Ultimate Guide for DO Graduates: Building Your Radiation Oncology CV

Crafting a compelling CV as a DO graduate applying to radiation oncology residency is both an art and a strategy. Radiation oncology is a small, highly competitive specialty; every line on your CV has to earn its place. As a DO, you also need to be intentional about demonstrating that your training, experiences, and achievements are on par with (or exceed) those of your MD peers.

This guide walks you step-by-step through how to build a CV for residency in radiation oncology, with targeted residency CV tips for DO graduates. Whether you’re entering your rad onc match cycle now or planning ahead as an OMS-II/III, you’ll find concrete examples and strategies you can start using immediately.

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1. Understand the Role of Your CV in the Radiation Oncology Match

Your CV is not just a list of activities—it’s a marketing document tailored to the radiation oncology residency audience. For DO graduates, its role is especially critical because it:

• Shows you can compete in a historically MD-heavy specialty
• Highlights your unique osteopathic perspective (whole-person care, OMM knowledge)
• Aligns your experiences with oncology, research, and technology-focused care

1.1 How Programs Use Your CV

Program directors and faculty in the rad onc match typically use your CV to:

• Quickly screen for:
  • Academic strength (class rank, honors, exam scores as applicable)
  • Research productivity (particularly oncology-related)
  • Clinical exposure to radiation oncology and oncology in general
  • Leadership, professionalism, and longitudinal commitment
• Prepare for your interview (they’ll often have your CV printed or pulled up)
• Decide who to rank—your CV supports the narrative from your ERAS application and personal statement

Because radiation oncology is such a small field, mentors often personally know the attendings on your CV (research mentors, elective attendings, etc.). Assume that anything you list can—and often will—be recognized or verified.

1.2 DO-Specific Realities to Keep in Mind

As a DO graduate applying to radiation oncology:

• Some programs may have less historical experience with DO trainees; your CV should normalize and elevate your training (e.g., show success in mixed MD/DO environments, collaborative multidisciplinary work).
• You may have had to seek out rad onc exposure more proactively. Your CV should highlight that resourcefulness rather than apologizing for it.
• If you completed or plan to complete USMLE (in addition to COMLEX), emphasize academic rigor and adaptability—your CV can subtly reinforce that.

Bottom line: Your CV should signal, at a glance, “This DO graduate looks like every other strong rad onc applicant—and brings additional strengths.”

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2. Core Structure: What a Radiation Oncology Residency CV Must Include

There is no single “correct” template, but a clean, predictable structure helps faculty scan quickly. A standard medical student CV for the osteopathic residency match in radiation oncology should include:

1. Contact Information & Professional Header
2. Education
3. Honors & Awards
4. Licensing & Board Exams (COMLEX/USMLE)
5. Research & Publications
6. Presentations & Posters
7. Clinical Experience (Clerkships & Electives)
8. Teaching & Mentoring
9. Leadership & Service
10. Professional Memberships
11. Skills & Interests (brief, relevant)

2.1 Contact Information & Professional Header

Top of the first page (keep it simple and professional):

• Full name (as used on official documents)
• Professional email (Firstname.Lastname@…; avoid casual addresses)
• Cell phone
• City, state (optional full mailing address)
• LinkedIn profile (optional but useful if it’s polished and consistent)

Do not include:

• Headshot (ERAS handles that)
• Personal identifying details like age, marital status, or photo

Example:

Jane A. Smith, DO
Email: jane.smith@medmail.com | Phone: (555) 555-1234
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/janesmithdo

2.2 Education

List in reverse chronological order:

• Osteopathic medical school (include DO degree, city, state, matriculation and graduation date)
• Undergraduate degree(s)
• Relevant graduate degrees (if applicable)

Include selective academic notes if they help:

• Class rank (if strong and available)
• GPA (more common for undergrad; optional for med school)
• Thesis title (for prior master’s or honors work relevant to oncology, physics, or research)

Example:

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
Rocky Mountain College of Osteopathic Medicine, Denver, CO
Expected Graduation: May 2026

• Top 10% of class; Sigma Sigma Phi member

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3. Academic Strength: Honors, Exams, and the DO Advantage

Radiation oncology emphasizes analytical thinking and academic rigor. Your CV should make this easy to see.

3.1 Honors & Awards

Create a specific section for academic and professional distinctions. Include:

• Alpha Omega Alpha (if available via joint or affiliated MD systems)
• Sigma Sigma Phi (osteopathic honor society)
• Dean’s List, scholarships, or merit awards
• Research awards, poster awards, or oncology-related distinctions
• Leadership awards

Residency CV tip: Emphasize onco-specific or research-related recognitions. They carry disproportionate weight for the rad onc match.

