Courses and Schedule

In this course, the presenter will explain how the efforts of ASTRO CEO Laura Thevenot, cancer center administrators, and nationally known radiation oncologists and medical oncologists effected legislation and led to new tools across the world. Drawing from interviews and data, the presenter will share information relevant to the early onset of COVID-19 and its effect on American Indian tribes and software.

Ron DiGiaimo, M.B.A., FACHE

Objectives

• Modify quick responses to the pandemic financially, operationally and legislatively.
• Explain the safety precautions, death toll and staff toll psychologically.
• Describe the various responses across the nation dealing with a pandemic.

This course will provide an overview of the stitched cone-beam computed tomography technique using the Varian Edge, including its applications, features, uses in different radiation therapy treatments, and benefits and drawbacks. The presenter also will discuss stitched CBCT’s effects on dosimetry and patient experience, and the techniques used to aid in dose reduction to healthy tissue. Attendees will gain an understanding of the uses of stitched CBCT and how to implement it in their own workflow.

Kevin Su, B.A., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Describe stitched CBCT.
• List the applications of stitched CBCT on large-field and dual-isocenter treatments.
• Understand the benefits of stitched CBCT for image-guided radiation therapy treatments.
• Discuss the influence of dose from stitched CBCT.
• Explain the rationale for implementing CBCT.

The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer continues to rise — approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day. Treatment options vary, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. In this course, attendees will learn about the distinct types of non-melanoma skin cancer, signs and symptoms each presents with, methods of treatment (e.g., Mohs, radiation therapy, superficial radiation therapy, brachytherapy, chemotherapy), and skin cancer prevention best practices.

John Klade, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Define the anatomy of skin.
• List the types of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Explain the treatment methods used to treat non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Describe the signs and symptoms of non-melanoma skin cancer.
• Discuss best practices for preventing skin cancer.

The use of artificial intelligence in radiation therapy has been steadily growing with widespread adoption, increased vendor competition and product availability. This course will provide information about the current and future uptake of AI software in radiation therapy and offer a framework of specific workflows, from diagnosis to treatment. Attendees will leave the course with a better understanding of how and why AI software is used in radiation therapy and how it benefits oncology patients, staff, wait times, training and costs.

Kim Rans, M.A.I.S., R.T.(T), CMD

Objectives

• Explain the effect of AI software on costs, wait times, patient-reported outcomes, staff training and job function.
• Describe how vendor competition and product availability are hastening the advancement of fully autonomous workflows with little-to-no human intervention.
• Recognize the current and future scope of using AI software in the treatment planning process.
• Discuss the effect of AI software for contouring, treatment planning, and machine- and patient-specific quality assurance.

This course will explore the progression of communication skills needed among radiation science students and graduates. Upon students’ entry into a clinical program, their communication skills need to be developed and nurtured to ensure they can sufficiently interact with patients, clinical preceptors, educators and peers. As they prepare to enter the workforce, their communication skills require further honing to ensure success in situations such as job interviews and post-graduation career development.

Melanie Dempsey, Ph.D., R.T.(R)(T), CMD

Objectives

• Recognize accreditation standards related to communication skills.
• Identify areas in which students may struggle with their communication skills.
• Identify the need to develop and nurture student communication skills.
• Define strategies to improve student communication skills that will transfer to their post-graduate careers.

Autism spectrum disorder is a lifelong developmental disability that can affect children and adults. Individuals with diagnosed or undiagnosed ASD may experience communication barriers and hypersensitivity to stimuli, which can complicate access to care and affect their radiation oncology experience. In this course, the presenter will share the common health care challenges of patients with ASD as they relate to radiation therapy treatment, current models of ASD health care accommodations, and communication and sensory considerations specific to radiation therapy. Attendees will receive educational resources, sample guidelines, and tools to implement inclusive and individualized care for patients with ASD.

