Radiation Oncology Los Angeles Medical Center - Curriculum

General Information

Ming Zhi, MD
Program Director
ming.zhi@kp.org 

Onita Bhattasali, MD
Associate Program Director
onita.bhattasali@kp.org 

Goals & Objectives

Our residents function as a critical part of the multi-disciplinary care team. The 48-month curriculum is designed by intention to achieve the ACGME Core Competencies of 1) professionalism, 2) patient care and procedural skills, 3) medical knowledge, 4) practice-based learning and improvement, 5) interpersonal and communication skills, and 6) systems-based practice.   

Clinical Experiences & Rotations

During residency, a minimum of 36 months will be spent in core clinical training. All clinical rotations are completed at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center including pediatrics. Our clinical curriculum is organized on a “mini-block” system (1-2 months) and integrated by design around each of the multi-disciplinary tumor boards that we host and lead on a weekly basis. Our senior residents (PGY-4, PGY-5) participate in a Senior Resident Clinic (SRC), reflective of our philosophy of fostering a graded transition towards independent practice. Clinical faculty members serve as Senior Resident Mentors (SRM) and are assigned to oversee treatment decision-making, planning, and implementation. The SRC has been consistently rated by current residents and alumni as one of the biggest strengths of our program. An additional 12 months are provided for research and/or clinical electives at the discretion of the resident and the approval of the program directorship. 

Didactics

Formal didactics are provided in a multitude of formats including but not limited to bimonthly faculty lectures, annual mock oral examinations, and our visiting professor A. Robert Kagan Memorial Lecture Series. On a weekly basis, residents participate in case conferences, Tuesday evening didactics, chart rounds, and resident-led journal club. Additionally, each resident will give an annual department talk on a relevant clinical topic of their choice. Residents will also receive formal instruction in radiation physics and radiation biology in a Friday lecture series to establish foundational understanding of our field and in preparation for written board examinations.  

Clinical & Basic Research

Our curriculum offers ample and dedicated time to participate in research and scholarly activities. Residents have easy access to an extensive tumor registry and on-site biochemistry laboratory. Residents may focus on clinical, radiation physics, or radiation biology research under the guidance of a mentor. It is required that this effort culminates in the completion of at least one investigative project followed by submission and/or presentation in a peer-reviewed journal or scientific meeting based on ACGME requirements. Please refer to our “Scholarly Activity” page for a showcase of recent resident publications and presentations.