University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

The residency program in Radiation Oncology at the University of Arizona’s College of Medicine-Tucson offers a comprehensive and immersive training experience for medical professionals interested in specializing in this field. The program is designed to ensure residents develop expertise in both clinical practice and research methodologies.

About the Radiation Oncology Department

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Arizona is equipped with cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team of professionals. The staff includes seven full-time physicians, four medical physicists, five dosimetrists, and six residents. The department utilizes a fleet of state-of-the-art Varian Truebeam accelerators equipped with 6 MV, 10 MV, and 15 MV photon capabilities, in addition to full electron spectrum coverage.

Modern treatment tools such as portal imaging and Cone Beam CT (CBCT) enhance the precision of treatment delivery. The department also employs High Dose Rate (HDR) radiation techniques using a Varian Varisource, particularly for gynecologic applications. Advanced simulation techniques are supported through a Philips Large Bore CT system, which is specifically used for gynecological oncology cases, and a GE Discovery large bore for routine simulations.

Residency Curriculum

The residency program spans a total of 48 months, of which 36 months are strictly dedicated to the clinical core curriculum of Radiation Oncology. This curriculum includes participation in multi-specialty tumor boards that occur weekly, where critical reviews of surgical pathology and diagnostic radiologic studies take place. An essential rotation includes a month-long experience in dosimetry/physics, allowing residents to engage in dose calculations, treatment planning, and quality assurance practices.

Research is a significant component of the residency, with up to six months allocated for research involvement. Residents have the opportunity to participate in studies spanning clinical, biological, and physics or engineering investigations.

Training Structure and Education

The training model within the program is based on an "apprenticeship" approach. Each resident is paired with an attending physician focused on a specific disease site. This hands-on training involves evaluating patients during consultations, developing treatment plans, simulating treatment fields, writing prescriptions, and managing patients throughout their treatment journey. Such interactions enhance the resident's practical skills in managing various malignancies and understanding treatment side effects.

Daily educational sessions complement this training. Case-based teaching conferences, Radiobiology, and Physics discussions take place on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 8 AM to 9 AM. Wednesdays are reserved for dosimetry rounds from 8 AM to 9:30 AM, while Thursdays feature protected peer teaching from 9 AM to 12 PM.

Application Process and Requirements

A successful applicant is required to have completed medical school and a PGY-1 year in one of the accepted fields: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery or surgical specialties, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Family Practice, or Transitional. As the Radiation Oncology department participates in the ERAS Program and the National Residency Match Program (NRMP), eligible candidates include fourth-year medical students in good standing at the time of application submission.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship options for eligible candidates, typically supporting J-1 and H-1B visa types for international medical graduates. The competitiveness of the program reflects a commitment to cultivating a diverse educational environment, which is inclusive for both DO and IMG applicants.