Radiation Oncology
Spend some time shadowing us in clinic to see if this is a field that seems interesting to you. We are a unique field in many aspects, combining imaging, patient counseling, team management, and multidisciplinary oncologic care, it’s best to see what the specialty is like firsthand. We can also give perspective on what the job markets are like based on your life and career goals.
Andrew Ju, MD
Chairman Associate Professor Department of Radiation Oncology
jua@ecu.edu
Aidan M. Burke, MD
Assistant Professor
Department of Radiation Oncology
burkeai20@ecu.edu
Does research experience need to be in the specialty itself?
Not necessarily, but since our field is very subspecialized having radiation oncology research experience is helpful in getting into the more competitive residency programs.
What M3/M4 electives would you recommend to a student who is interested in pursuing your specialty?
- M3 Electives: The rotation in our department.
- M4 Electives: Preferably 1-2 away rotations in departments that have resident slots open for your year.
Does your specialty recommend doing away rotations?
Yes, preferably 1-2 away rotations in departments that have resident slots open for your year.
If your specialty recommends doing away rotations, how many away rotations do you recommend?
Preferably 1-2 away rotations in departments that have resident slots open for your year.
If away rotations are necessary, when should they be completed?
It is preferable that away rotations be completed prior to submission of your application so that you have letters of recommendation from academic programs that have a residency.
Which month/s are interviews most concentrated?
Mostly in December now that interviews are almost all virtual, but the season for interviews runs from November through January.
Does your specialty recommend that all letters of recommendation be written by members of your specialty?
No, but at least 1 or 2 letters should be from members of our specialty.
If letters can come from other disciplines, do you have a recommendation as to which disciplines are more highly valued?
Letters from the faculty that you have had significant research experience with, and from the oncology specialties.
Does the academic rank of the letter writer matter?
Yes, for the more competitive residency programs, if is preferrable to get letters from chairs and program directors whenever possible.
How competitive are the residency programs in this specialty?
About 10 years ago radiation oncology was closely behind plastics and dermatology in competitiveness. Recently it has been easier to get into some residency programs in radiation oncology than in the primary care specialties. Most of this change has been driven by speculation rather than actual changes in the job market. The most well-established programs remain fairly competitive. We can give a better perspective if you want to have more of a discussion on this issue.
How important are each of the following for admission to a competitive program in your specialty?
The responses given here are derived from the 2021 NRMP Program Director Survey results, with the assumption that USMLE Step 2 scores will replace the prior prominence of USMLE Step 1 scores:
| Very Important | Somewhat Important | Not Important | Comments | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadowing | X | Generally not as important as formal rotations. | ||
| Leadership | X | |||
| Community Service | X | X | X | |
| Extracurriculuar Activities | X | X | ||
| Research / Publications | X | X | ||
| AOA Membership | X | |||
| Gold Humanism Honor Society | X | |||
| USMLE Step 2 Scores | X | X | ||
| Clerkship Grades | X | |||
| Top Tier Medical School | X | |||
| MPSE Letter | X | X | ||
| Personal Statement | X | X | ||
| Letters of Recommendation | X | X |