Gynecologic Oncology

Program Director:
Dr. Prafull Ghatage
Tom Baker Cancer Centre
1331 - 29 Street NW
Calgary  AB  T2N 4N2
Phone: (403) 521-3810
Fax: (403) 283-1651 e-mail: prafullg@cancerboard.ab.ca

Program Administrator:
Ms. Lynn Steele
Phone: (403) 521-3810
Fax: (403) 283-1651
e-mail: lynnstee@cancerboard.ab.ca

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, in conjunction with the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, provides a formal training program in Gynecologic Oncology accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Prerequisites
This is a 2-year training program that requires successful completion of a 5-year Training Program in Obstetrics & Gynecology in a Royal College accredited program or equivalent.

Program Outline
The first six months are spent in the clinics and on the ward and also looking after admissions, which includes postoperative patients and palliative patients. During the first six months,  there is also a rotation in the Colposcopy unit and a minor surgery list weekly. The OR for minor surgery deals with patients who require an examination under anesthesia, cystoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, subclavian and abdominal Port-a-cath insertion, cone biopsies and laser therapy. We see approximately 15 new patients, 20-25 chemotherapy patients, and 40-50 follow-up patients on a weekly basis. We participate in NCIC and Pharmaceutical-Sponsored Phase II and III trials.

The next six months are focused on electives. There is an expectation of spending 6-8 weeks each in radiation oncology and medical oncology. The rest of the time is spent either in surgical oncology, urology, palliative care, or doing research.

Most of the second year is spent in the operating room and assessing chemotherapy patients. The focus during the second year is to develop appropriate skills in diagnosing and managing patients with various gynecologic malignancies. This includes urologic and colorectal surgery, pelvic reconstruction, and radical laparoscopic surgery.

A third year in research to pursue a Masters in Education or Epidemiology can also be offered. The Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute also offers basic and translational research.

Teaching
It is expected that the trainee will participate in the core curriculum seminars, Pathology Tumor Board Rounds, Gynecologic Oncologic Rounds, and other teaching sessions relevant to the specialty.
A course in biostatistics and clinical trial methodology is offered in alternate years.

Research
All Fellows are expected to have completed at least one research project and have it accepted in a peer-reviewed journal.

Resources
The Gynecologic Oncology Program includes 3 qualified Gynecologic Oncologists working in a team with two Radiation Oncologists, three Gynecologic Pathologists, and two Psychologists. There is close coordination with the surgical and medical oncologists.

Selection Criteria
Application for training must be received by March 31st of the year prior to the year in which you wish to start training. The following are required for application:

• CV
• Covering letter explaining why you wish to pursue a career in Gynecologic Oncology
• Three letters of reference

Personal interviews are required for short-listed applicants.