Medical Oncology with Dr Peter Bennett

• Introduction
• Timetable for Modules
• Content of Modules
• Reading List
• Technical Requirements for Online Study
• Register for this Course

Introduction

'I enjoyed the return to basic science of oncology. Very good on chemotherapy.' - 2003 Course Participant

'Excellent coverage of a massive amount of subject content. Tutor availability for direct communication whether via email, phone, etc. Notes easy to read, practical rather than being too academic.' - 2003 Course Participant

Thank you for your interest in the Medical Oncology Program.

The field of medical oncology is a rapidly growing area in veterinary medicine. Nearly half of all small animal veterinary patients will die either because of, or with, a neoplasia of some sort. This is also an area that has suffered from a lack of knowledge. We try to avoid these areas as we are uncomfortable with them. For many years we have heard the words, ‘He has cancer, there is nothing that we can do’. There is always something that can be done and it is up to the clients as to whether they want to pursue these options. Many may elect not to, but to be able to inform all the clients of all the options is a valuable asset. The primary aim of this course is to provide a broad understanding of the underlying pathophysiology of cancer and to give an overview of the management of patients with cancer. While there is a lot of information given, the main thrust of the program is for use in the practice. A large amount of new knowledge is in the complex area of molecular biology, which can only be touched on in this distance education course. It is not possible to cover in depth the management of all types of cancer cases, but the aim is to cover the common tumour types in detail. This will enable familiarity with the basics of the field, especially practical chemotherapy. We will also provide sources for reference. Details of management of specific tumours can be obtained from excellent current references in the field or by consultation. Once the basics are understood then the experience can be taken into newer fields.

Key benefits of the course:

• To improve the quality of life of cancer-bearing patients.
• To gain confidence to discuss the diseases and therapies available for neoplastic diseases in companion animals with the owners of these patients.
• To gain good general knowledge of therapies available for cancer in companion animals, and their implementation.
• To understand in detail the safe use of chemotherapy agents and the possible outcomes from their use.
• To gain knowledge about complications that can arise from neoplastic diseases, their treatments and how to deal with them.

From the tutor...

Workshops:
There will be two workshops throughout the year where there will be an opportunity to meet the tutor and also the other participants in the course. This will act as a forum to discuss problems and also to explore the management of cases seen both by the tutor, and also cases from the participants.

WebCT:
You will be able to download your course notes from the online platform of WebCT as well as receive a hard copy of them through the post. You will also be given access to fellow participants and your tutor via a List Serv email forum. This List Serv is not a place to ask your tutor about a specific case. This can be done personally by phone or e-mail. This List Serv is for you to discuss areas relevant to all in the course. Cases can be discussed, but the aim is to facilitate discussion from the participants about the case, and then after there has been other input, your tutor will add his comments. The cases should also be used to explore some theoretical information that is being covered, and so the input should relate to the current module. Sitting on the outside of these discussions does not add to them, and the old expression 'you get out what you put in' really does apply here.

Methodology

• You will receive ten modules, modules 1-5 in February and modules 6-10 in July, to your nominated address. These modules will contain most of the information required to complete the course. You may find it useful to consult the recommended reading list for any additional information required.
  
• Please note: All modules are sent to students via standard mail, or airmail when applicable. It is important for international students to be aware that the unsettled international climate means that mail can be held up for long periods of time at customs, or for other reasons. We can arrange to have material couriered to international students. If you would like further details on this option, please contact your course coordinator, Giselle Alegria on +61 2 9351 7979 or email : galegria@usyd.edu.au.
  
• You may also access and download the modules from the course home page on WebCT. Your login, password and clear instructions as how to proceed will be provided at the start of the course.
  
• Each module will contain notes, readings and other materials that you will work through. There will be regular assignments that you must complete and return to the PGF. Your tutor will assess these assignments and return them to you with valuable feedback. There are no traditional examinations or assessments for this subject.
  