Brianna Van Dyke, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• List common disparities of and barriers to care for patients who are on the spectrum.
• Improve communication skills to meet the needs of patients with ASD in radiation oncology.
• Recognize sensory-stimulating procedures involved in radiation therapy.
• Distinguish the complexity and severity of traits associated with ASD.
• Implement tools to accommodate sensory hypersensitivities in radiation oncology.

This course will provide an overview of the clinical application of kilovoltage triggered seed matching software for monitoring intrafraction movement in a stereotactic body radiation therapy prostate treatment course. The presenters will discuss the use of kV triggered seed tracking, its clinical applications, and its benefits and outcomes. They also will provide attendees with the rationale for choosing candidates for this treatment course with the goal of minimizing long-term side effects while providing adequate tumor control.

Kamil Szopa, B.S., R.T.(T)

Selenia Adlam, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Identify critical components in the use of kV triggered seed matching.
• Identify the procedure’s benefits and outcomes.
• Understand how to implement the procedure into the normal workflow.
• Identify when treatment should be interrupted based on seed position.

UW Health in Madison implemented service improvement committees to improve efficiency, safety and accreditation requirements in the radiation oncology department. The committees focus on improving working relationships among groups and ensuring autonomy for those who are doing the work and creating and updating the procedures. This course will provide tips on how attendees can implement similar committees in their radiation oncology departments.

Stephanie K. Bailey, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Explore the pros and cons of having a single policy and procedure committee to oversee and manage all procedures.
• Understand the steps and work involved in establishing service improvement committees.
• Identify the roles and requirements for creating a successful service improvement committee.
• Realize the importance of communication, autonomy and leadership in a service improvement committee.
• Feel informed enough to implement a service improvement committee in a radiation oncology department.

This course will provide references and resources to assist oncology staff members in their day-to-day responsibilities related to documentation, reimbursement and compliance. The presenters will review the current Medicare guidelines to assist in compliant documentation and code capture for procedures performed in the radiation oncology department; provide the latest updates and proposed rules for 2023; and discuss radiation oncology payment model updates.

Trena Taylor, B.A., R.T.(R)(T), CPC

Objectives

• Improve understanding about Medicare, and billing and coding.
• Understand authoritative guidance and legislative updates.
• Discuss hot topics such as radiation oncology model updates.
• Participate in interactive discussions and Q&A sessions.

Online adaptive radiotherapy is a novel and emerging treatment option for cancer patients worldwide. oART allows for daily modification of the treatment plan at the point of care to respond to anatomical variations, improve dose to targets, and reduce organ-at-risk exposures and toxicity. Mounting global evidence demonstrates that with training and credentialing, radiation therapists can safely and efficiently lead the oART workflow when supported by physician directives, decision aids, an on-call multidisciplinary team and post-fraction monitoring. This course will summarize the evidence base for training and credentialing to facilitate a radiation therapist-led workflow in oART and outline how Northern Sydney Cancer Centre adopted this approach to advance its current practices.

Leigh Ambrose, Dip.MRT

Alexandra Turk, B.M.R.S.

Meegan Shepherd, B.App. MRS (RT), M.H.Sci. (RT), M.Ed.

Objectives

• Describe the resource requirements and process for implementing oART into a department.
• Understand how to build, test and evaluate planning templates for oART.
• Understand how patient, technical and human resources, as well as environmental factors affect the success of oART.
• Discuss global evidence base for oART education and training.
• Learn about oART workflows and Australian in-house credentialing, including role responsibilities, support strategies and opportunities for radiation therapist up-skilling.
• Discuss future directions and partnerships.

This course demonstrates the surface-guided radiation therapy AlignRT system with a live in-person “patient.” The speakers will demonstrate three workflows for a breast treatment: a breast 3-point setup with tattoos, a 3-point breast setup with tattoos and fine-tuning the setup with AlignRT, and a 3-point breast setup using no tattoos and only AlignRT. They also will provide a side-by-side comparison of how SGRT can increase efficiency, accuracy, and patient satisfaction with tattooless and markerless workflows, and discuss what an accelerated partial breast irradiation looks like using AlignRT.

