Course Overview
The Ethos Clinical School is a comprehensive two and a half day training program designed to credential physicians, physicists, therapists, and dosimetrists in adaptive radiotherapy using the Varian Ethos system. This course blends theoretical instruction with hands-on practical training, ensuring that participants develop the expertise needed to implement CBCT-guided online adaptive therapy in their clinical practice.
Through guided planning sessions, real-time clinical observations, and interactive case-based exercises, attendees will gain proficiency in:
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Navigating the Ethos workspace for contouring and treatment planning
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Executing adaptive therapy sessions with real-time patient-specific adjustments
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Clinical decision-making for selecting cases best suited for adaptive RT
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Troubleshooting and workflow optimization to improve treatment efficiency
Upon successful completion, participants will be credentialed in adaptive therapy, equipping them to implement and manage Ethos-based adaptive treatments at their institutions.
How to Register
To express interest or request additional details, please email Dr. Dennis N. Stanley, dennisstanley@uabmc.edu.
Course Highlights
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Format: theoretical instruction, hands-on experience in an emulator environment, and real-time clinical observations.
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Duration: 2.5 Days
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Location: Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center, Birmingham, AL
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Accreditation: AMA, CAMPEP, MDCB credits (pending)
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Target Audience: Physicians, physicists, therapists, and dosimetrists specializing in online adaptive therapy
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Cost: $3,500 per participant
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Partners: In collaboration with Varian
Course Objectives
This course is designed to ensure that participants:
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Master the Ethos Workspace - Develop proficiency in navigating the Ethos system, including treatment planning, contouring, and dose optimization.
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Develop Adaptive Therapy Proficiency - Learn to confidently execute online adaptive therapy sessions, adjusting treatments based on real-time patient data.
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Enhance Clinical Decision-Making - Gain insight into which patients benefit most from adaptive therapy and how to optimize treatment plans.
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Solve Clinical Adaptation Challenges - Identify and troubleshoot common and complex issues that arise during real-time adaptive therapy sessions.
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Engage in Case-Based Learning - Participate in structured, case-based exercises to reinforce adaptive workflow strategies.
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Understand the Full Adaptive Workflow - Develop expertise in patient selection, simulation, treatment execution, and quality assurance for adaptive RT.
Course Dates
2025 Dates
June 23 – 25, 2025
November 5 – 7, 2025
2026 Dates
TBD
More dates will be added as registrations fill.
Course Content
Course Structure & Daily Agenda
The Ethos Clinical School follows a structured, progressive learning approach over three days, covering different anatomical sites and advanced adaptive radiotherapy concepts.
Day 1: Introduction & Pelvis
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Lectures: Fundamentals of adaptive therapy, clinical implementation, planning directives, contouring, and AI-driven optimization.
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Clinical Focus: Female and male pelvic indications for adaptive therapy.
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Hands-On Training: Guided planning & technical considerations for pelvic cases.
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Real-World Application: Clinical observations & guided emulator deliveries.
Day 2: Thorax, Breast & Abdomen
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Lectures: Adaptive therapy for breast, lung, and abdominal tumors – indications, challenges, and patient selection.
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Hands-On Training: Case-based planning exercises for breast, thorax, and abdomen.
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Real-World Application: Guided clinical observations & workflow integration.
Day 3: Head & Neck, Advanced Techniques & Evaluation
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Lectures: Considerations for Head & Neck adaptive therapy.
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Special Topic: Maladaptation – Lessons learned and practical solutions.
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Technical Training: Surface guidance & adaptive RT workflow enhancements.
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Wrap-Up Discussion: Open Q&A, participant feedback, and credentialing.
Credentialing: At the end of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their competency in Ethos-based adaptive radiation therapy.
Course Instructors
Dennis N. Stanley, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Medical Physics
Michael Soike, M.D.
Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology
Expert Faculty & Instructors
M. Chris Dobelbower, M.D., Ph.D.
Payment Policy
Please provide payment to us within 60 days prior to the course you are planning to attend. The cost for an individual to attend is $3500. Payment is accepted via check (preferably) or wire transfer. Receipt of payment will reserve your slot for the course.
Please make checks payable to The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Send payment to:
Joey Slatsky
1700 6th Avenue South
Birmingham, AL 35233
Cancellation policy
We ask that you provide us with a 40-day notice should you wish to cancel. Cancellations should be in writing, via email, fax or mail to the attention of Valeria Glenn. Upon receipt of a notice to cancel within 40 days, we will work with you to reschedule. Cancellations received less than 40 days in advance will be subject to non-refunding of tuition and non-rescheduling of the course.
In the event UAB has to reschedule the course, we will work with you to reschedule at a later date.
Once scheduled for a course, there are no refunds of tuition.
Lodging
Courtyard by Marriott - Downtown
Telephone: 205.254.0004
Steps away from UAB. Attached to the Sky Lobby of the 4th Avenue Parking Deck and the North Pavilion.
Website
Marriott SpringHill Suites
Telephone: 205.322.8600
Miles from UAB: 0.4
Website
Residence Inn by Marriott – Downtown UAB
Telephone:205.732.9595
Miles from UAB: 0.5
Website
Renaissance Birmingham - Ross Bridge Golf Resort and Spa
Telephone:205.916.7677
Miles from UAB: 10.8
Website
The Westin Birmingham
Telephone:205.307.3600
Miles from UAB:1.8
Website
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who should attend this course?
- This course is designed for physicians, physicists, therapists, and dosimetrists involved in online adaptive radiation therapy with the Ethos system.
What is the cost of the course?
- The registration fee is $3,500 per participant.
Where is the course held?
- The course takes place in person at the Hazelrig-Salter Radiation Oncology Center in Birmingham, AL.
Is continuing education credit available?
- The course is currently under review for AMA, CAMPEP, and MDCB credits, and updates will be provided as soon as approval is confirmed.
What kind of hands-on experience will I receive?
Participants will engage in:
- Live patient observations
- Hands-on planning and simulated delivery labs using the Ethos emulator
- Interactive case-based discussions with faculty
Who are the course directors?
The course is led by:
- Dennis N. Stanley, Ph.D.
- Michael Soike, M.D.
Who is the course partnered with?
- The program is offered in collaboration with Varian.