Courses

The SCIT program requires that trainees take the equivalent of at least one full-quarter course load over the duration of the two-year program. From among the many relevant courses offered at Stanford, trainees select (see Table A) at least two core courses in clinical/cancer sciences; two core courses in the basic imaging sciences; one core course in biostatistics; attendance at Tumor Boards; and one core course in medical ethics (“Responsible Conduct of Research” MED 255). With the exception of MED 255, which all trainees at Stanford are required to take, individual core requirements can be waived if the trainee can demonstrate equivalent course work. The other course requirements are jointly selected by the trainee/mentors in accordance with the chosen research project and the trainee’s own background. Table B is a partial list of courses that are available to satisfy core requirements; more than the minimum may be taken upon agreement of the trainee/mentors.

Trainees may also participate in a 34-week (1 hr/week) radiological physics course, directed by Dr. Bammer (mentor), and offered by the Department of Radiology. The course provides instruction in the physics of major medical imaging modalities (e.g., x-ray, ultrasound, PET, CT, MR), as well as radiation safety. Also available to trainees is a medical physics course in Radiation Oncology, directed by Dr. Xing (mentor), that includes all aspects of the planning, delivery, and verification of 3D and 4D therapy as well as all applications of imaging and image analysis in radiation therapy. The PDs will track course selection and completion at the quarterly meetings. Coursework is an integral component of the program, and mentors will work closely with trainees to tailor the coursework to match their individual backgrounds and to meet their needs.

Trainees also will be encouraged to participate in other medical imaging and cancer biology-related courses offered by the University and Medical Center as they and/or their mentors feel necessary, including the courses in departments such as Molecular Pharmacology, Oncology, and Immunology as well as research meetings associated with the Radiology Department’s active ICMIC (P50) and CCNE (U54) grants in molecular imaging and nanotechnology, or research meetings such as Dr. Napel’s and Rubin’s weekly "featuregroup" lab group meeting. Trainees will also be encouraged to attend local postgraduate courses in the Stanford vicinity. In addition, travel to and attendance at one national or international scientific conference per year will be provided; trainees are expected to submit to and present research papers at these conferences.