OK The first point is on topic the second is "on meandor"
I have heard back from a surgeon on the matter of the use of a resident during surgery. In a word ~ no. It is not appropriate to use a resident without a patient knowing it up front, but the results can still be good. He emphasis that experience matters and residents will have the least of it. Dr. Krongrad invited me to post a discussion topic at the InfoLink Social Network discussion forum and it is being continued there. If you would like to read his personal response you can click below:
tinyurl.com/45w8bbpYou will need to login, but it will likely be a good site to see. No charge applies and no selling is allowed there...
Also,
I have heard back from a known radiation oncologist on the following question:
"I have had a question come by me, and it's hypothetical. In my experience during my adjuvant radiation therapy using IMRT, it was the technicians doing the day to day administration of my IMRT. My question is in regards to IGRT. When using Calypso beacons or gold markers, during the treatment it is discovered that the targeted area has moved, does the technician make the adjustments or are you called in to do the adjustments? It would seem that after yours, and the physiologists work in setting up the program, that it would be a compromise to have the technician change it in any way."
Here is his reply:
"Regarding IGRT, the therapists are the ones who make all the 'shifts' or 'adjustments' to target the prostate. The physician draws the prostate on the 3D/IMRT treatment plan, and the day-to-day IGRT targeting and shifts are based on that plan. The therapists do not alter the plan or the target- they simply identify the target (the prostate, etc.) and re-aim the beam to hit it."
I won't post his name as I forgot to ask if I could. But if it's that important, feel free to write me and I will forward his information.
Tony