University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

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Courses

Available Courses

Courses for nurses, pharmacists
and health care professionals who
care for cancer patients are outlined below. Registration for UPMC employees will be through uLearn. Registration is required for all courses. The registration form (for non-UPMC registrants only) is available at the top and bottom of this page. Most courses are held on the UPMC Shadyside Campus. Any changes in this course schedule will be flagged in red.

Course times unless specified are: Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. and lectures begin at 8:00 a.m. Most courses conclude at 4:30 p.m.

Specific course information including objectives, information on continuing education credits, course brochure and location are available by clicking on “View Course Brochure” for a specific course or “View Program Flyer Announcement” for a specific program.

For questions or to request additional information, e-mail Karen Tondera at tonderaks@upmc.edu or call 412-623-3652. Watch for additional information as it becomes available.

General Resources

• Map of UPMC Shadyside Campus
• Area map
• Directions to Hillman Cancer Center / Shadyside Hospital
• Closest accommodations:
  
  
  1. Courtyard by Marriott, Shadyside/Oakland
     5308 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15224
     <0.1 miles from conference centers
     For reservations, call 800-321-2211 or 412-683-3113 and ask for the UPMC rate
  
  
  2. Residence Inn Pittsburgh University/Medical Center
     3896 Bigelow Boulevard
     Pittsburgh, PA 15213
     0.7 miles from conference centers
     Call 412-621-2200 or 800-513-8766 and ask for the UPMC rate
     All UPMC rates include a full, hot, buffet breakfast

FALL COURSES

INTRODUCTION TO ONCOLOGY FOR THE HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
Formerly Orientation to Oncology for the Health Care Provider

Friday, October 16 OR December 18 (Cancelled Friday, September 11)
Ancillary staff: 8 a.m. to 12:00 noon; nurses and clinical staff: 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cooper Conference Center, Hillman Cancer Center

This one-day course provides a general overview of cancer, the disease process, treatments, symptom management, and its impact on patients and families. It is intended to enhance the practice of both health care professionals and ancillary staff who care for cancer patients in hospitals, ambulatory care, home care, hospice, extended care or rehabilitation settings.

Staff members can attend only the morning session or the entire day. The morning topics are applicable to all staff, including nurses, unit clerks, office staff and other health care professionals, who want to learn more about what cancer is, treatment options, and psychosocial needs of cancer patients. The afternoon topics are geared for nurses and other staff who need to learn more about assessment and care of oncology patients, blood products and selected oncology emergencies.

Nursing continuing education credit is now available. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by PA State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Participants who attend the entire day and complete an evaluation form will be awarded a certificate and 6.6 contact hours.

All UPMC employees are required to register for educational programs through uLearn. uLearn is accessed by logging into MY HUB on the UPMC Infonet. A User Guide is available on the uLearn home page. Manager approval may be required for some programs for some employees. If you receive this notice when enrolling, please notify your manager of your interest in the program.

View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Introduction to Oncology Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

Foundations to Practice in Oncology

The following five courses make up the Foundations to Practice in Oncology series. It is strongly recommended that University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and UPMC Cancer Centers staff who are required to take the Comprehensive Chemotherapy and Biological Therapies Course take these five courses as a prerequisite. All others may take individual courses of choice. Continuing education credits may be available for these courses.

• Pathophysiology of Cancer and Cancer Treatment Modalities
• Overview of Solid Tumors and the Immune System
• Symptom Management of the Patient with Cancer
• Oncology Emergencies and Advanced Cancer Care Issues
• Hematological Malignancies

Pathophysiology of Cancer and Cancer Treatment Modalities

Wednesday, September 2
Thursday, September 17 - RESCHEDULED
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion

This course provides an overview of the principles and roles of various cancer therapies. Included are clinical trials, surgery, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapies, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, complementary therapies, and a review of the pathophysiology of cancer.

View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Foundations to Practice and Comprehensive Chemotherapy Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

Overview of Solid Tumors and the Immune System

Wednesday, September 23
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cooper Conference Center, Hillman Cancer Center

This course provides an overview of a variety of solid tumors, including breast, colorectal, lung, melanoma, prostate, genito-urinary, and others, and a review of the immune system.

View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Foundations to Practice and Comprehensive Chemotherapy Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

Symptom Management of the Patient with Cancer

Wednesday, September 30
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion

This course addresses how health care professionals can help patients deal with physical symptoms and issues related to their disease and its treatment, such as gastrointestinal manifestations, pain, fatigue, cutaneous reactions, nutrition, sexual function and reproductive issues, and psychosocial needs of patients, families, and caregivers.

