Radiation Physics
Radiation physics is one of the primary pillars underlying the practice of radiation oncology, and understanding the principles of radiation physics helps radiation oncologists become better clinicians. Moreover, this multidisciplinary scientific and clinical collaboration helps drive the scientific inquiry that expands the frontiers of radiation oncology and helps our future clinicians and clinician scientists contribute to the future of cancer research and treatment.
The basic curriculum for resident education in radiation oncology physics is described in the ASTRO radiation oncology core curriculum. In addition, the study guide for the American Board of Radiology Qualifying Examination in Radiation Oncology Physics is based on this curriculum and provides supplementary guidance on content. Useful reference texts are also provided by both of these resources. ARRO provides the additional resources below, including educational documents and videos by experts in the field of radiation oncology, to enhance resident learning in both the basic science and technical applications of physics in radiation oncology.
ROECSG Physics Study Guide
This physics educational resource for radiation oncology trainees was created by the Radiation Oncology Education Collaborative Study Group (ROECSG) Graduate Medical Education working group. A needs assessment of radiation oncology residents revealed that the preferred form for this study guide is a question and multiple choice answer format (with detailed answers). This study guide is the result of a collaborative effort among radiation medical physicists, radiation oncologists and trainees (medical physics and radiation oncology residents). This resource is provided as an educational tool and does not intend to mimic nor anticipate questions on board examinations.
Access the ROECSG Study Guide
Username: user
Password: radonc123
Users have the option of downloading the PDF and/or going through the interactive study guide. Instructions are provided on the webpage after logging in using the credentials above.
The ROECSG physics study guide has been formatted in accordance to the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM)/ American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Core Physics Curriculum for Radiation Oncology Residents. Of note, this resource is not endorsed by the American Board of Radiology and is provided as an educational supplement to help physics education for radiation oncology residents.
ARRO High Yield Review Videos
(Invited lectures on topics by request from ARRO membership)- 2022 RO Physics Review: High-yield Physics Review by Anthony Doemer, MS
- 2021 RO Physics Review: Radiation Interactions and Measurement Part I by Dr. Jay Burmeister of Wayne State University
- 2021 RO Physics Review: Radiation Interactions and Measurement Part II by Dr. Jay Burmeister of Wayne State University
Modules and Videos
ROMPES Modules (Introductory lectures in radiation physics by leaders in the field including Drs. Patrick McDermott, Matthew Studenski, Timothy Ritter, Steven Sutlief, Arthur Boyer and Ying Xiao)
Primer on Radiation Oncology Physics Video Tutorials (Based on the textbook by Dr. Eric Ford)
HiPhy RadOnc Videos (High-yield animated physics education videos for radiation oncology residents by Drs. Gabby Peters, Suzanne B. Evans, Jay Burmeister and Eric Ford)
ARRO Radiobiology and Physics Case-Based Educational Modules
Clinical vignettes incorporating relevant physics and radiobiology questions built into google forms. Created by Drs. Michael Dominello, Jay Burmeister, Michael Joiner, Marcus Crosby and Hassan Beydoun, and further developed by the ARRO Education Committee
