Are you passionate about using cutting-edge technology to help people in need? Become a radiation oncologist and make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Radiation oncologists are clinical specialists with unique expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with cancer. As a radiation oncologist, you will apply your knowledge in clinical oncology, cancer biology, and medical physics to recommend and prescribe radiation treatment to cancer patients. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including other physicians, surgeons, nurses, radiation therapists, and physicists, to provide comprehensive care to your patients.

A career in radiation oncology offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of your patients, as well as opportunities for personal and professional growth through ongoing leadership, education, and research.

What is radiation oncology?

Radiation oncology is a medical specialty that involves the use of ionizing radiation to treat cancer. Advanced equipment and techniques allow delivery of radiation to treat cancerous tumours, while minimizing exposure to healthy tissue. It is often used in conjunction with surgery, chemotherapy, and other cancer treatments to help shrink or ablate cancerous tumours.

Who are radiation oncologists?

Radiation oncologists are doctors who specialize in using radiation to treat cancer. Some of their tasks may include:

• Reviewing a patient’s medical history, performing physical exams, and analyzing diagnostic imaging (such as CT scans or MRIs) to determine the stage and location of the cancer
• Discussing treatment options with the patient and their family and helping them to understand the risks and benefits of each option
• Prescribing and overseeing the administration of radiation therapy, including determining the appropriate dosage and treatment schedule
• Monitoring the patient’s response to treatment and adjusting the treatment plan as needed
• Providing support and counseling to patients and their families throughout treatment and follow-up
• Collaborating with other members of the cancer care team (such as subspecialist surgeons, medical oncologists, diagnostic specialists, and allied health) to coordinate patient care and ensure a comprehensive approach to treatment.

How do I become a radiation oncologist?

Radiation oncology is a direct entry specialty and all programs participate in the R-1 main residency match through CaRMS. Residency is 5 years in length and all programs follow competency by design. The transition to residency period typically involves off-service rotations in related specialties such as palliative care, medical oncology, surgery, and medicine, though this varies by school. A background in radiobiology or radiation physics is not required, as all programs incorporate teaching around this. During residency, you will learn about managing nearly all solid organ cancers, some hematologic cancers, and some benign diseases.

To learn more about the different radiation oncology training programs, visit https://canprepp.ca/. To learn about the match process, visit https://www.carms.ca/.

What opportunities are there in radiation oncology for medical students?

The CARO-CROF Pamela Catton Summer Studentship is a program that provides an outstanding clinical experience in radiation oncology for Canadian medical students to assist them in future career selection, mentorship, and career counseling experience. To learn more, visit https://www.caro-acro.ca/foundation/caro-crof-pamela-catton-summer-studentship-award/.

Individual training programs may also host programs designed for medical students. Contact the residents at your institution to see what is available.

What resources are available to medical students?

Canada’s Portal for Residency Program Promotion – https://canprepp.ca/

Canadian Residency Matching Service – https://www.carms.ca/

Learn Oncology – https://www.learnoncology.ca/