Fighting the war on cancer

As brick-and-mortar classroom meetings have given way to virtual classes and smaller group instruction, one instrument has proved to be a most valuable tool for Radiation Therapy Program students in the College of Health Professions.

VERT – virtual environment for radiation therapy program – is a resource available within the four-year Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy at Texas State University. It has helped both current students and recent graduates gain a feel for the occupational scenarios they see during professional clinical work.

VERT enables students to actually see the results of an improper radiation beam angle to treat a patient’s tumor and the damage that would be caused to tissue and organs if a beam or the patient is improperly positioned.

In the clinic, patients are positioned on a moveable treatment couch and the radiation beam is delivered by a linear accelerator. The accelerator’s gantry can be rotated around a patient, which allows radiation to be delivered to a tumor from multiple angles by rotating the gantry and repositioning the patient. In the classroom, the application simulates this process to allow the student to practice moving the machine without inconveniencing the patient or accidently damaging the multimillion-dollar linear accelerator.

Think flight training

“The last 10 years have been unbelievable. Technology is going so fast. Everyone seems to be in a learning mode.” - Trina Dillard

Trina Dillard, simulation computer lab manager and program faculty, has likened VERT to the kind of aircraft simulator that pilots use for flight training. Since the early 2000s, the technology that is used in radiation therapy has advanced exponentially with more complex equipment providing better treatments for patients. “The last 10 years have been unbelievable. Technology is going so fast. Everyone seems to be in a learning mode,” Dillard says. “I’m thankful we have implemented cancer treating software programs into our curriculum to provide a foundation of understanding for the students. We no longer rely solely on their time in the clinic for their exposure to technology. It’s too complicated. Understanding is key to a successful outcome. The development of good critical thinking skills — that’s what makes a good radiation therapist.”

Wendy Garcia-Ramirez, a Dallas native, is a senior in the RT program. “We already had some virtual learning before the pandemic,” she says. “It was an easier transition once we entered the pandemic. The staff was trying to figure out the best way to teach us virtually. For us, it was about being disciplined and keeping up. It is a challenge for all because it’s different not having that in-person, class of 17 instruction with the personal engagement.”

Dr. Ronnie Lozano is program chair and associate professor of Radiation Therapy. “The Texas State Radiation Therapy program is the only baccalaureate degree program in the state that offers a complete curriculum guiding the student’s education from freshman year to graduation. Other programs offer the professional curriculum and admit students only after completing the general education component at another institution,” he says.  

Having VERT on campus allows students to be more competent, Dillard says. “It can help them build a comfort level by slowing down the process,” she says. Being able to ask questions in the lab setting allows for unrestricted time for understanding. It can be better for everyone – student, patient, and therapist – than in the actual clinic when the focus is the patient. In addition, the student might be hesitant to distract or interrupt the treatment session, which is avoided in the virtual lesson.

Switching majors

Senior Texas State radiation therapy student Grace Gilchrest had a longer journey to the program and use of the VERT resources. She came to the university from Lamesa, 60 miles south of Lubbock. She started at the university as a physical therapy major before switching to radiation therapy. Having access to the virtual tools has eased the transition learning curve. “Dealing with the linear accelerator and machines that cost millions of dollars can be intimidating for people,” Gilchrest says. Having that virtual preview also helps teachers in the clinic. “We (students) have some experience with the linear accelerator, and they can focus on patient care.”

Senior Lauren Marcus moved to Austin several years ago from San Diego. The combination of technical tools available at Texas State and personal interaction with peers proved to be a good combination. “We are able to do things we would in a clinic,” Marcus says. “Even having CT (computerized tomography or CAT scan) slices of human anatomy, that has been a lifesaver, especially during the pandemic.”

Considering the bonds formed in classes of 17 to 18 people in the radiation therapy program, Marcus says there has been a burden due to the loss of typical Q&A and discussion among classmates. “In a small group, you get close with those people,” Marcus says. “You are spending half of your class time together. For the administration and professors, they have also had to pivot with learning and keeping us engaged. The amount of clinic hours we are getting is what the majority of knowledge is based on,” Marcus says. “The online tools are very helpful for the board tests before we can get certified.”

Lauren Stevenson graduated from Texas State’s radiation therapy program in May 2020. She is now a registered radiation therapist at Oncology Consultants in Houston. She credited the VERT technology for successfully linking her clinical experience and textbook knowledge. “Every scenario is different – the technology helped me a lot with troubleshooting,” Stevenson says. “The transition from school to work has been smooth. I couldn’t ask for a better transition after college.”

Stevenson switched her original degree program at Texas State to radiation therapy. It was a move based on getting a bigger dose of patient/therapist interaction. “In radiation therapy, you see the patient every day and you have a bigger part,” Stevenson says. “I love the patient care (aspect). For sure, you are making an impact.”