University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The Radiation Oncology Residency Program at UC San Diego Medical Center is a four-year training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience with a focus on exceptional clinical training, research exposure, and professional development within a supportive environment.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum includes extensive clinical rotations where residents are immersed in various aspects of radiation oncology, radiobiology, and radiation physics. Rotations are allocated in a block schedule, typically lasting three months each, and residents work closely with attending physicians primarily focused on specific disease sites. Residents engage in patient consultations, treatment planning, and follow-up care from the outset of their residency, highlighting a hands-on learning approach.

This program emphasizes continuous learning and assessment, concluding each rotation with formal evaluations that mimic board-style examinations, helping residents measure their progress.1

Notable rotations within the program include Breast Cancer, Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors, Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer, and others. These specialized areas allow residents to gain focused clinical experience and expertise in managing diverse oncology cases.3

Research Opportunities

UC San Diego’s Radiation Oncology Residency Program is distinctive in its robust commitment to research. Residents are provided with an entire year dedicated to research activities, enabling them to immerse themselves in various projects. This period allows residents to learn essential research skills and techniques necessary to conduct significant scientific inquiries. The program encourages participation in obtaining both internal and external grants to support their projects, enhancing their academic and professional profiles.6

Research areas span from basic science to clinical trial design, and residents often collaborate with faculty across multiple disciplines to enhance their projects. This research-focused environment contributes to the development of future leaders in radiation oncology.7

Didactics and Conferences

A robust didactic curriculum complements the clinical training. Residents engage in regular case conferences, lectures, and morbidity and mortality discussions that cover a wide spectrum of topics critical to radiation oncology practice. Special sessions focus on humanism in medicine, the business of radiation oncology, and professional development, thereby equipping residents with a well-rounded education.5

Lectures are organized monthly according to disease-specific topics, ensuring that residents receive targeted education relevant to their clinical rotations. This structured approach to didactics not only improves knowledge retention but also prepares residents for board examinations.4

International Elective

A significant aspect of the residency program is the international elective opportunity. Residents can choose to participate in clinical rotations abroad, gaining exposure to how radiation therapy is delivered in different healthcare settings around the world. These experiences are not only invaluable for personal and professional growth but also enhance the residents' understanding of global health issues in oncology.6

Residents have previously rotated in countries such as Costa Rica, Vietnam, and various locations in Europe and Australia, further broadening their professional expertise and perspectives.

Application Process

Prospective applicants should apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and are required to submit several documents, including three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and USMLE board scores. The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and hosts interviews that are conducted virtually.

The program is typically viewed as highly competitive, welcoming diverse applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds.2

The program also provides visa support for international graduates, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible candidates. This support reflects its commitment to attracting diverse talent from around the world.2

Resident Life

Residents in the program play an active role in shaping their learning environment through collaboration and mutual support. Collectively, residents are dedicated to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and equity within the field of radiation oncology. The program is specifically tailored to develop competent, compassionate, and skilled practitioners ready to address the challenges faced in oncology today.

Overall, the UC San Diego Radiation Oncology Residency Program prepares its trainees not only for clinical excellence but also for leadership roles in research, education, and advocacy within the field of radiation oncology.