Benjamin Deppe, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

MaryElisabeth Tjader, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Learn how to create a proper region of interest to optimize system tracking.
• Understand how going markerless can reduce treatment setup time.
• Apply effective skills that assist in creating efficiency, accuracy and patient satisfaction when positioning patients using the AlignRT system.

This course will be a deep dive into the ubiquitous and essential tool that is vacuum bags. The speaker will share best practices for vacuum bag positioning and explain why this is the most critical aspect of set-up. He will explore considerations for optimal body positioning, hands-on vacuum bag molding techniques, and set-up recommendations and techniques for different treatment types. In addition, he will demonstrate proper vacuum bag preparation and the importance of proper set-up to save time during the course of treatment.

Todie Schell, R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Learn why vacuum bags are an integral element of set-up.
• Learn best practices for indexing, patient positioning and patient comfort.
• Gather techniques for different treatment set-ups and ideal positioning.
• Understand how dosimetry and physics play into positioning set-up considerations.

The information shared in this course will enhance attendees’ knowledge of safe patient handling in radiation oncology and increase their awareness of patient handling aids, available equipment, assessment tools and injury prevention. The presenters will cover body mechanics and ergonomics for preventing workplace injuries, and provide information that will enable attendees to examine their current patient handling processes and make practice improvements that benefit patients and employees.

Courtney Vinsand, M.H.A., R.T.(T)

Katie Voigt, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Learn about current safe patient handling policies.
• List types of handling aids and equipment.
• Identify techniques to prevent workplace injuries.
• Review training aids and techniques for annual and new hire competencies.
• Discuss the future direction of radiation oncology.

Traditionally, superficial skin lesions are treated using electrons or orthovoltage x-rays due to the rapid dose fall-off. Most C-arm linear accelerators have the capability to treat superficial lesions using electrons. Ring-mounted linear accelerators, such as the Varian Halcyon, use a 6 mV FFF beam without the capability to use electrons, limiting its ability to treat superficial skin lesions. In this course, the presenters will introduce a novel technique to treat superficial skin lesions using a ring-mounted helical linear accelerator with megavoltage x-rays and a 6 mV FFF beam with a 3D-printed custom bolus.

Naomi Golfeiz, B.S., R.T.(T)

James Matera, M.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Learn how to create a 3D bolus.
• Differentiate between photon and electron treatments.
• Understand how to use a Halcyon machine to treat superficial lesions.
• Compare mV x-rays and electrons in the treatment of superficial lesions.

In this presentation, the speakers will provide an overview of the various imaging platforms that exist in the field of radiation therapy. They also will discuss the upgrades in imaging quality and advancements in linear accelerator imaging, highlight the workflows of these systems, and explain their clinical advantages. This comprehensive presentation will help attendees better understand the effects of advancements in imaging technology on treating patients in real time.

Awais Mirza, R.T.(T)

Medgine Gittens, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Identify the evolution of imaging platforms.
• Understand the situations that require using advanced imaging.
• Explain institutional adoption of certain imaging techniques.
• Review training and organizational processes for implementing new imaging technology.
• Understand differences in workflow and complications when using selected imaging platforms.

In this course, the presenters will describe the implementation of asymptomatic testing algorithms and construction of negative air pressure computed tomography simulator and treatment rooms within a tertiary care hospital-based radiation oncology network to accommodate the safe treatment of patients affected by COVID-19. These steps were done in collaboration with the facility’s hospital epidemiology and infection control colleagues.

Valerie Briner, M.H.A., R.T.(R)(T)(MR)

Annette Souranis, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Learn how one facility adopted new methods to continue delivering radiation therapy treatments to patients during the pandemic.

The thought of starting a research study is often overwhelming and confusing. The key is to break the process into steps, checking the boxes as tasks are complete. This course will describe the process, from start to finish, of selecting a topic, forming a team, collecting data and publishing results.

Jana Koth, M.P.H., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Discuss the barriers to starting a research study.
• Understand the key points of getting started with clinical research.
• Describe the process and challenges of data collection.
• Discuss the process of summarizing and publishing results.