Example entries:

Radiation Oncology Research Award – 1st Place Poster, State Oncology Society Annual Meeting, 2024
Sigma Sigma Phi Honor Society, Inducted 2023

3.2 Licensing & Board Exams: COMLEX and USMLE

As a DO graduate, clearly present your exam record:

• COMLEX Level 1, 2-CE (and 2-PE if relevant), 3 (if taken)
• USMLE Step 1, 2 CK (if taken)

Formatting suggestions:

Licensing Exams

• COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE: 6XX (MM/YYYY)
• COMLEX-USA Level 1: 6XX (MM/YYYY)
• USMLE Step 2 CK: 24X (MM/YYYY)

If you did not take USMLE, that’s acceptable; avoid apologizing in your CV. Your ERAS application or personal statement is a better place to contextually address anything complicated (e.g., exam delays, retakes), if needed, and ideally with advisor input.

3.3 Highlighting Osteopathic Strengths

Sprinkle osteopathic elements where they’re naturally relevant:

• OMM teaching roles
• Integrating OMT for cancer pain, lymphatic drainage, or symptom management in palliative settings
• Quality improvement projects that reflect holistic care (fatigue, depression, survivorship)

These underscore a unique DO graduate residency perspective: you can manage the whole person, not just the tumor.

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4. Research and Scholarship: The Core Currency of Rad Onc CVs

Radiation oncology is research-intensive; programs expect applicants to be engaged with scholarly work. Your osteopathic residency match success in rad onc depends heavily on this section.

4.1 Structuring Research Experience

Separate “Research Experience” from “Publications & Presentations”:

• Research Experience (positions, roles, projects—even if unpublished yet)
• Publications (peer-reviewed papers, book chapters, online publications if credible)
• Abstracts, Posters, and Presentations (poster/oral, conferences, institutional research days)

4.1.1 Research Experience Section

For each entry, include:

• Project title or topic
• Institution, department, and mentor (include MD/DO/PhD credentials)
• Dates (month/year – month/year)
• Brief bullet points (2–4) describing what you did and what skills you used

Example:

Radiation Oncology Research Intern
Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center, City, State
Mentor: Michael Johnson, MD, PhD
06/2023 – 08/2024

• Conducted retrospective chart review of 200 patients with locally advanced lung cancer treated with chemoradiation
• Performed data extraction and cleaning, including contouring review and toxicity grading using CTCAE criteria
• Assisted with statistical analysis in R and drafted results section for manuscript submission

4.2 Publications: Quality and Clarity Over Quantity

When listing publications, use standard citation format and clearly indicate your authorship position (bold your name).

Example:

Peer-Reviewed Publications

• Smith JA, Lee T, Johnson M. Patterns of care and outcomes in older adults with stage III NSCLC treated with definitive chemoradiation. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2024;110(2):123–130. doi:10.xxxx/ijrobp.xxxx

If the paper is accepted, in press, or submitted:

• Use “In press” or “Epub ahead of print” if accepted
• For submitted works, specify “Under review” and the journal name; be honest and keep this updated

Residency CV tip: Do not inflate your publication list with non-substantial or non-medical pieces; focus on those that portray real academic engagement.

4.3 Posters, Abstracts, and Presentations

Rad onc programs value evidence that you can disseminate your work:

Abstracts & Presentations

• Smith JA, Patel R, Johnson M. Predictors of radiation pneumonitis in patients receiving concurrent chemoradiation for NSCLC. Poster presented at: ASTRO Annual Meeting; October 2024; Washington, DC.
• Smith JA. Integrating osteopathic principles into supportive care for patients undergoing radiotherapy. Oral presentation at: DO Oncology Interest Group Symposium; May 2023; Denver, CO.

Try to have at least one oncology-oriented poster or presentation by the time you apply. Even institutional research days count.

4.4 If Your Research Is Limited: Strategic Options

If you are late in the game with minimal research:

• Seek a short-term radiation oncology research elective (in-person or virtual)
• Join an ongoing project where data is already collected and help with analysis or manuscript drafting
• Collaborate with medical physics, dosimetry, or imaging teams on smaller quality-improvement or technical projects
• Document smaller scholarly work:
  • Case reports in radiation oncology
  • Clinical vignettes involving cancer patients on other rotations
  • Educational materials (e.g., radiation side-effect counseling tools)

Even a small number of well-presented, relevant projects can strengthen your CV significantly.

