Sep 9, 1997
UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program
Overview
The Radiation Oncology program at UCLA's David Geffen School of Medicine provides an exceptional training experience in a vibrant academic environment. With a mission to heal humankind through leading-edge patient care, research, education, and community engagement, the program emphasizes the development of well-rounded and skilled radiation oncologists.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum for the Radiation Oncology program is meticulously designed to cover all essential aspects of the discipline, including advanced techniques in radiation treatment, patient management, and scientific research methodologies. The educational approach incorporates both didactic sessions and practical training, providing residents with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective patient care.Residents partake in a rigorous academic curriculum that includes seminars, lectures, and hands-on training with cutting-edge equipment. Regular case discussions and multidisciplinary tumor board meetings further enhance the learning experience, ensuring that residents can apply theoretical knowledge to clinical practice.
Clinical Rotations and Training Sites
The UCLA Radiation Oncology program offers diverse clinical experiences through its affiliation with world-renowned hospitals and clinics, including the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, one of the nation's leading academic medical centers.Residents rotate through various clinical sites, gaining exposure to a wide variety of patient populations and treatment modalities. Training includes comprehensive experiences in external beam techniques, brachytherapy, and stereotactic radiosurgery, among others.
The teaching and mentoring provided by accomplished faculty members play a pivotal role in the education process, with a commitment to fostering an environment that encourages inquiry, collaboration, and professional growth.
Research Opportunities
Research is integral to the Radiation Oncology program, where residents are encouraged to participate in innovative clinical and translational research projects. The program provides access to a variety of resources and support to facilitate research endeavors, enabling residents to present findings at national and international conferences.Topics may range from treatment techniques and delivery methods to patient quality of life and advanced imaging technologies. The program aims to empower residents to shape the future of radiation oncology through meaningful contributions to the field.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the unique aspects of the UCLA Radiation Oncology program is its emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care. Residents work alongside professionals in various specialties, preparing them to collaborate effectively in the complex landscape of oncology.The program prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring all voices in the patient care dialogue are heard. This cultivates a rich educational environment that mirrors the diverse patient demographic served by UCLA.
Visa Support
The UCLA Radiation Oncology program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, with general support for J-1 and H-1B visas. The program remains committed to facilitating a smooth transition for incoming residents from diverse backgrounds.Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements
Admission to the Radiation Oncology program is highly competitive. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, clinical experience, research involvement, and personal characteristics. The program encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DO graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Special application requirements may include guidelines around year of graduation and limits on failed U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) attempts, as part of their evaluation process.The program seeks to attract highly motivated individuals who embrace challenges and seek to advance their knowledge and skills in radiation oncology.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
3, 3, 3, 3 (4 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 8, 2026)
Composition [2]
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:2.2X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $91,754 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 10 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 50 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: 240–276 [2]
Visa Sponsorship:J1, F1 [2]
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
Gender
Incoming Schools
17%
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
8%
More than 1 school has this rank*
* Multiple schools share the same admissions rate.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Match & stats
2026 Residency Applicant & Interview Insights
Signals
Hometown State
Medical School State
Step 1 Fail
Step 2 Fail
Applicant Type
Note: The AIR (Applicant Interview Rate) is calculated as the percentage of applicants in each category who were offered interviews. A higher AIR suggests stronger alignment with program preferences, indicating a greater likelihood of the program favoring applicants in this category.
USMLE STEP 2 CK Score [2]
COMLEX Level 2 Score [2]
No data available for COMLEX
Level 2 Score
Match History [4]
Roster
Publications
50 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
50 Publications (5 yr)
State Cost Growth Benchmark Programs and Total Medical Expenditures, 2010 to 2020.
Complications of minimally invasive treatments of benign thyroid nodules: preventive andmanaging strategies: A systematic review.
Location
Los Angeles, CA [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
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.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Radiation oncology Programs Near Los Angeles, CA
Other specialties near Los Angeles, CA
References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4300521008
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/0f886886-e2e9-6e8d-7741-dfc4937acae9
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr