We are pleased that you are interested in the radiation oncology residency programs at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We are committed to providing quality graduate medical education for tomorrow's radiation oncologists. VUMC offers a teaching facility with diverse patient populations, state-of-the art technology, cutting edge research, and outstanding faculty.

 

Residents, Spring 2019

 

Clinical experience

Residents spend approximately 36 of their 48 months of training rotating through the various clinical services. Rotations change every 2 months. All rotations are completed at the main campus, including pediatrics, with a possible option for a senior rotation at one of our satellites to experience a "private practice" style environment (a new option that was in response to resident feedback), and soon a proton therapy elective. Generally, residents work one-on-one with an attending who specializes in a specific disease site. Residents remain under the guidance of attendings for their entire four years of training, with gradually increasing expectations of responsibilities. 

Residents gain a broad exposure to the entire spectrum of oncology patients and their treatment, including:

Intensity modulated RT (IMRT)
Volumetric arc therapy (VMAT)
Stereotactic body RT (SBRT) / Stereotactic ablative RT (SABR) 
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) / Stereotactic RT (SRT)
Image-guided RT (IGRT)
3D conformal RT (3D CRT)
4D CT and treatment planning
Deep inspiratory breath hold (DIBH)
Total body irradiation (TBI)
Electronic brachytherapy for breast 
Low dose rate brachytherapy (LDR) for prostate, sarcoma, ocular melanoma
High dose rate brachytherapy (HDR) for gynecologic malignancies 
Hydrogel spacer and fiducial placement for prostate
Unsealed sources
Pediatric through geriatric aged patients 
Curative to palliative intents 

Clinical sites include:

Benign (tremor, AVM, keloid, etc) 
Breast 
CNS
Gastrointestinal (GI)
Genitourinary (GU)
Gynecologic
Head and neck 
Lymphoma 
Sarcoma 
Thoracic
Palliative inpatient service 
Pediatric
Proton therapy 

Residents cover home call for 1 week at a time. During clinic days, the palliative inpatient service (with its own dedicated attending and NP +/- rotating resident) handles inpatient consults. The resident on call primarily helps to triage and answer questions during nights and weekends, which is rare. Attendings are also on call for the week, so there is continuity and it is easy to know who to discuss concerns with. 

 

Clinical didactics

Didactic coursework consists of classes in clinical radiation oncology, cancer and radiation biology, and medical physics. Residents attend daily didactics led by both residents, faculty, and special guest speakers. In addition, they will attend specialty-specific multidisciplinary tumor boards, quality assurance (chart rounds), morbidity & mortality, and clinical didactics. Special sessions include:

Guest lectures from other specialties (e.g. radiology, neurosurgery, plastic surgery, medical oncology, etc);
Resident wellness sessions;
Career planning and financial advising;
Research seminars (e.g. how to write NIH grants);
Thought leaders in the field of radiation oncology (e.g. Robert Timmerman MD, David Raben MD, Vanderbilt alumni, etc).

See information for current residents for up-to-date details on our didactics schedule. 

 

Physics

We have structured weekly medical physics didactics with lectures, exercises, and exams. This course is repeated by all residents annually until passing the boards. This year we have a new curriculum designed specifically for us by our physics faculty, which has been very well-received so far by the residents. Content is tailored to a level of understanding appropriate for physicians and for board certification. In the Spring, our faculty lead additional study sessions for the seniors to assist with board exam preparation.

 

Cancer and radiation biology

We have structured weekly cancer and radiation biology didactics with interactive sessions led by our faculty who are also actively involved in research. This course is also repeated annually by all residents until passing the boards. The course is primarily built around the standard radiobiology textbook and question sets. The format and content is fluid each year, so that residents of all learning styles can learn (e.g. powerpoint, chalk talks, question and answer). 

 

Research / Elective

Resident research may be undertaken in the following disciplines: clinical sciences, physical sciences, and/or biological sciences. Residents are expected to participate in research and publish at least 1 peer-reviewed paper during the course of their residency. Many of our residents apply for The Holman Pathway which is designed for the exceptional trainee who has both strong clinical abilities and a background in research. If accepted for this program residents spend 18 months performing research; all residents are guaranteed 12 months of dedicated research time (part of this time can also be used for other electives). Residents are encouraged to attend and present their work at national scientific conferences. Our residents routinely are invited to give oral presentations at these conferences and many garner prestigious awards. For more details, please see the Research section. 

Dr Attia and our department are extremely supportive of each of our career goals. Having 12 months of consecutive research / elective time available facilitates completion of additional degrees (e.g. MBA, MS in Clinical Investigation, MA in Bioethics, MPH). This time can also be distributed among 2-3 years, depending on logistics, if it facilitates your personal research or career goals. Electives can also be used to spend time in Radiology, Pathology, Medical Oncology, or surgical subspecialties. Electives can also be used for the optional rotation in Inpatient / Palliative Radiation with Dr Kohutek, and soon at our nearby satellite clinic for a "private practice" feel or for proton therapy. 

 

Oral board prep

Every Spring, we invite new alumni to join our current residents in practicing oral boards style practice sessions ("mock orals") led by our current faculty and prominent alumni. This provides invaluable test preparation as well as networking opportunities. 

Group photo from mock oral boards, Spring 2017

 

Program Director: Albert Attia, MD

Assistant Program Director: Zachary Kohutek, MD

Program Coordinator: Betsy Amell

 

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