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5. Clinical, Leadership, and Service Experiences That Matter in Rad Onc

Your CV must demonstrate that you are not only a good test-taker and researcher, but also an excellent clinician, teammate, and leader. This is where how to build a CV for residency shifts from pure credentials to storytelling through experience.

5.1 Clinical Clerkships and Electives

Create a “Clinical Experience” or “Clinical Rotations in Radiation Oncology & Oncology” section to highlight targeted experiences.

Include:

• Radiation oncology electives (home and away rotations)
• Medical oncology, surgical oncology, palliative care, and relevant subspecialty rotations
• Any dedicated time in brachytherapy, radiosurgery, or tumor boards

Format example:

Radiation Oncology Sub-Internship
University Cancer Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, City, State
08/2024 – 09/2024

• Participated in daily contour review, treatment planning sessions, and simulation procedures
• Presented literature reviews at weekly disease-site conferences (GI and GU)
• Assisted with patient education on skin care, fatigue management, and managing radiation side effects

If you are a DO graduate whose school had limited in-house rad onc exposure, emphasize the effort you put into securing outside rotations to demonstrate genuine interest and initiative.

5.2 Leadership and Organizational Roles

Radiation oncology is team-based, highly collaborative, and often requires physicians to lead complex multidisciplinary care. Leadership roles on your CV show that you can handle responsibility and guide teams.

Strong leadership experiences include:

• Founding or leading an Oncology or Radiation Oncology Interest Group
• President or officer roles in student organizations (e.g., SOMA, AMSA, specialty clubs)
• Organizing cancer screening or survivorship events
• Leading student-run free clinics, particularly those serving patients with chronic conditions, including cancer

Example:

President, Radiation Oncology Interest Group
Rocky Mountain College of Osteopathic Medicine
06/2023 – 05/2024

• Organized monthly journal clubs exploring key topics in radiation oncology and survivorship care
• Coordinated virtual guest lectures with academic radiation oncologists across the country
• Developed a peer-mentorship program connecting OMS-II students interested in oncology with OMS-III/IV mentors

5.3 Service, Volunteerism, and Humanism

As a DO, your training emphasizes patient-centered, holistic care; your CV should reinforce that through service:

• Volunteering at cancer centers or hospice
• Cancer screening events (e.g., skin checks, breast cancer awareness)
• Survivorship support groups or patient education projects
• Community outreach to underserved populations

Link the service to your future role in rad onc when possible.

Example bullet:

• Facilitated weekly support sessions for patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, focusing on symptom management, coping strategies, and coordination of supportive services

5.4 Teaching and Mentoring

Radiation oncologists frequently teach residents, students, and allied health professionals. Demonstrate educator potential:

• Peer tutoring (anatomy, pathophysiology, OMM, oncology topics)
• Teaching assistant roles
• Small-group facilitator for preclinical courses
• Creation of educational materials for patients or students

Position these in a “Teaching & Mentorship” section to highlight that you are already functioning like an academic clinician.

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6. Polishing Your CV: Layout, Language, and Common Pitfalls

Once the content is there, the way you present it can significantly influence how you’re perceived. Good design doesn’t mean fancy graphics; it means clarity and consistency.

6.1 Layout and Formatting Essentials

• Length: For a DO applying to radiation oncology residency, 2–3 pages is typical and acceptable. Avoid exceeding 4 pages unless you have an unusually extensive research record.
• Font: Use a clean, readable font (e.g., 11–12 pt Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman).
• Margins: 0.75–1 inch to maintain readability.
• Headings: Use bold and consistent hierarchy (e.g., ALL CAPS for main sections, bold italics for positions).
• Bullet points: Use concise, action-oriented bullets. Avoid dense paragraphs.

Always generate a PDF version for distribution outside ERAS, and make sure formatting is preserved.

6.2 Language: Action-Oriented and Outcome-Focused

Each bullet point should start with a strong action verb and, where possible, include:

• What you did
• How you did it (skills, tools, collaboration)
• Why it mattered (outcome, patient impact, scholarly output)

Weak:

Helped with research on head and neck cancer patients.

Stronger:

Collected and analyzed treatment and toxicity data for 120 patients receiving IMRT for head and neck cancer, identifying factors associated with xerostomia severity.

Avoid vague terms like “helped,” “assisted,” or “worked on” unless followed by specifics.

