The UCI Radiation Oncology training program is unique in its ability to cultivate and to foster resident education. As a relatively small program, it has the advantage of promoting one-on-one instruction from faculty physicians, physicists, researchers and staff. Residents have access to resources across the vast bandwidth of the entire world-class University of California system and are encouraged to seek out opportunities that fuel their passions. Our faculty work closely to build the residency around our trainees rather than vice-versa.

Our residency program prides itself on its collegiality and qualities such as teamwork, kindness, maturity and respect. UCI Radiation Oncology aims to develop future leaders, and our trainees are consistently challenged to think independently and critically so they have the confidence and wherewithal to make sound decisions. The high level of mentorship that our residents receive combined with the intimate environment in which learning occurs are what ultimately make UCI special. Other qualities that set UCI apart include:

UCI is the only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Orange County

The strengths of the radiation, surgical and medical oncology services create a robust multidisciplinary training environment. Tumor boards are high-volume, collegial and evidence-based. Radiation oncology is well-regarded across the Cancer Center; in fact, many of our faculty help lead the multidisciplinary discussions and have the loudest “voices” at these roundtables.

As one of the oldest radiation oncology residency programs in the country and one of the first on the West Coast, UCI has a proud and longstanding history of training residents

These physicians are now thriving in practice, including at various academic medical centers throughout the country. Some, in fact, have now called it a career and are retired!

One of the most diverse patient populations

UCI is situated in the heart of Orange County, the sixth largest county in the United States, and serves a patient population consisting of Latino, African American, Asian, Pacific Islander and Eastern European backgrounds, among others. The medical center sees patients from rural communities in the east to more affluent patients in the coastal regions. Coupled with this demographic mix is an interesting variety of different pathologies and disease presentations. Residents see everything from “zebras” to “bread-and-butter” type cases.

Protected time is never a problem for our residents, as the program aims to carefully craft a balance between service and education

Didactic time is taken seriously, and staff are specifically instructed not to disturb residents during teaching activities. All faculty physicians are used to working solo if needed so that residents can focus on education.

Scut labor and activities lacking in educational value are intentionally eliminated from the residency program

Ancillary support staff at UCI are top-notch and responsive, thus helping to minimize the amount of time our residents spend completing paperwork, finding records and/or scheduling patients.

Faculty involvement is unparalleled

Our faculty are excited and enthusiastic about teaching. We specifically look for these qualities in each hire that is made. As a result, participation from our faculty in didactic conferences is expected and universally high. On average, each faculty gives 10-20 lectures a year to our residents.

Accessibility to faculty

Each one of our faculty members not only have an “open door” policy but an “open text” policy as well. They take immense pride in their approachability and friendliness. Whether it’s a personal matter or a professional one, they are always available to lend a helping hand. The faculty are great physicians but even better people.

Life-long training is taken seriously as we believe we must prepare residents for life after Boards and after graduation

Our Resident and Faculty Professional Development seminars cover topics such as healthy policy, billing, practice building, ethics, professionalism, conflict resolution and negotiations, among many others. Role playing simulations, team building exercises and occasional wellness activities round out this experience.

Robust brachytherapy experience

Due to UCI’s status as the safety net hospital and the leader for cancer care in Orange County, UCI residents gain experience treating a high volume of gynecologic cancers and become well-trained in interstitial brachytherapy techniques. Whether it’s intact cervical cancer or recurrent vaginal cancer, brachytherapy has a high volume at UCI.

Proton therapy experience

Our residents rotate through the California Proton Center affiliated with Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego to gain experience with proton therapy and in particular pediatric malignancy management. The Department covers the cost of housing for this one-month away rotation. 

Job placement

Our faculty are from some of the best institutions in the country. When it comes to job placement, they are not hesitant to go to bat for our trainees and are not shy about promoting them.

Having a voice

Our department leadership values feedback and residents are encouraged to provide it. As a result, trainees play an active role in improving the residency experience.

We build the residency program around our residents

Rather than a “one size fits all” approach to training, we really listen to what our trainees want and try to customize an educational program to suit their individual needs. We realize that no two residents are alike and try to place residents in situations to use their strengths while shoring up their weaknesses. Career development is prioritized above all else.

Our faculty recognizes that it is a true privilege to teach and to educate the next generation of radiation oncologists

Thus, they strive to create an environment that is positive and constructive for our trainees. While we take education seriously, we also try to have fun at the same time.