View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Foundations to Practice and Comprehensive Chemotherapy Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

Oncology Emergencies and Advanced Cancer Issues

Wednesday, October 7
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion

This course addresses various oncologic emergencies, bone marrow depression, DIC, and thrombotic events. Immunosuppression and end-of-life issues are also addressed.

View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Foundations to Practice and Comprehensive Chemotherapy Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

Hematological Malignancies

Wednesday, October 14
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion

This course provides an overview of specific hematological malignancies, including leukemias, lymphomas, multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Presentations include View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Foundations to Practice and Comprehensive Chemotherapy Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by PA State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Participants who attend the entire day, complete an evaluation form, and attain a passing score of 85% on the homework will be awarded a certificate and 6.8 contact hours.

All UPMC employees are required to register for educational programs through uLearn. uLearn is accessed by logging into MY HUB on the UPMC Infonet. A User Guide is available on the uLearn home page. Manager approval may be required for some programs for some employees. If you receive this notice when enrolling, please notify your manager of your interest in the program.

COMPREHENSIVE CHEMOTHERAPY AND BIOLOGICAL THERAPIES COURSE

Wednesday, October 21, Wednesday, October 28 and Friday, November 6
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Exact location will be provided in confirmation letter.

This three-day course is designed to address needs of nursing, pharmacy and other professionals in relation to chemotherapy and biological therapies. It includes information on current pharmacotherapy, safe handling, and administration of anticancer agents and various issues concerning the management of patients receiving cancer therapy. Completion of this course requires a post-test.

Upon completion of the entire course, return of evaluation forms and successful completion of a written exam, (passing score 80%) participants will be awarded a certificate and 20.5 contact hours. This certificate confirms that the participant has successfully completed the course and has the theoretical foundation needed to administer chemotherapy and biotherapy. This is not a certification course; individual institutions are responsible for determining their own requirements based on internal policies for assessing clinical competency in chemotherapy and biotherapy administration.

Attendees at the Interventional Radiology lectures who complete the evaluations and the content-specific post test (passing score 80%) will be awarded a certificate and 10.1 nursing contact hours.

Chemotherapy Exam Review and Test Taking Time

Wednesday, November 11
8:00 a.m. - 12 noon
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion

This exam review and test taking time is only for UPMC employees and is OPTIONAL. Please discuss with your manager prior to registration. A brief overview of topics from the Comprehensive Chemotherapy and Biological Therapies Course will be provided. Exam time is proctored and successful completion will fulfill course requirements.

All UPMC employees are required to register for educational programs through uLearn. uLearn is accessed by logging into MY HUB on the UPMC Infonet. A User Guide is available on the uLearn home page. Manager approval may be required for some programs for some employees. If you receive this notice when enrolling, please notify your manager of your interest in the program.

View Fall Course Brochure (PDF)

Foundations to Practice and Comprehensive Chemotherapy Fall Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

OCN® TEST REVIEW COURSE

Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 (rescheduled because of G-20)
Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Exact location is announced in the confirmation letter.

This two-day course provides an overview of the information required to assist the oncology nurse in preparing for the generalist oncology nursing certification (OCN) exam. Information provided in this course is consistent with review materials provided by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by PA State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Participants who attend both days, and complete an evaluation form will be awarded a certificate and 13.6 contact hours.

All UPMC employees are required to register for educational programs through uLearn. uLearn is accessed by logging into MY HUB on the UPMC Infonet. A User Guide is available on the uLearn home page. Manager approval may be required for some programs for some employees. If you receive this notice when enrolling, please notify your manager of your interest in the program.

View Course Brochure (PDF)

OCN Test Review Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

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Stem Cell Transplant Course

Thursdays, October 1 and October 8
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Exact location is announced in the confirmation letter.

This two-day course addresses the individual and joint needs of nursing, pharmacy, and other professions in relation to Stem Cell Transplantation. It includes information on current transplantation issues such as patient work-up, disease process, and patient care and management. Selected topics include differentiating types of transplants, mobilization and preparative regimens, growth factors, the role of total body irradiation, transfusion issues, graft vs. host disease, veno-occlusive disease, and other transplant related topics.

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) is an approved provider of continuing nursing education by PA State Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. Participants who attend the entire day, complete an evaluation form, and attain a passing score of 85% on the homework will be awarded a certificate and 13.6 contact hours.

