This is an intensive program during which you will be engaged in observing research on a full-time basis, generally from 9 am-5 pm, four to five days a week.
You will work in a pathology and biotechnology lab at the Sbarro Health Research Organization (SHRO) and will also be permitted to observe clinical work in the Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences at the University of Siena. The Sbarro Health Research Organization is a nonprofit charity committed to funding excellence in basic genetic research to cure and diagnose cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and other chronic illnesses and to foster the training of young doctors in a spirit of professionalism and humanism.
Throughout the program students will participate in cultural field trips, basic Italian language training and guided visits to Italian hospitals or labs. You will be provided a tentative program schedule prior to departure. Due to the fluid nature of the research and medical environment, the schedule will be amended to accommodate learning opportunities that arise during the duration of the program.
The educational program is dedicated to the learning of:
- clinical skills in diagnosis and staging of cancer
- principles of cancer patient’s care
- fundamentals of radiation physics and biology
- basic clinical radiation oncology
- guidelines and clinical recommendations for the most frequent cancer types undergoing RT or CHT-RT
- side effects and damages from RT
Specific objectives include:
- knowledge of the fundamentals of ionizing radiation physics and biology
- basic knowledge of diagnostic workup, staging and prognostic criteria of the most frequent cancers to be treated with RT or CHT-RT
- basic knowledge of the fundamentals of RT treatment planning, simulation and delivery;
- understanding an RT prescription
- basic, practical learning of the clinical management and care of cancer patients
- basic knowledge of use of RT or CHT-RT for cancer cure or palliation
- basic knowledge of the acute side-effects and late complications or damages, which may result from RT or CHT-RT
IES Abroad Siena Center
The IES Abroad Siena Center supports the program by providing a comprehensive orientation upon arrival and basic Italian language training during the first part of the program, as well as coordinating cultural activities, housing, and student support throughout the program.
Academic program notes
Temple students who successfully complete (with a C- or better) credit-bearing coursework worth at least three semester hours in an approved summer or semester study abroad program with a minimum stay abroad of 28-days will satisfy the World Society (GG) requirement.