Imagine an action movie where a team fighting for a common good band together and use their powers to take on a villain who threatens the well-being of innocent people. That’s what Smilow Cancer Hospital’s Radiation Oncology team does in real life.
During one of Smilow Cancer Hospital’s recent Grand Rounds for Employees, experts with Radiation Oncology highlighted how they work as a multidisciplinary team to treat cancer.
Panelists included a physician resident, medical physicist, medical dosimetrist, radiation therapist and radiation oncology nurse, all of whom play an integral and collaborative role in combating cancer.
Presenters walked the audience through the radiation oncology process, from consultation to treatment to follow-up care, including managing the emotional and physical side effects of therapy. They described radiation oncology’s therapeutic effects for patients and the safety measures designed to ensure that radiation affects only cancer cells, not the healthy cells surrounding the cancerous area.
Smilow’s Grand Rounds for Employees are comprehensive yet comprehensible sessions that illuminate the importance of patient care and the patient experience at Smilow and Yale New Haven Health.
“You don’t need to be a clinician to attend the Grand Rounds,” said Camille Servodidio, RN, program manager, Women’s Oncology Services. “In fact, they are specifically designed so that all employees can understand the subject matter. If you like learning about the amazing work going on at Smilow and Yale Cancer Center, you’ll enjoy the sessions.”
The Grand Rounds program was introduced in 2017 to inform employees in non-clinical areas about cancer and the cancer care YNHHS provides. The mission is to engage with staff so that all employees understand the value of their work in the organization.
In addition to radiation oncology, Grand Rounds have covered topics such as melanoma, chemotherapy, hospice and the roles of social work and spiritual care in cancer care.
Watch for screen savers on hospital computer monitors that will advertise upcoming Grand Rounds. Sessions are held in the 55 Park St. auditorium, with lunch provided. Employees interested in attending should RSVP to [email protected].
