Training and Engagement Opportunities
ASTRO is committed to promoting excellence within the organization as well as the field. Medical students are the future and as such, we are continually looking for ways to provide training and engagement opportunities. The information below includes opportunities that may be of interest to medical students considering a career in radiation oncology.
Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards
The ASTRO-BCRF Annual Meeting Trainee Travel Awards encourage the participation of medical students, graduate students, residents and post-doctoral fellows in educational and professional development opportunities at ASTRO's Annual Meeting.
Annual Meeting Medical Student Workshop
The Medical Student Workshop is offered each year on the first day (Saturday) of the ASTRO Annual Meeting. Open to all medical students attending the Annual Meeting, this workshop gives students the opportunity to discover what life is really like as a radiation oncology resident; hear directly from program directors and residents about standing out on your application; demystify the match process with tips on ERAS, interviews, and rank lists; ask candid questions about intern year and the transition to residency, network with future colleagues and experience the high-energy fun of the ARRO Bowl! Learn more about the 2025 Medical Student Workshop.
Aspiring Scientists and Physician
The Aspiring Scientists and Physicians Program offers high school, undergraduate and medical students the opportunity to learn about the radiation oncology field. This event is comprised of interactive panel discussions in which students meet radiation oncology faculty, residency program directors, medical physicists, residents and peers who are on a similar journey, providing many opportunities for mentorship.
Radiation Oncology Communities Corner
The Radiation Oncology Community Corner offers a series of virtual engagement sessions covering topics relevant to radiation oncology and held in a collaborative learning environment. These sessions equip attendees with the knowledge and skills to help further their careers as well as contribute to broader efforts to advance clinical care.
Medical Student Fellowships
The ASTRO Medical Student Fellowship Award introduces medical students to the discipline of radiation oncology early in their medical education. Medical students in all years are encouraged to apply; preference will be given to first- and second-year students. In an effort to promote radiation oncology as a career choice, the fellowship will provide medical students with an experience designed to expose students to clinical, basic and translational research questions in radiation oncology.
Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations for Medical Students
The ASTRO-BCRF Radiation Oncology Visiting Away Rotations support hands-on clinical and research skills development for medical students interested in pursuing careers in radiation oncology. All medical student are eligible; preference is given to third and fourth year medical students.
Student Opportunities
Although radiation therapy is one of the three pillars of cancer care, many students have little exposure to it during their medical education. The student opportunities page provides a list of resources available to medical and premedical students to explore radiation oncology through learning, mentorship, clinical and research opportunities that are both virtual and in person.
