently treats men and women, as the lead provider in the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center Sexual Health Clinic.
Lorraine Drapek has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.
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