Radiation Oncology Residency
Program Overview
Introduction to the Radiation Oncology Residency Program
The Radiation Oncology Residency Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center provides outstanding clinical training in radiation oncology, along with exceptional opportunities for research and academic growth, for the development of future leaders in radiation oncology.
Program Goals and Objectives
Our Goal
The goal of the program is to provide outstanding clinical training in radiation oncology, along with exceptional opportunities for research and academic growth, for the development of future leaders in radiation oncology.
Program Aims
- To provide outstanding education in the principles of radiation oncology, including oncologic principles, oncologic literature, treatment techniques, dosimetry, radiation physics, and radiation biology.
- To provide robust, evidence-based clinical training in radiation oncology, in the full spectrum of disease sites across adult and pediatric populations, including technical expertise in various radiation therapy modalities and multidisciplinary treatment options.
- To provide excellent opportunities for clinical, laboratory, translational, and health services research.
- To provide education in quality improvement and patient safety.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Rotation Schedule
Residents complete 8-9 week specialty-specific clinical rotations with 1:1 or 1:2 attending coverage. Institutional call is completed early in training (PGY2 year) and is taken in one week blocks. Clinics are generously supported by patient service coordinators, medical assistants, nurses, and mid-level providers.
Example Rotation Schedule
| Block | PGY-2 | PGY-3 | PGY-4 | PGY-5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Breast | Breast | Clinical Elective/Research | Selective* |
| 2 | Genitourinary | Melanoma/Sarcoma | Research | Genitourinary |
| 3 | Gynecology | Gastrointestinal | Research | Gynecology |
| 4 | Head & Neck | Head & Neck | Research | Selective* |
| 5 | Thoracic | Lymphoma | Research | Thoracic |
| 6 | CNS/Peds | CNS/Peds | Research | Elective |
Radiation Biology and Physics
Yearly week-long protected Radiation Physics Course and yearly week-long protected Radiation Biology Course during PGY2, PGY3, and PGY4 years. Access provided to commercially available study banks for board review.
Planning Clinic and Noon Lecture Series
One hour sessions 3-5 times per week that are disease site focused. These didactics incorporate hands-on contouring sessions with faculty feedback as well as lectures from MD Anderson radiation oncology faculty and MD Anderson faculty from other specialties (surgery, medical oncology, radiology, etc.).
Grand Rounds and Visiting Professors
Residents have the opportunity to attend weekly Grand Rounds presentations hosted by various MD Anderson Departments as well as Radiation Oncology Grand Rounds presentations (12-15 per year) where international experts present on emerging topics in the field. Annually, the department hosts 2 Visiting Professors that are chosen by the residents.
Electives
During the last year of training, residents participate in an elective clinical rotation of their choice as well as 2 selective rotations.
Annual Mock Orals
Faculty-led site-specific oral examinations are conducted annually for PGY3, PGY4, and PGY5 level trainees.
Eligibility, Prerequisites, and Application Process
Application Process
The MD Anderson Radiation Oncology residency program accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) of the Association of American Medical Colleges. All regular residency program positions are filled through participation in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
Eligibility
Please refer to our GME eligibility requirements and the FRIEDA guidelines for a complete list.
Trainee Success and Program Outcomes
In recent years, our residents have won significant grants and awards, including RSNA Resident Research Grants, ASTRO Resident Seed grants, and ASCO Foundation Young Investigator Awards.
Resident Publications
A list of recent resident publications is available, showcasing their research in top-tier journals such as the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research, and JAMA Oncology.
Program Faculty and Leadership
Our faculty members are international experts with decades of expertise in all oncologic subspecialties. Many of our faculty have served as American Board of Radiology oral board examiners with recent/current examiners for every disease site.
Why This Program
Research
There are numerous opportunities for clinical, translational, basic science, and health services research. During the PGY4 year, residents are offered a year of protected research time free of clinical responsibilities and call.
Our Faculty
Our faculty members are international experts with decades of expertise in all oncologic subspecialties. Many of our faculty have served as American Board of Radiology oral board examiners with recent/current examiners for every disease site.
Conference Support
Our residents present their research at international and national conferences through generous financial support provided by the program coupled with days allocated for clinic absence due to conference travel.
Institutional Benefits and Support
GME trainees' salary stipends are updated every year based on the ACGME's recommendations, and because our trainees are considered workforce members, they also enjoy MD Anderson's employee benefits, including health insurance, retirement planning, disability insurance, and six weeks of parental leave.
Global Cancer Care Track
The Global Cancer Care (GCC) Track at MD Anderson Cancer Center offers a robust curriculum to prepare our trainees to be leaders in global oncology, which ASCO defines as "collaboratively addressing disparities and differences in cancer prevention, care, research, education, and the disease's social and human impact around the world."