• It is anticipated that you will need to spend around 8-10 hours per week studying the course material. You must be able to dedicate this amount of time to get the most out of the program.
  
• There will be two workshops that will be held during the year in a location most suitable to all course participants. They will give you the opportunity to meet the tutor and other course participants and also to raise any questions about the course content. These workshops are a valuable element of the course, however they are not compulsory.
  
• On completion of all ten modules, you will receive a certificate of completion from the Post Graduate Foundation that recognises your achievement.
  
• As a Member of the PGF you can access the key animal health databases, CAB Abstracts and MEDLINE, that may assist you throughout the year. Access is through the PGF website; www.pgf.edu.au. For further information about the databases and to apply for a login and password to access them, please contact Rhondda Hollis on telephone +61 2 9351 7979 or email: r.hollis@usyd.edu.au.
  
• If, at any stage during the program, you have any difficulties or enquiries the Distance Education team are available to assist you Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:30AM to 4:30PM.

Remember, 30 November is the last day for the PGF to receive Distance Education material for assessment.

Reading List

Selected Companion Texts

1. Small Animal Clinical Oncology
Eds. Stephen J Withrow and E Gregory MacEwen
WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 3rd ed, 2001.
This is an excellent general text in the field of Veterinary Oncology and has the broadest coverage of the current level of knowledge.
This publication is recommended for participants to purchase as this is one of the most recent, and is the best book at the moment.

2. Managing the Veterinary Cancer Patient. A Practical Approach
Gregory Ogilvie and Antony Moore.
Veterinary Learning Systems Co. Trenton, New Jersey, 1995.
A slightly older book, but has some good general overviews at the start of each chapter, but lacks the newer information.
This publication is not recommended to purchase by participants as it is a little old and would not add enough information to warrant a special purchase. However, if you have this book or access to it, use it by all means.

3. Cancer in Dogs and Cats. Medical and Surgical Management
Ed. Wallace Morrison, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore, 2nd Ed, 2002
A recent book with a good coverage of most of the major tumour types, but lacks depth in other areas. (There is a new edition out with updated information in 2003).
This publication is not recommended to purchase by participants as it would not add enough would not add enough information to warrant a special purchase. However, if you have this book or access to it, use it by all means.

4. Cancer. Principles and Practice of Oncology
Eds. Vincent DeVita, Samuel Hellman, Steven Rosenberg, Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 6th Ed, 2001.
The 'bible' of human medical oncology with comprehensive information on general principles to management of the various tumours in humans. An expensive book for those with a real urge to know more.
This publication is good but not necessary to purchase. It is quite expensive (around $900). It has recent information for the management of the diseases in man and this can be useful. For the few occasions it is useful in the clinical situation it can be found in all medical libraries.

5. The Basic Science of Oncology
Eds. Ian Tannock and Richard Hill, McGraw Hill, New York, 4th Ed, 2005
A very concise review of the general science behind the biology of cancer and its therapy.
This publication is not too bad price-wise, but is the basic science and would only be of benefit to someone with a deep interest in the area and probably contemplating further qualification, or just for someone that needs to know more.

Selected Journals

1. Journal of Veterinary Medicine
2. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
3. Journal of Small Animal Practice
4. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Technical requirements for online study

Technical requirements for online study WebCT is a software program developed in Canada which provides a platform and a set of web course teaching tools for online learning. As an introduction to the online learning environment The Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science is using this platform to give you access to your course online. This medium will allow you to access your course and participate in online discussions with other participants and your tutor via a computer, a modem and a web browser, such as Netscape or Internet Explorer.

To optimise your use of WebCT for online learning we recommend the following specifications: http://www.pgf.edu.au/disted/index.cfm#technical

• Read your Online Course Requirements?
  
  
• Read the General Information page?
  
  
• Read the How Much Does it Cost page?
  
  
• Become a Member of the Post Graduate Foundation?