Radiation oncology residents specialize in the treatment of cancer.
Radiation oncology residencies allow recent graduates of medical school to gain specialized training and experience in the field of radiation oncology. Radiation oncologists work in the areas of medical oncology, pediatric oncology, pathology and diagnostic imaging to diagnose, prevent and treat various types of cancer and other diseases than can be treated or cured through radiation therapy. Although residency programs have varying admission and graduation requirements, they all must provide residents with a curriculum that meets the guidelines set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Prerequisite Education/ Experience Requirements
Students applying for a radiation oncology residency are required to fulfill educational prerequisites, including a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university and a MD (Medical Doctor) diploma from a four-year medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). During their undergraduate and medical school tenure, students are advised to keep a minimum "B" average GPA, and forge close relationships with professors, classmates and advisers. Radiation oncology residency applicants are also advised to show proof of participation or leadership in some type of extracurricular activity, preferably in the medical field, such as working as a CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant), EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) or laboratory assistant.
Documentation Requirements
Most radiation oncology residents are required to provide various pieces of documentation for admissions consideration. Although requirements vary by school, requirements typically include transcripts from medical school, three to four letters of reference and the Dean's Letter from the applicant's medical school. Applicants will also have to submit a personal statement explaining why they feel a calling to work in radiation oncology, as well as a CV (Curriculum Vitae) detailing the applicant's educational and professional history, memberships, affiliations, special skills and notable accomplishments.
Interview
After a radiation oncology residency applicant's information has been reviewed, candidates are typically required to sit for an in-depth interview with the admissions review board. The interview process to enroll in Harvard University's radiation oncology program, for example, entails two full days of meetings with several faculty members and current residents.
Completion Requirements
Although radiation oncology residency programs vary, all programs must meet guidelines set forth by the ACGME. Radiation oncology residency programs must last five years; the first year must be spent gaining clinical experience in internal medicine, family medicine, surgery, pediatrics and obstetrics/ gynecology, with at least nine months focused on direct patient care. The remaining four years (no fewer than 36 months) of the residency must be spent accruing clinical practice in radiation oncology, with one exception: students enrolled in the Holman Pathway, a residency program designed by the American Board of Radiology, are only required to complete 27 months of clinical radiation oncology. ACGME requires all radiation oncology residency programs incorporate the following competencies into their curriculum: patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning and improvement, interpersonal and communication skills, professionalism, systems-based practice and resident's scholarly activities.
Tags: medical school, oncology residency, radiation oncology, residency programs, oncology residency programs