This course demonstrates the surface-guided radiation therapy AlignRT system with a live in-person “patient.” The speakers will demonstrate three workflows for a breast treatment: a breast 3-point setup with tattoos, a 3-point breast setup with tattoos and fine-tuning the setup with AlignRT, and a 3-point breast setup using no tattoos and only AlignRT. They also will provide a side-by-side comparison of how SGRT can increase efficiency, accuracy, and patient satisfaction with tattooless and markerless workflows, and discuss what an accelerated partial breast irradiation looks like using AlignRT.

Benjamin Deppe, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

MaryElisabeth Tjader, B.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Learn how to create a proper region of interest to optimize system tracking.
• Understand how going markerless can reduce treatment setup time.
• Apply effective skills that assist in creating efficiency, accuracy and patient satisfaction when positioning patients using the AlignRT system.

This course will be a deep dive into the ubiquitous and essential tool that is vacuum bags. The speaker will share best practices for vacuum bag positioning and explain why this is the most critical aspect of set-up. He will explore considerations for optimal body positioning, hands-on vacuum bag molding techniques, and set-up recommendations and techniques for different treatment types. In addition, he will demonstrate proper vacuum bag preparation and the importance of proper set-up to save time during the course of treatment.

Todie Schell, R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Learn why vacuum bags are an integral element of set-up.
• Learn best practices for indexing, patient positioning and patient comfort.
• Gather techniques for different treatment set-ups and ideal positioning.
• Understand how dosimetry and physics play into positioning set-up considerations.

If you are interested in attending this luncheon please RSVP at publications@asrt.org.

An advanced practice radiation therapist is a radiation therapist who, through training and education, possesses the knowledge, elevated skills and judgment to provide a higher level of care in the radiation oncology department. The use of APRTs can help meet the radiation oncology department’s growing demands, increase efficiency, decrease costs and retain skilled staff. In this course, the presenters will discuss the professional development opportunities that can be created by maximizing the radiation therapist’s scope of practice to enhance care and meet modern challenges and needs. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how to lead conversations about, enact research about and defend the APRT role.

Samantha Skubish, M.S., R.T.(R)(T)

Clodagh Starrs, MSc, R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Define the role of an APRT.
• Understand the current scope of practice and drivers behind maximization.
• Explore international models of practice and alternative models of care.
• Review the potential barriers and benefits of expanding the radiation therapist’s clinical role in the U.S.
• Understand how to conduct a needs assessment and establish an evidence-based initiative to meet individual departmental needs.
• Explore a roadmap for studying and implementing the APRT role as part of a larger national initiative, using the APRTWG initiatives as a model.

Patient imaging techniques are constantly evolving in the world of radiation therapy. Once on-board imaging was developed, advancements in imaging and its software continued to improve. This course will focus on imaging advancements, specifically with Siemens’ SOMATOM go.Sim’s DirectDensity features and Varian’s TrueBeam. Participants will learn more about various triggered imaging options and how to incorporate them into their own departmental stereotactic body radiation therapy protocols.

Heather Jones, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Learn about Siemens’ SOMATOM go.Sim features, including DirectDensity, respiratory gating system for scanners integration, and ARIA DICOM worklist.
• Recognize when to use TrueBeam advanced imaging features such as on-demand imaging and triggered imaging.
• Identify triggered imaging options to incorporate into departmental protocols.
• Understand SBRT protocols with fiducials and gated treatments.

The shift from 2D to volumetric computed tomography imaging and to magnetic resonance image-guided radiation therapy has resulted in decreases in the high dose bath of radiation treatments. The pace of innovation in radiation therapy is high and the window of opportunity to implement appropriate education is narrow. It is the radiation therapy community’s responsibility to ensure that radiation therapists and dosimetrists are appropriately educated in how to apply technological advancements to fully harness the promise of higher cure rates and fewer side effects for patients. This course will provide attendees with a practical five-phase framework to enable the safe, effective and timely introduction of innovations into radiation therapy practice.