All UPMC employees are required to register for educational programs through uLearn. uLearn is accessed by logging into MY HUB on the UPMC Infonet. A User Guide is available on the uLearn home page. Manager approval may be required for some programs for some employees. If you receive this notice when enrolling, please notify your manager of your interest in the program.

View Course Brochure (PDF)

Stem Cell Transplant Registration Form for non-UPMC Registrants (PDF)

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ADDITIONAL ONCOLOGY EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Lunch & Learn, Early Bird Learning and Dinner Programs

Advancement of Patient Care for Ph+ CML: Case-based Studies
A Lunch & Learn Program
Tuesday, November 10
1 Session — 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion
Speaker: Michael Schuster, MD
View Program Flyer Announcement (PDF)

Updated Review of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
A Lunch & Learn Program
Tuesday, November 17
2 Sessions — 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Cooper Conference Center - Room A
Speaker: Mary Ellen McFadden, RN, MA, OCN
View Program Flyer Announcement (PDF)

Oncology Nursing Journal Club

This program is being offered throughout the UPMC Cancer Centers at various sites. Each program offers 1.0 contact hours of continuing education for nurses. For journal articles, locations, dates and times, see our calendar. To access the calendar, open Microsoft Outlook, click on the following: Public Folders, Cancer Centers, Oncology Education. If you are interested in attending, please contact the site coordinator.

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American Society of Radiologic Technologists

Programs with ASRT credit and a focus on radiation oncology issues are offered monthly at UPMC Shadyside and via conference call to all interested UPMC sites. No registration is needed for attendance at UPMC Shadyside. Continuing education credit may be available for ASRT and nurses. Lunch is provided at the live location.

New Innovations in Radiation Therapy for Head & Neck Cancer
Wednesday, November 18
12 noon - 1:00 p.m.
Herberman Conference Center, Cancer Pavilion
Speaker: Gregory Kubicek, MD

View Program Flyer Announcement (PDF)

Next program: Wednesday, December 16

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3D & 4D PET/CT for Radiation Oncology

This course will cover PET/CT fundamentals, application to radiation oncology treatment planning, assessment of response, surveillance, 4D CT, and 4D PET/CT for oncology imaging.

Target Audience: This course is designed for Radiation Oncologists, Nuclear Medicine and Radiology Physicians, Physicists, Dosimetrists and others with an interest in learning the specialized skills and techniques to utilize PET/CT for radiation therapy treatment planning.

Thursday & Friday: November 19 & 20, 2009
UPMC Cancer Pavilion
5150 Centre Avenue, Room 341
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Time:
Thursday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

View Conference Brochure (PDF)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Women's Cancer Prevention: A Regional Outreach Symposium
Friday, November 13, 2 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CANCELLED and rescheduled for Spring 2010
Sunnehanna Country Club, Johnstown, PA

The speakers are Robert P. Edwards, MD, Paniti Sukumvanich, MD, and Kristin K. Zorn, MD.

This symposium addresses the educational needs of health care professionals caring for women of any age, at risk for cancer, with an interest in developing knowledge and skills to assist in prevention, risk identification and fertility preservation if cancer treatment is required.

View Conference Brochure Announcement (PDF)

Third Annual Technical and Clinical Advances in Radiation Oncology
Saturday, November 14 - Full day conference
7:15 a.m. Registration & continental breakfast
7:50 a.m. Lectures begin
4:45 p.m. Adjournment

This one-day seminar addresses the educational needs of health care professionals in radiation oncology, to learn new techniques and advances in the field as presented by content experts.

Target Audience: Medical Dosimetrists and Radiation Therapists

View Conference Brochure (PDF)

Other Educational Opportunities

Clinical Perspectives in Cancer-Related Bone Complications

CME-certified Internet activity
http://www.curatiocme.com/bonemets

Current Medical Evidence publications

Publication #1: Improving the Management of Cancer-Related Bone Complications
Publication #2: Bone Metastasis Prevention, Management of Cancer Therapy-Induced Bone Loss, and Emerging Therapies for Cancer-Related Bone Disease

Both newsletters can be accessed at: http://www.curatiocme.com/cmerequest

New Opportunities for the Management of Cancer-Related Bone Complications
CME supplement to Clinical Advances in Hematology & Oncology
http://www.clinicaladvances.com/index.php/cmexpress/detail/clinical_monograph