The Radiation Oncology Residency Program at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center offers a comprehensive and intensive four-year training experience within a fully integrated healthcare system. The program, established in 1986, is designed for a total of eight residents, training two new residents each year in a collaborative environment characterized by evidence-based care and extensive clinical rotations.
Program Overview
The program strives to develop competent and compassionate radiation oncologists equipped to provide high-quality care in various settings, including academic, hospital-based, and private practices. Training is conducted at multiple facilities, enhancing exposure to diverse clinical environments and patient populations.
Clinical Training
Residents dedicate a minimum of 36 months to core clinical training at the Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. Clinical rotations are structured in a mini-block format, integrating multi-disciplinary tumor board meetings weekly, thus providing a rich learning atmosphere for assessing patient treatment plans. Additionally, an additional 12 months is allocated for research or clinical electives, promoting academic involvement and inquiry.
Curriculum Details
The residency curriculum aligns with the six ACGME core competencies: professionalism; patient care and procedural skills; medical knowledge; practice-based learning; interpersonal and communication skills; and systems-based practice. Formal didactic sessions are provided through various platforms, including bimonthly faculty lectures and an annual lecture series. Residents also engage in case conferences and journal clubs, ensuring continual learning and development throughout their residency.
Research Opportunities
The program provides extensive opportunities for research leadership, facilitated by access to a comprehensive tumor registry and dedicated mentorship. Residents are required to complete at least one investigative project, culminating in submissions for peer-reviewed journals or presentations at scientific meetings, to fulfill ACGME requirements.
Facilities
The Radiation Oncology program operates across several advanced facilities in the Greater Los Angeles Area, serving over 4.8 million members. The flagship facility is a 50,000 square-foot center located in Hollywood, featuring cutting-edge technology and treatment modalities. Facilities are equipped with multiple linear accelerators and advanced imaging technologies, allowing residents to learn and practice a wide range of radiation oncology techniques.
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship, which is common for international medical graduates. Competitive aspects of the program include its strong emphasis on clinical exposure, research, and comprehensive training, making it highly regarded among residency programs. Moreover, while the program accepts IMGs and DO candidates, it is crucial for candidates to have graduated within the past five years and to demonstrate no more than one failed Step exam attempt.
Residents' Experience
Current residents from diverse backgrounds actively engage in the program culture, which promotes a collaborative and inclusive environment. Residents participate in regular evaluations and receive mentorship that fosters professional growth and a sharp focus on clinical care.
Scholarly Activity
Kaiser Permanente emphasizes research and scholarly activity, with several resident-led projects recognized on national platforms such as ASTRO. Residents have a track record of presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing the program's commitment to advancing radiation oncology through research.
Application Details
The application deadline for the program is October 18, 2024, and the interview timeframe is set between November and December. Prospective residents can expect two positions to be filled for the upcoming cycle, with a strong recommendation for early application submission.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,805First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Match History
2055430A0
2024
1 of 22023
1 of 12022
1 of 22021
1 of 12020
0 of 2Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
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Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
