Hematology and Oncology

The Hematology/Oncology course will cover a broad range of topics in the disciplines of Hematology and Oncology and instruction will take place over five weeks. Instruction in both Hematology and Oncology will build on information previously introduced in Fundamentals and will allow for further application and advancement of this knowledge. Emphasis within the course will be on correlation of underlying biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, pathophysiology, histology, immunology, and pharmacology with clinical aspects of hematologic and oncologic disorders. The Hematology content of the course will include a comprehensive consideration of the entire spectrum of hematologic disorders. While hematologic disorders may present in isolation, they often have multisystem manifestations. In view of this and given the integrative nature of the CMSRU curriculum, it will not be uncommon for some hematologic conditions discussed within the course to be revisited in subsequent phase 1 courses. The Oncology content of the course will primarily consist of broader overviews of concepts, as most of the teaching of specific neoplastic disorders will be presented in subsequent organ-system courses (e.g. a detailed discussion lung cancer will be covered during the Pulmonary course). Integration with other courses running simultaneously (Foundations of Medical Practice and Scholars’ Workshop) will include consideration of the principles of disease prevention and screening, breaking bad news, and living with chronic debilitating diseases.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Identify the major categories of hematologic and oncologic diseases.
• Develop and use a scientific vocabulary for effective communication with other health care professionals as it relates to hematologic and oncologic disease.
• Compare the normal structure/function/physiology of the involved cells/tissues/organs to the proposed pathogenesis and pathophysiology for hematologic and oncologic conditions.
• Identify the characteristic clinical features and laboratory tests and how they relate to the pathophysiology in hematologic and oncologic conditions.
• Construct a rational differential diagnosis for hematologic and oncologic diseases based on the synthesis of symptoms and clinical findings in hematologic and oncologic conditions.
• Apply knowledge of laboratory testing methods to the interpretation of commonly utilized laboratory tests in hematology and oncology (including CBC, RBC indices, reticulocyte count, flow cytometry, cytogenetics, molecular genetics, coagulation testing).
• Establish hematologic and oncologic diagnoses based on the analysis of diagnostic tests and results of procedures.
• Based on pathophysiology and/or natural history, develop a therapeutic plan for the management of hematologic and oncologic diseases.
• Explain mechanisms of action, pharmacology, indications, contraindications, and interactions of major
• classes of therapeutic agents used for hematologic and oncologic diseases, including anti-neoplastic agents, immunomodulatory agents, monoclonal antibodies, immunoglobulins, growth factors, vitamins, chelating agents, coagulation factors, vasopressin, anticoagulants, fibrinolytic agents, and antiplatelet therapy.
• Use knowledge of hematopoiesis to explain how different stem cell disorders may be interrelated
• State the immunologic basis of, stem cell sources for, principals of conditioning regimens of, and indications for stem cell transplantation
• Understand the principles of transfusion medicine and apheresis
• Describe the impact of living with chronic hematologic and oncologic disease on the patient, family and society
• Discuss the impact of delivering bad news
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and ethics of basic, clinical and translational research in hematology and oncology
• Demonstrate knowledge of the professional ethics as they relate to hematology and oncology
• Work collaboratively as part of a team to develop skills in medical problem solving, critical thinking, and self-directed and lifelong learning