6.3 Tailoring for Radiation Oncology

Where appropriate, highlight:

• Familiarity with radiation-specific tools or concepts:
  • Treatment planning systems (Eclipse, RayStation, etc., if you’ve actually used/observed them)
  • Contouring, simulation, dosimetry basics
  • Common radiation modalities (IMRT, VMAT, SBRT, brachytherapy)
• Interest in particular disease sites (e.g., CNS, thoracic, GU, breast, pediatric), but avoid sounding too narrow too early.

If you mention technical exposure, be honest: you’re not a dosimetrist or physicist yet. Phrases like “observed,” “participated in discussions about,” or “assisted with data collection from” are appropriately modest.

6.4 Common Pitfalls for DO Applicants—and How to Avoid Them

Pitfall 1: Overemphasis on OMM without oncology linkage

• Solution: Highlight OMM experiences that tie into cancer symptom control, palliative care, or holistic patient management.

Pitfall 2: Disorganized research section

• Solution: Separate research positions, publications, and presentations; use consistent citation formatting.

Pitfall 3: Inflating titles or roles

• Solution: Be accurate. Faculty will often know or easily verify your mentors and institutions.

Pitfall 4: Generic, non-specific bullets

• Solution: Add disease sites, techniques, settings, and measurable outcomes where possible.

Pitfall 5: Neglecting proof-reading

• Solution: Have at least two people (ideally including a radiation oncologist or experienced research mentor) review your CV for content and clarity.

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7. Strategic Steps for DO Students at Different Stages

The best medical student CV is built over time, not in the month before ERAS opens. Here’s how to use these residency CV tips depending on where you are in training.

7.1 OMS-II: Laying the Foundation

Focus on:

• Strong preclinical performance
• Joining or starting an Oncology/Rad Onc Interest Group
• Early exposure to oncology through shadowing
• Attending local or virtual oncology conferences to network
• Engaging in research (even basic science or outcomes research) with potential relevance to future oncology work

Update your CV every semester so you don’t lose track of details.

7.2 OMS-III: Building Clinical and Research Depth

Now your priorities include:

• Scheduling at least one radiation oncology elective if available
• Starting or continuing at least one publishable research project
• Taking on leadership roles in organizations you are already part of
• Documenting your clinical experiences with oncology patients (medicine, surgery, palliative care)

Use your CV to track case logs, scholarly activities, and presentations as they occur.

7.3 OMS-IV / DO Graduate in Application Year: Refinement and Focus

At this stage:

• Finalize research outputs—push for submissions, abstracts, and presentations
• Arrange away rotations in radiation oncology at programs where you may want to match
• Fine-tune your CV to align with your ERAS application and personal statement
• Be prepared to send your CV directly to faculty you meet on electives or at conferences

Your CV becomes your calling card for radiation oncology residency opportunities, research collaborations, and advisor introductions.

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FAQs: CV Building for DO Graduates in Radiation Oncology

1. As a DO, do I need USMLE scores on my CV for the rad onc match?

No, you are not required to take or list USMLE scores as a DO. Many successful DO applicants match with COMLEX only. However, some programs are more familiar with USMLE; if you did take those exams and scored well, listing them on your CV can make it easier for programs to interpret your academic performance. If you did not take USMLE, simply highlight your COMLEX scores and overall academic record.

2. How many publications do I need on my CV for a radiation oncology residency?

There is no strict minimum, but radiation oncology is research-heavy. Having at least one to three oncology-related abstracts, posters, or publications will significantly strengthen your application. Quality and relevance matter more than sheer quantity. A well-executed project that leads to a strong poster at a major meeting and a manuscript in progress is often more valuable than multiple low-impact, unrelated projects.

3. What if my school has no in-house radiation oncology department?

This is common for many DO schools. Use your CV to show that you actively sought out exposure:

• Away rotations at academic centers
• Virtual shadowing or electives
• Research collaborations with external rad onc departments
• Participation in national oncology interest groups or conferences

Document these clearly in your Clinical Experience and Research sections. Programs recognize and respect initiative.

4. How often should I update my medical student CV?

Update your CV every 3–6 months or whenever there is a significant change—new research role, presentation, leadership position, or completed rotation. Regular updates reduce errors, ensure accuracy, and make it much easier to adapt your CV for the osteopathic residency match, research opportunities, or faculty mentoring requests.

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By intentionally shaping your CV around academic strength, oncology-focused scholarship, meaningful clinical experiences, and leadership, you present yourself not just as a DO graduate residency applicant, but as a future colleague in a highly specialized, collaborative field. Start early, revise often, and let your CV tell a coherent, compelling story of your path to radiation oncology.