Research and Education Newsletter v35- Internal - Flipbook - Page 13
Division of Radiation Oncology Annual Research and Education Newsletter: Fiscal Year 2020
Insights Into the Radiation
Oncology Residency Program
Dr. Moaaz Soliman, Radiation Oncology Resident
Educational opportunities at MD Anderson are incredibly unique. Physicians come from all over the globe to
master a skillset and engage in valuable educational opportunities through the residency program.
EDUCATION
Particularly special for our division, is the Radiation Oncology
Residency Program, arguably one of the best in the nation. Chelsea
Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D. serves as program director and embraces the
time she spent as a resident at MD Anderson, which now drives her
passion to make a positive impact on this thriving program.
better clinicians, academicians, and radiation oncologists,” says
Bishop. “That has exponential impact on patients across the world,
as our excellent trainees take the learned skills and education from
here to then provide the highest quality care they can to the many
patients they will see over their careers.”
“I learned a lot as a resident at MD Anderson,” says Pinnix. “Beyond
the stellar clinical training, I learned how effective and rewarding
collaboration can be. Multidisciplinary care is a pillar at MD
Anderson, and I witnessed firsthand as a trainee how this results in
exceptional outcomes for our patients.”
The COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly stalled these efforts
as the team has discovered new and creative ways of executing the
program - remote teaching and web interactions are routine, and
mentorship remains a focus.
“It is an absolute honor to lead a program with such a rich history
and allegiance to training the most skilled, compassionate and
innovative radiation oncologists in the world,” says Pinnix.
“Our program hosts physicians preparing to practice radiation
oncology, who work hand in hand with seasoned faculty to receive
comprehensive clinical training as well as participate in clinical,
translational, and/or laboratory-based research.”
Perspectives of a resident researcher
Olsi Gjyshi, M.D., Ph.D. is a third-year resident and has a special
interest in improving treatment options and quality of life for
patients with the human papilloma virus (HPV)- associated
cancers. Working under the mentorship of radiation oncologist and
physician scientist Ann Klopp, M.D., Ph.D. in a phase II clinical trial,
they are evaluating the safety and efficacy of a therapeutic HPV
vaccine for patients with cervical cancer.
“Beyond the stellar clinical training, I learned how effective and rewarding collaboration can be.”
Pinnix takes a multidisciplinary approach to training and
developing the careers of future oncologists by including experts
in medical oncology, surgical oncology, pathology and radiology to
support residents as they work toward ambitious goals.
Approximately 30-40% of cervical cancer patients may have
recurrence; therefore, Gjyshi is investigating new ways to detect
cervical cancer recurrence earlier than traditional techniques
allow.
Andrew Bishop, M.D. and Emma Holliday, M.D. work alongside
Pinnix as the associate program directors, and alumni of the
Radiation Oncology Residency Program. They aim to optimize
the program and provide robust training to prepare residents for
their lifelong careers in radiation oncology. “We attract talented
trainees. We are given the opportunity to teach them how to be
“Few places enable residents to gain both a rigorous clinical
training and a formidable research experience.” Gjyshi says.
“Through departmental support, unparalleled research
opportunities, and strong clinical curriculum, I believe that the
experience I have gained during residency will be invaluable in
future long-term career plans to treat cancer patients.”
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