Physician Assistant Program in Oncology
Training Goals
The primary goal of the postgraduate PA program is to train PAs, using a multidisciplinary approach, in adult oncology through hands-on training and supportive supervision. This comprehensive fellowship combines basic academic, technical and judgmental skills into a framework necessary for conducting effective cancer management.
Program Description
The postgraduate PA program spans 12 months and is designed to prepare PAs for a career in adult medical, surgical and radiation oncology.
Documents
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Review Comission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. (March 2008 - March 2011).
Knowledge Objectives
- Etiology of cancer, including predisposing causal factors leading to neoplasia
- Epidemiology and natural history of cancer
- Fundamental concepts of cellular and molecular biology, cytogenetics and tumor immunology
- Basic clinical pharmacology, including toxicity
- Management of treatment protocols
- Indications, limitations and complications of antineoplastic therapy
- Indications, limitations and complications of surgery and radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer
- Concepts of supportive care, including hematology, infectious disease and nutrition
- Psychosocial aspects for the cancer patient
Didactic Curriculum
The didactic component of the curriculum consists of lectures, multidisciplinary conferences and Institutional Grand Rounds. By working at a premier oncology research institution, participants will have the opportunity to become involved in research. At the end of the year, each PA will prepare a manuscript suitable for publication on a relevant oncology topic.
Clinical Curriculum
The didactic portion of the curriculum is reinforced daily by hands-on training in a variety of settings, including multidisciplinary clinics, hospital wards, the emergency room and the operating room. Trainees will become an integral part of the health care team, be supervised by an attending physician and gain the confidence and skills required to become a successful oncologic PA.
Participants will have the opportunity to gain skills in various surgical procedures, bone marrow aspiration, biopsy interpretation and management of immunocompromised patients. They will also gain experience in correlating the clinical evaluation of the patient with radiologic, laboratory and pathologic findings. During the year, PAs will rotate through more than 12 disciplines. In addition, time will be available for elective rotations.
Core Clinical Rotations
- Breast Oncology
- Gastrointestinal Oncology
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Head and Neck Oncology
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Melanoma
- Sarcoma
- Stem Cell Transplant
- Neuro Oncology
- Thoracic Oncology
- Genitourinary Oncology
Trainee Application and Information
A competitive stipend, as well as excellent benefits, will be provided. Upon completion of the program, participants will receive a certificate and obtain more than 50 Category I continuing medical education hours. They may also discover future job opportunities by networking within M. D. Anderson.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the program, students
- Must be a graduate in good standing of a Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation of the American Medical Association approved PA program
- Must hold a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- Must submit three letters of recommendation
If employed, one letter must be from a current supervising physician. New graduates must provide at least one letter of recommendation from their program director or a clinical faculty member. Guidelines for Letters of Recommendation (pdf) - Must include a curriculum vitae with the admissions application
- Must have passed or be eligible to take the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants Examination
- Must obtain a Texas PA license prior to the program start date
- Must provide all application materials by April 1
All application materials will be received and processed between January 1 and April 1 of the same calendar year in which application to the program is made. All application materials must be received by April 1.
Applications
Apply to this program using the DISCOVER online application system. 
DISCOVER is a Web-based application system to streamline the educational trainee application, selection and appointment processes at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. Applicants may use this system to apply to educational programs and opportunities within Graduate Medical Education, Clinical or Research Training in more than 200 programs and departments throughout the institution.
Selection Process
Applicants are selected based on their academic achievement, interpersonal skills and ongoing interest in oncology. Top applicants are invited to Houston for a formal interview.
Timetable
April 1: Deadline for receipt by our office of completed applications and supporting documents
May/June: Interviews
June: Notification of acceptance
Fall: Program commences
(An alternative start date may be arranged for candidates who will be graduating from a PA program after the fall start date.)