Interested in Oncology and Research?

I am so ecstatic to share my experience at the Medstar Georgetown University Hospital Rotation. Firstly, I just wanted to put it out there that if you are interested in research or oncology, this will be a great rotation. The staff is amazing and very helpful. I have had the privilege to network with many individuals during my stay here (i.e. Pharmacists, Nurses, Doctors... and the list continues). It is so difficult for me to leave this area not only because of the quality of the rotation but also the surrounding city and the people. I am blessed to have been able to experience so much in such a little time period.

Here are some pictures of my view each morning:

At this site, the major project I was tasked was to compile a reference binder with the current National Cancer Institute- Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events V. 4.03. The next version 5 is currently under revision and is set to be released early next year. What is this you might ask? It is used to help report Adverse Events (AE) and has created a more standard grading system to be used for many Cancer AE. The grades refer to the severity of the AE, which range from 1 to 5. The AE's covered topics that range from Investigational (which include your lab values) to anemia and other rare adverse effects.

Here is a quick intro into the grading system from the CTCAE V 4.03:

Grade 1: Mild, asymptomatic or mild symptoms, clinical or diagnostic observations only; intervention not indicated.

Grade 2: Moderate; minimal, local, or noninvasive intervention indicated; limiting age appropriate instrumental ADL.

Grade 3: Severe or medically significant but not immediately life-threatening.

Grade 4: Life-threatening consequences; urgent intervention indicated.

Grade 5: Death related to AE.

What I did: I created a reference binder with a short powerpoint introduction/background explaining the importance of the CTCAE and its elements. I also sifted through the entire document (about 200 pages) and picked out the adverse effects that were most pertinent to the pharmacy and separated them into another document as a quick reference. The entire CTCAE V 4.03 was provided as well if the AE was not included in the quick reference. I then gave a 10 minute presentation to two sets of pharmacists and techs (about 8 people total).

Here is a link to the document itself: NCI- CTCAE V 4.03

Although this was my main project, I was given many small projects each week which are not limited to creating Drug Data Sheets (basically a summary of the new protocols), IV Prep sheets (how to prepare and store drug), readings (especially on the different research phases and processes), delivering meds to the nurses, and helping the pharmacy staff in any way that I could.

I am dearly going to miss not only this rotation, but also the staff.

Favorite non-pharm things to do:

- Explore Georgetown (Georgetown cupcakes, Olivia Macarons)

- Drove to New York City for a weekend (about 4 hours away): Beware of the tolls

- Downtown DC, Monuments

Feel free to email me or message the PLS email if you have any questions!

Good luck P3's on Rotation 2! Enjoy the break P2's!