Laura D’Alimonte, M.H.Sc., MRT(T)

Mikki Campbell, M.H.E., B.Sc., MRT(T)

Objectives

• Describe key lessons learned related to the shift from 2D to volumetric CT imaging.
• Discuss the key activities for radiation therapists and dosimetrists to engage in when planning for the clinical introduction of technological advancements.
• Relate the five-phase framework to the current clinical introduction of MRgRT.
• Apply the framework to future technological innovations.

The stereotactic technique has become a standard of care for many practices; however, the technique has different requirements for staff roles when compared to other standard of care external beam techniques. Not following these requirements could result in a compliance risk, as many of these requirements are tied to correct coding and billing and, potentially, accreditation for the facility. This course content will focus on the key staff members required to be involved in a stereotactic treatment course as defined by Medicare, the American Medical Association and other professional organizations; and will address how to support requirements for participation within the medical record and key documentation elements required by the payers.

Tamara Syverson, B.S., R.T.(T), CHONC

Objectives

• Review the fractionation requirements for billing SRS and SBRT techniques.
• Discuss the differences in the process of care for each technique.
• Identify the key members of the treatment team and their roles and responsibilities.
• Review published guidelines related to staff and physician participation.
• Review required documentation elements and support for work performed.
• Understand the risk of lacking or incomplete documentation.

Interprofessional education and interprofessional education collaborative practice are relatively new concepts in the radiation oncology professions; however, research shows that their successful integration better prepares health professions learners to work together in clinical practice with the common goal of improving the health system and patient-centric care. In this course, the speakers will provide examples of interprofessional educational models, discuss interprofessional education clinical applications and current research findings, and explore interprofessional collaboration opportunities.

Kristi Tonning, Ph.D., R.T.(T)

Maria Thompson, M.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Identify areas in the ASRT Radiation Therapist Scope of Practice where interprofessional collaboration is possible.
• Describe the barriers and facilitators for successful IPE and IPCP integration across education programs and clinical departments.
• Define the core competencies of IPE and IPCP.
• Recognize the impact of IPE on education and IPCP clinical practice.

This lecture will focus on the benefits and risks of using surface-guided radiation therapy for hypofractionated treatment plans. Benefits are better treatment outcomes, fewer trips to the clinic for the patient, and fewer fractions on the treatment schedule. The risks include a substantially higher per fraction radiation dose compared to a standard fraction treatment course. This lecture will discuss how SGRT fits into various hypofractionated treatment courses to ensure patient setup accuracy, reduce multiple rounds of imaging to verify patient positioning, and reduce treatment time duration.

Madeline Krocak, R.T.(T)

Kira-Lee Oliver

Objectives

• Understand the benefits that SGRT brings to hypofractionated treatment plans.
• Explore how SGRT aids patient setup accuracy and reduces pretreatment imaging time.
• Discuss the specific use case of SGRT in SRS and SBRT treatment courses for thorax and abdomen sites.

In this hands-on workshop, the speakers will explore methods of bite block immobilization with thermoplastic masks, when and how these tools can positively impact treatment and setup, the benefits of bite blocks for tissue sparing, tongue depression and tongue diversion techniques, and the scenarios in which these tools are helpful and necessary. The speakers also will explore two different methodologies for bite fixation, giving attendees the opportunity to experience these methods for themselves.

Todie Schell, R.T.(T)

Eliza Larson, M.F.A.

Objectives

• Examine the benefits of bite blocks and learn best practices for tissue sparing positioning techniques.
• Gain hands-on experience with existing and new methods of oral positioning.
• Gain knowledge of different approaches to bite block immobilization methods.
• Learn about advanced positioning for the tongue and jaw.

Now more than ever before, radiation therapists must come together if they are to keep moving forward. To improve workplace functions and create the best radiation therapy department for patients, staff and the organization, radiation therapists must continue to communicate in a positive manner, keep an open mind, and be patient with and understanding of the cultural and generational differences among co-workers.

