Program Director:
Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.
Associate Director:
Wayne H. Pinover, D.O.
Program Coordinator:
Eleanor Michele
Overview of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program
Since its inception in the first quarter of the twentieth century the department has helped set the pace for new developments in the field, establishing for itself a distinguished reputation. The Radiation Oncology Residency Program at Hahnemann University Hospital, which began in 1969, was one of the early fully approved training programs in radiation oncology.
This program provides residents with a broad exposure to clinical care, teaching and research through two components: clinical radiation oncology and clinical research. In addition to rotations at Hahnemann University Hospital, residents will rotate through Radiation Oncology at Abington Memorial Hospital, the primary clinical site. Other electives are considered in response to the needs of the residents, which include: medical oncology, pediatric radiation oncology, head and neck, or CyberKnife. A special radiation physics rotation at Hahnemann Hospital or Abington Memorial Hospital may be provided for the resident if necessary. In addition, a research block is set-up to assist in developing research ideas and preparations of manuscripts for publication(s). A well thought out plan for clinical research is necessary prior to approval of the research rotation.
The clinical radiation oncology component provides training in diagnosis and management of malignant diseases, application of external radiation therapy and brachytherapy for malignant diseases in adults and children. The department’s technology and programs include Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), fully integrated 3D Multi-leaf Collimator (MLC), 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy treatment planning system, high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) for breast, prostate, GYN, lung and other sites. Additional programs are: total body irradiation for bone marrow transplants, total skin irradiation for mycosis fungoides, stereotactic radiotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery, as well as a joint program with Wills Eye Surgery Center for the treatment of ocular malignancies. The Department also offers hyperbaric oxygen therapy for healing of radiation injury and other wounds.
The program includes a yearly didactic session for all residents in physics and radiation biology. Other conferences and tumor boards occur along with journal clubs in the various disciplines.
We invite you to come visit us in Philadelphia, to meet our dedicated faculty and residents and see our facilities. We know that residents who train with us will be among the best prepared to meet the challenges of the healthcare world of the 21st Century. The affiliation with Drexel University also provides unique opportunities, including those with the School of Public Health in Philadelphia, Biomedcal Engineering, Information and Technology. Hahnemann residents have presented their unique research and case reports not only at a local level, but at national conferences as well.
Wherever you envision your future, we will provide you with the well-rounded education, unique experiences and personal development that will position you to successfully attain your goal. I welcome you to consider the opportunity and meet our faculty as well as residents.
Lydia Komarnicky, M.D.
Professor and Chair, Department of Radiation Oncology
Cancer Program Director
Residency Program Director
Please note that residents are employed by and insured by the hospital; they are not employees of Drexel University College of Medicine.
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