HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US, and hematologic abnormalities are frequent in medical patients. Internists must therefore be familiar with the diagnosis and care of hematologic and oncologic conditions. Through this mandatory rotation, residents will become familiar with common elements of the history, physical, differential diagnosis, and evaluation of hematology/oncology patients. Internists must be comfortable with prevention, screening, initial diagnostic evaluation and management, indications for prompt referral, and appropriate co-management of a plethora of hematologic and oncologic conditions. They must also be knowledgeable regarding indications for transfusion of blood components, management of neutropenia and immunosuppression, care for treatment-related side effects and palliative care.

The resident will evaluate outpatient continuity cancer patients, hospitalized hematology-oncology continuity patients, and hospitalized patients in need of hematology-oncology consultation. All patients will be presented to the attending physician who will fully supervise the resident’s care decisions. With faculty guidance as necessary, the resident will construct a differential diagnosis and plan further diagnostic studies and treatment. Residents perform as consultants in both the inpatient and outpatient setting, with full supervision of the consultative plan by the attending physician.

Residents will also attend outpatient chemotherapy infusion center activities and assist with patient care activities but will NOT write chemotherapy orders.