Cassandra T. Worley, M.S.H.A., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Recognize that cultural and generational gap differences exist and can be a challenging component in departments.
• Define the types of cultures and generations.
• Discuss the research and the recruitment and retention data about the topic.
• Understand how to contribute to improving departments with objective knowledge.

This course content will bring awareness to the free-breathing gated treatment technique, its clinical application from the perspective of a radiation therapist, and ways to use the technique for patients who cannot use breath-hold for treatment. Attendees will be instructed on the criteria for choosing a gated treatment and basic instructions on how treatment is delivered on a Varian Truebeam Linear Accelerator. They also will learn about the phases of the treatment process and the variables that assist in delivering a successful treatment.

Amber Wolery, R.T.(R)(T)

Objectives

• Recognize when gating can be an optimal treatment option and identify ideal patients for gating.
• Learn the steps of a successful gated simulation.
• Prepare the treatment plan with sufficient imaging.
• Adequately align the patient using a multistep imaging approach.
• Deliver a gated treatment.
• Discuss current and future uses of gating.

MD Anderson’s Proton Therapy Center recently started using a craniospinal immobilization device from Orfit to standardize patient setups and improve setup accuracy. The clinical therapy team evaluated treatment data from a year before and after the introduction of the immobilization device to assess changes in the couch shifts and treatment times of CSI treatments at the Center. The presenter will summarize the experience, giving attendees insight into how data and oncology information systems can be used to evaluate process improvements.

Chandler L. Collins, M.S.R.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Use LEAN tools to evaluate clinical processes.
• Implement process improvement practices in the clinic.
• Measure treatment times and couch localization data using oncology information systems.

While many radiation therapists are familiar with the concept of mentoring, they may not be aware of all the opportunities available or how to implement a mentorship program in their workplace. In this course, the presenter will discuss the need and opportunities for mentorship within the radiologic sciences, and the benefits it brings to the mentor, mentee and health care organizations. Attendees will leave this course with a new appreciation for the power of mentorship and the tools and steps needed to create a mentorship program in their departments.

Amy Heath, M.S., R.T.(T), FASRT

Objectives

• Define mentorship and its role in the radiologic sciences.
• Discuss opportunities to include formal and informal mentoring in radiation therapy departments.
• Describe the benefits of a mentorship program for the mentor, mentee and department.
• Recognize characteristics needed to be an effective mentor and mentee.
• Identify the steps and tools needed to establish a successful mentorship program.

This course will describe the successful transition of Penn Medicine radiation therapy training programs to a virtual platform during the pandemic and the lessons learned through that change. Attendees will learn how the facility was able to adapt to and overcome COVID-19 restrictions to continue training radiation oncologists, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists and administrators from around the world to deliver safe and effective proton beam therapy.

Courtney T. Misher, M.P.H., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Compare the training program before and after going virtual.
• Discuss the transition to virtual, including the lessons learned.
• Explain the virtual platforms being used and why they were chosen.
• Learn how virtual instructor-led training and interactive e-learning materials were developed and how learning objectives were defined.
• Discuss the what the future holds.

This lecture will focus on the benefits and risks of using surface-guided radiation therapy for hypofractionated treatment plans. Benefits are better treatment outcomes, fewer trips to the clinic for the patient, and fewer fractions on the treatment schedule. The risks include a substantially higher per fraction radiation dose compared to a standard fraction treatment course. This lecture will discuss how SGRT fits into various hypofractionated treatment courses to ensure patient setup accuracy, reduce multiple rounds of imaging to verify patient positioning, and reduce treatment time duration.

Madeline Krocak, R.T.(T)

Kira-Lee Oliver

Objectives

• Understand the benefits that SGRT brings to hypofractionated treatment plans.
• Explore how SGRT aids patient setup accuracy and reduces pretreatment imaging time.
• Discuss the specific use case of SGRT in SRS and SBRT treatment courses for thorax and abdomen sites.

