Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Cleveland Clinic Foundation offers a fully ACGME-accredited four-year advanced training program in radiation oncology. This program is designed to prepare residents for a successful career in the field, equipping them with the necessary clinical experience, theoretical knowledge, and practical skills required to become future leaders in radiation oncology. The program requires a separate ACGME-accredited intern year to be completed prior to entering the residency.1

Cleveland Clinic, as a large tertiary care medical center, provides ample clinical exposure, allowing residents to encounter a diverse range of malignancies and treatment modalities. The comprehensive training utilizes advanced radiotherapy and radiosurgery technology, including six linear accelerators and two CT simulators, allowing residents to treat approximately 150 patients daily. Key areas of training include intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), Gamma Knife Radiosurgery, stereotactic body radiotherapy, permanent prostate seed brachytherapy, total body irradiation, and radioimmunotherapy, plus additional opportunities for pediatric experience through affiliations like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to support the progressive learning of residents through each year of the program:

PGY-2 Year

In the second year of residency, the focus is on introductory coursework in physics and radio-biology, coupled with the fundamentals of radiation oncology. Residents will begin to engage deeply in the treatment planning process and patient follow-ups.1

PGY-3 Year

The third year emphasizes enhancing resident's understanding of all components of radiation oncology, including the treatment planning process, and initiating research interests for the subsequent year.1

PGY-4 Year

During the fourth year, residents allocate up to ten months for clinical or basic science research guided by Cleveland Clinic faculty. One resident is selected as the Chief Resident by the faculty, thereby taking on increased responsibilities.1

PGY-5 Year

The final year centers on consolidating acquired clinical skills and knowledge, as well as transitioning residents into independent practitioners.1

Teaching and Research Opportunities

Daily teaching conferences form an integral part of the educational experience. These top-notch educational sessions include lectures from attending physicians and medical physicists, with residents excused from clinical duties during this time. The program includes numerous teaching modules such as:

• Morning conferences focused on specific disease sites.
• Chart rounds to discuss radiation delivery techniques.
• Weekly interactive lectures in physics and radiation biology.1
• Regular multidisciplinary tumor board discussions attended by various specialties.
• Bi-monthly journal clubs reviewing recent literature in the field.1

Research is encouraged throughout the residency, with many residents presenting at prominent national meetings such as ASTRO and ASCO. Residents also benefit from the advice and guidance of renowned cancer researchers, including opportunities to work within the newly established Center for Immunotherapy and Precision Immuno-Oncology.1

Application Process

The Cleveland Clinic Radiation Oncology Program typically offers three resident positions annually. The application utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for submission. One essential criterion is that candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited internship year prior to starting the residency.1

Interviews are typically conducted in January, where candidates will have a comprehensive schedule that includes discussions with various faculty members, providing a thorough overview of the program.1

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The residency program is considered highly competitive, reviewing applications thoroughly to select the most qualified candidates. Cleveland Clinic offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa categories for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking residency in the United States.1

Benefits and Resident Life

Residents enjoy various benefits, including 15 days of vacation per year, variable meeting days, a book fund for purchasing texts, and dedicated office space equipped for professional tasks. Additionally, all residents are provided with a Cleveland Clinic-issued iPhone, facilitating easy communication throughout their training.1

The program is committed to ensuring residents have a supportive work environment, emphasizing diversity and inclusion, and contributing to a culturally healthy residency experience.1