OBJECTIVES

The objective of the residency program is to train physicians to master skills in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with neoplastic disease, primarily using ionizing radiation and other biophysical means of treating cancer and related diseases.

Training emphasizes clinical care using the application of physics principles and radiobiology. Trainees are given significant patient care responsibilities, under the close supervision of attending physicians, in order to develop solid decision-making capabilities. Heavy emphasis is placed on modern interdisciplinary cooperation and interaction. Training includes heavy exposure to physics, radiobiology and statistics in both clinical situations and formal didactic sessions.

Because medical technology and radiation oncology are evolving, emphasis is placed on the principles of oncology care in addition to technique. The department’s goal is to train physicians interested in pursuing academic careers who are well grounded in the oncology services.

Residents

Training in an academic atmosphere is felt to be the best preparation for a career in radiation oncology. While it is recognized that many physicians prefer private practice to a university practice, reliance on academic principles throughout one’s career and in various practices is emphasized.

In order to deepen the residents’ ability to appreciate, understand and critically analyze the radiation oncology literature, all residents are required to select a clinical research project within the first six months of training. This project must be completed by the end of training and its contents published with their name listed as first author or co-author.