Faculty supervision:
Dr. Laura Donovan and rotating faculty
Description of rotation:
The neuro-oncology rotation at Columbia University Medical Service consists of inpatient consultations on patients with primary brain tumors, cancer metastatic to central nervous system, and neurological complications of cancer and its therapies.
Residents will also rotate in the outpatient setting to gain additional experience with the long term management and treatment strategies involved in treating patients with cancer involving the nervous system.
Columbia PGY-2 and 3 neurology residents will rotate in the neuro-oncology division at Columbia University Medical Center. The primary objective of the rotation is for residents to broaden their exposure to the primary and consultative management of neuro-oncology patients.
The structure of the rotation includes daily consultation rounds with the service attending neuro-oncologist, as well supervised direct patient care in the outpatient setting.
Specific goals:
Patient Care
To develop competence in performing the clinical history, examination, assessment and basic management of neurological symptoms and complications in patients with nervous system malignancy
To recognize and manage neuro-oncological emergencies.
To perform inpatient and outpatient consultations on patients with malignancy involving the nervous system
To learn the basic management options for patients with malignancy in the nervous system including indications for radiation oncology, neuro-surgical intervention, and chemotherapeutic options.
Medical Knowledge
Learn basic principles of management of primary brain tumors including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and other medical therapies, and an up-to-date knowledge of agents in clinical research as applicable to Neuro-oncology.
Learn basic principles of treatment of metastatic cancer to the nervous system including brain, spinal cord, leptomeningeal, epidural, plexus, peripheral nerve, and skull metastases
Learn basic principles in the treatment of cancer-related neurologic complications, specifically as it applies to neuro-oncologic patients, including: toxic, nutritional or metabolic encephalopathy, CNS and systemic infections, cerebrovascular disease, seizures, increased intracranial pressure, deep venous thromboembolism, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, and paraneoplastic syndromes
Learn how to evaluate and provide basic medical care for neurooncologic complications of cancer or medical disorders that may typically occur in Neuro-oncology patients, including treatment of toxic effects of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other neuro-oncologic therapeutic modalities
Learn basic principles in supportive and end-of life care and pain management of Neuro-oncology patients
Develop skills involved in coordination of the overall management plan for Neurooncology patients, including coordination of the interdisciplinary management of patients with neuro-oncologic disorders (e.g., appropriate indications for referral for consultation with or care by medical oncologists, neurosurgeons, radiation oncologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, pain management specialists, rehabilitative personnel, and/or palliative care personnel).
Interpersonal Skills and Communication
To interact and communicate effectively and compassionately with neuro-oncology patients and their family members in a professional, ethical and culturally sensitive manner
To observe and practice discussions regarding end of life and palliative care
To present concise, accurate, and complete case descriptions to the neuro-oncology attending
To provide effective documentation of all aspects of the neuro-oncological case
Professionalism
To demonstrate the professional habits of punctuality, responsibility, honesty, integrity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in the care of patients with nervous system malignancy
To demonstrate an appreciation for end-of-life care and ethical issues regarding experimental treatment, medical futility, and the provision or withholding of care
To be compliant with ethical and legal standards, work hour guidelines and the requirements of patient confidentiality
Systems-Based Practice
To demonstrate the ability to function well in the inpatient and outpatient setting in the care of patients with neuro-oncological diseases
To develop awareness of neuro-oncology protocols, practice guidelines and other resources that may enhance patient care.
Practice-Based Learning and Improvement
To demonstrate ability to use current literature to gain better understanding of neurooncological issues
Evaluation:
Performance written evaluations are provided the supervising attending using the electronic Medhub system. Verbal feedback is provided at the end of the rotation by supervising faculty.
Last updated 7/21/25