In this hands-on workshop, the speakers will explore methods of bite block immobilization with thermoplastic masks, when and how these tools can positively impact treatment and setup, the benefits of bite blocks for tissue sparing, tongue depression and tongue diversion techniques, and the scenarios in which these tools are helpful and necessary. The speakers also will explore two different methodologies for bite fixation, giving attendees the opportunity to experience these methods for themselves.

Todie Schell, R.T.(T)

Eliza Larson, M.F.A.

Objectives

• Examine the benefits of bite blocks and learn best practices for tissue sparing positioning techniques.
• Gain hands-on experience with existing and new methods of oral positioning.
• Gain knowledge of different approaches to bite block immobilization methods.
• Learn about advanced positioning for the tongue and jaw.

During the pandemic, therapists experienced — and continue to experience — pressure, fear, exhaustion, isolation, emotional trauma and stress. Any of these factors can impact a person’s mental health and ability to provide the best possible care. Managing one’s own mental health is as important as managing one’s physical health. This course will highlight methods that therapists can use daily to manage stress and bring awareness to a growing issue that is causing burnout for so many. Attendees also will learn that setting boundaries and putting one’s mental health first are vital for personal well-being and for being able to deliver quality patient care.

Taleah E. Tatum, M.H.A., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Identify the diverse types of stressors.
• Understand what leads to the breakdown of one’s mental health.
• Learn coping techniques.
• Understand the rationale for seeking help and how to ask leadership for it.
• Discuss future directions.

This course will instruct attendees on how to apply psychology theories and principles to their places of work. Attendees will gain a deep-rooted understanding of group and individual organizational dynamics, as well as insight on how to increase employee motivation, job satisfaction and overall well-being.

Kimberly Callahan, B.S., R.T.(T)

Para Kouhestani, M.S., R.T.(T), PMP

Objectives

• Manage group behaviors and interactions.
• Enhance team performance.
• Cultivate motivation and job satisfaction.
• Adopt situational awareness and mindfulness.

Using data from various research studies, the presenters will discuss the effects that various imaging techniques may have on patient dose. The information will enable attendees to strengthen their knowledge of the significance of daily imaging doses and improve their understanding of the impact of advancing technologies on patient dose.

Samantha Bickerton, R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Identify dose among imaging modalities.
• Distinguish the effects of adjusting kilovoltage, milliampere-second and field of view on dose.
• Identify how radiation is measured in the field.
• Discuss new and future advancements.

Many patients, particularly those from marginalized communities, face treatment-hindering barriers that may impact their radiation treatment. Radiation therapists do more than provide their patients with the best and most accurate cancer care; they also build relationships with their patients and care about what they are going through. This course will offer attendees resources they can share with patients who are struggling financially and emotionally to access treatment.

Beatrice Nunez, B.S., R.T.(T)

Cameron Tharp, B.S., R.T.(T)

Rima Ahmad, B.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Identify obstacles that may affect radiation therapy patients’ access to cancer care.
• Understand the financial and emotional struggles patients face.
• Discover resources that are available to help patients.

In 2017, the OHSU Radiation Therapy Program implemented the Patient Education Capstone as part of the Bachelor of Science curriculum. Students in the program are required to develop a multimedia patient educational module, putting special attention on health literacy and the level of information necessary to achieve quality patient education, and with the goal of patient-facing dissemination. The presenters will explain the need for quality, innovative patient education in radiation oncology; the structure and expectations of the patient education capstone; and the successes and lessons learned at OHSU.

Kristi Tonning, Ph.D., R.T.(T)

Maria Thompson, M.S., R.T.(T)

Objectives

• Compare current patient education practices in radiation oncology and identify subsequent gaps.
• Discuss lessons learned and examples from the implementation and dissemination of student-developed patient education modules.
• Identify patient education project-to-assessment opportunities with student learning outcomes and Moore’s level 6 outcomes.
• Understand how to infuse principles of health literacy throughout the development, feedback, review and dissemination of patient education modules.