Medical Students

Radiation oncologists use ionizing radiation to treat cancer (and a small number of non-malignant entities). The field focuses on prescribing and planning the appropriate therapy based on the patient's diagnosis — ensuring that treatments are properly administered; managing complications; working with medical oncologists, surgical and gynecology oncology colleagues, hospitalists, and palliative care specialists in an interdisciplinary setting; and following the patient after treatment to manage late side effects and to monitor disease status. Most of the work is done in the outpatient setting, although some procedural-based radiation oncologists spend time in the operating room performing brachytherapy (radioactive implants).  Much of the work involves counseling and educating patients on their cancer diagnosis and providing support through their care journey. 

Radiation oncology is, by its nature, team-based and multi-disciplinary. Other team members include physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, dieticians and social workers. In most academic centers, they also work as part of a multi-disciplinary cancer team that includes medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists and pathologists. Although the work is generally outpatient-based, the sheer nature of caring for cancer patients can lead to long, intense days. This is another reason why having a strong supportive team is so important.

The specialty is highly academic with a focus on physics, molecular biology, immunology and evidence-based clinical medicine. Technological advances in engineering, imaging and computer processing power have also resulted in dramatic improvements in the way in which radiation can be practically delivered. In recent years, artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning have assumed importance in the design of increasingly sophisticated treatments. Radiation oncologists divide their time between seeing patients (inpatients and outpatients), participating in tumor boards and multidisciplinary clinics, reviewing imaging with radiology, performing procedures (such as radioactive implants), and using computer algorithms to devise treatment plans. Knowledge of anatomy is crucial for radiation oncologists, as everything done depends on careful analysis of the critical anatomy of the target(s) and critical normal structures in three dimensions (or often, four dimensions with the added component of time). Careful history-taking and physical examinations are very important in this field and help provide information valuable to treatment planning. In the academic setting, radiation oncologists often dedicate a significant portion of their time to research (clinical or basic science). Many are involved in the design of clinical trials with the goal of improving care for patients.

Radiation therapy emergencies are rare. However, scenarios that require the urgent administration of radiation do exist. These include spinal cord compression from paralysis is imminent due to growth of cancer into the central nervous system; superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome, where a tumor is blocking the flow of blood into the thorax leading to compression of critical structures, including nerves, soft tissue, and vasculature; and hemoptysis and airway obstruction from tumors infiltrating the respiratory tract. Some scenarios involving brain metastasis can also be considered emergencies depending on the clinical presentation and symptoms.

No problem! Many of us were in similar shoes. Residency programs teach you everything you need to know about the physics and engineering of the field. It is our goal not to train the next Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking. In other words, calculus is not required, but, if you have a strong physics or engineering background, you will have many opportunities to explore those aspects of the field as well.

Absolutely. As part of Orange County’s only NCI-designated cancer center and one of only a select few nationwide, UCI Radiation Oncology prides itself on its commitment to scientific discovery. All our faculty are engaged in active investigations and would be thrilled to hear from you. Feel free to browse our faculty biographies and reach out to any one of us!

Residency graduates have many options. Some go on to work in academic (university-affiliated) medical centers; others choose to work with community-based hospitals or private practice groups that either own their own free-standing facilities or staff local hospitals.

Radiation oncologists have reported consistently high rates of job satisfaction for decades. This is likely due to the combination of the gratifying work of caring for people with serious illnesses; the privilege of being able to establish lifelong relationships with patients; the opportunity to engage in meaningful cancer research of all kinds; and the evidence-based, cerebral nature of the field. Working as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary care team and living on the cusp of leading technological advances are also positives. The predictable work hours and lack of inpatient (overnight) calls contribute to a lifestyle where it is more than possible to balance work and personal interests.

Just send us an email introducing yourself, and we’ll do the rest: Elizabeth Won, ewon@hs.uci.edu. While we recognize that the field may not be for everybody, we’d love to take the opportunity to talk with you or have you visit us.