Application FAQs
Here are some FAQs regarding residency applications with answers compiled by radiation oncology residents throughout the country:
Who should I have to write my letters of recommendations?
It is a good idea to have at least one radiation oncologist write you a letter of recommendation, particularly someone that you have worked with. If you do rotations at a particular department, try to work with at least one attending consistently so they can write you a letter with some substance. Speak with residents at the department to find out which attendings are going to be willing to write you a letter. The residents just went through the same process and should be happy to help out. If you have done any research with an attending, they would be good to ask for a letter. Some students feel that they need letters from “big names”. A personal letter written by junior faculty may have as much impact as a form recommendation letter written by a chair or senior faculty. You can submit up to five letters, so one or two of each is a good way to go.
Should I have non-radiation oncologist write my letter of recommendation?
It is fine to have someone who worked with you for a long period of time to write your letter of recommendation. It is understandable that medical students do not spend more than a few months with radiation oncologists. Medical school advisors, research mentors or others you have worked closely with may be able to provide a personal letter that helps the Radiation Oncology residency selection committee get to know you better. Remember, you have five letters to submit. The committee may not want to read five generic form letters from radiation oncologists who do not know you very well.
How many programs should I apply to?
Apply to as many as you feel comfortable. A good way to narrow down the list is only apply to programs that you would be willing to rank to match. Consider geographic location, program size, academic emphasis, urban/rural setting, weather and other factors when making the initial cut. Remember, you will be living, working and learning there for four years. Some people may prefer to not match in radiation oncology than move to another part of the country, live in heat or cold, or move into or out of a city.
How many programs should I rank?
You should rank programs where you are willing to live and work for four years.
Should I apply to preliminary or transitional programs?
Either is a good choice. Some people prefer to have a traditional medicine internship year offered by a preliminary medicine year. Many preliminary medicine programs offer time for research or electives which can be used to explore other medical specialties, do a research project, or rotate in medical oncology. Transitional-year programs offer a variety of rotations in other specialties whereas preliminary medicine programs focus on rotations within internal medicine. There are also surgical preliminary years and a few oncology preliminary programs.
Is it a good idea to submit my application as early as possible?
Some programs may not look at applications until the Dean’s Letter is out on November 1. There are some programs that have offered interviews before then, so they likely review applications in late September and October. That said, earlier is probably better as programs may begin an initial review before the Dean’s letter is released. Submitting in late October may not be a wise move.
Do I need research to match in Radiation Oncology?
Radiation Oncology is an evidence-based medical field and residency programs are often looking for applicants who demonstrate an academic aptitude and motivation to learn and ask questions. However, prior research and publications are not necessary to match. If you are starting your fourth year, talk to residents and attendings at your home program (or somewhere you rotate) and ask about available research projects. Oftentimes there are ongoing projects which can use some extra help or perhaps a small retrospective project which does not have the manpower to move forward. A little motivation and a couple months of diligent work should be enough to do a meaningful project. Then you will have something for your application and hopefully made a contribution to the advancement of cancer care.
