Overview of the Specialty
Radiation Oncology is the branch of clinical medicine that utilizes ionizing radiation to treat patients with cancer, and occasionally with diseases other than cancer. Radiation oncologists are an integral part of the multidisciplinary management of the cancer patient and collaborate closely with physicians in related disciplines in the management of cancer patients.
At a Glance
Training
- 1 transitional/preliminary year
- 4 years of residency
- Categorical and advanced positions available
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
Currently, there is not a fellowship offered
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $417,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $506,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Training Requirements
Training consists of a minimum of five years of postgraduate education. The first year of postgraduate clinical training must be spent in an accredited internal medicine, family practice, surgery, pediatrics, or transitional year program followed by four years of training in radiation oncology. There were 89 radiation oncology residency training programs accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 193 categorical/advanced positions.
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Radiation oncology residency training programs participate in the NRMP. Match results through the NRMP and competitiveness information for radiation oncology residency training positions are summarized in the U.S. Match Statistics table below.
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness* | Low | Interm | Interm | High |
| # Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors | 193 | 179 | 183 | 171 |
| % U.S. Seniors Matched* | 96% | 94% | 94% | 85% |
| # Unfilled Categorical/ Advanced Positions | 7 | 4 | 7 | 1 |
| # Unmatched U.S. Seniors | 3 | 5 | 5 | 13 |
Source: NRMP Match results for U.S. seniors applying in a single specialty. *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Department of Radiation Oncology
- Radiation Oncology Elective Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Jeffrey D. Bradley, MD | 362-8502 |
| Dennis E. Hallahan, MD | 362-9700 |
| Stephanie Perkins, MD | 747-4405 |
| Imran Zoberi, MD | 362-8610 |