Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The clinical residency program in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Washington University in St. Louis is aligned with the highest standards of medical education and clinical care. This program emphasizes a solid foundation in clinical skills, cancer biology, radiation physics, and cancer pathology principles. The curriculum includes theoretical knowledge and practical experience, reflecting the department's commitment to multidisciplinary cancer therapy. Residents engage with various therapeutic modalities, enhancing their understanding of each approach's indications and limitations 1.

One of the central features of this program is the extensive breadth of clinical exposure. The Department of Radiation Oncology operates one of the largest clinical services in the United States, treating over 76,000 external beam treatments annually. The facilities cover a diverse range of treatment modalities, including the world’s first single-room proton center and innovative MRI-guided treatments. This unique infrastructure allows residents to treat more than 3,500 new patients yearly, representing a significant portion of cancer patients in the St. Louis area 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency program is structured to provide comprehensive clinical training throughout its five-year duration. The training begins with a prerequisite Postgraduate Year (PGY) 1 year that must be completed in an ACGME-accredited program, including internal medicine, surgery, family practice, or a transitional year 2.

Residents officially start their radiation oncology training in PGY-2, focusing on patient evaluation, treatment planning, and management. Clinical rotations last for eight weeks each, accompanied by dedicated faculty supervision. As training progresses, the responsibility of managing patients increases, reinforcing the resident’s clinical competencies. The second and third years include a mandatory twelve months of research time, allowing residents to explore their interests under faculty mentorship 2.

Research Opportunities

This program is particularly suited for residents interested in research, with provisions for both standard training and the Holman Research Pathway. The Holman pathway provides up to 18 months of dedicated research time integrated into the training, intended for those residents pursuing a substantial career in research. This framework is supported by abundant resources, including facilities dedicated to cancer biology and medical physics research 2. The department encourages residents to explore diverse research interests, collaborate with faculty, and secure substantial funding for their projects 6.

Unique Aspects

The residency program is not only rigorous but also unique in its approach to resident development. It offers a Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) which aims to cultivate the next generation of physician-scientist leaders in radiation oncology. This program emphasizes mentorship and research experience alongside clinical training and is open to MD and MD-PhD graduates with an impressive research background 7.

Moreover, the program emphasizes diversity and inclusivity, ensuring all applicants receive fair consideration. Residents benefit from a supportive environment that fosters their personal and professional development 3.

Application Process and Requirements

The residency program is open to both U.S. citizens and international graduates with valid visas. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited medical school and passed relevant licensing examinations. For international candidates, holding a J-1 visa and valid ECFMG certification is requisite 3. Applications must be submitted through the ERAS by October 30, with interviews occurring in late November or December. Special considerations are given for candidates with a strong commitment to a research career and those applying to the PSTP, who need to submit a secondary application 4.

Financial Information and Benefits

Residents are compensated as employees of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, which offers competitive stipends and benefits including up to 15 days of paid vacation and 10 paid meeting days annually. A yearly allotment of $3,500 is also provided to facilitate research participation and cover other educational expenses 5.

Competitiveness and Support for International Graduates

This program is regarded as highly competitive; thus, applicants are encouraged to bolster their qualifications through extensive research experience and strong clinical performance. The program is perceived as friendly towards international medical graduates, and the supportive structure is integral to helping these residents transition smoothly into the U.S. medical landscape 3.

Facilities and Resources

Residents have access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, including the Bernard Becker Medical Library, which hosts extensive volumes of medical literature 6. Additionally, the program fosters a community culture encouraging collaboration and mentorship among residents and faculty, significantly enhancing the educational experience 8.