Unique Opportunities to Enhance Your Radiation Oncology Residency Experience
Radiation oncology residency offers a significant amount of research time compared to other specialties. Most programs offer somewhere between six months to a year of dedicated research time, with those pursuing the Holman pathway afforded even more time.
As residents, this time offers a chance to shape not only your career, but also your personal growth. In addition to focusing on clinical practice, residents should explore unique paths to make the most of their residency experience. Did you spend time doing basic science in medical school because you felt like you had to? Did you hate it? Now is your chance to try something new! Have you always been interested in policy, but didn't know where to start? There are tons of fellowships to give you policy skills. Have you always wanted to create an educational resource? Consider spending some time with podcasters! What about an all-expenses paid trip to Germany to learn about carbon (?) or ethics (?). We have that too! The world is your osyter, and I would encourage any resident to really think about what they want to learn in addition to clinical skills, and go for it.
In this post, we will describe traditional and unique opportunities, ranging from research to global health, to brachytherapy, to ethics, to the White House - each aimed at elevating your training in radiation oncology. We will also sprinkle in past and current SWRO exec members who have completed these fellowships for the chance to learn more.
While we did not include leadership in national groups (think SWRO, ACRO, ARRO, and so on), those are also great ways to get involved within the field and to grow leadership skills.
For the research-inclined
Holman Pathway
Kicking it off with a classic, the Holman Pathway. The Holman pathway is an alternative residency structure for those seeking careers as physician-scientists. In the Holman path, residents can become eligible for Board certification after 27 months of clinical training, spending the remaining 21 months of residency training devoted to research.
The Holman Pathway is designed for trainees with both strong clinical abilities and a passion for research. Entry implies a commitment to basic science or clinical research.
Eligibility: Candidates for the Holman Pathway may apply after the completion of six full months of the first year of radiation oncology residency or at any time during the second year.
Resident Heidelberg Ion Therapy (HIT) Center Elective Scholarships
The American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) in collaboration with Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg Ion Therapy Center (HIT), and the ACRO Resident Committee offer a unique opportunity for a 1-month international elective rotation at the Heidelberg Ion Therapy center in Heidelberg, Germany.
This rotation is an excellent opportunity to gain familiarity with proton/carbon treatment, complex and rare tumors/sites, and a distinctive healthcare system outside of the United States. In an effort to broaden awareness of radiation oncology practice abroad and the delivery of ion therapy, the ACRO Board of Chancellors and supporters of the College have appropriated funds to subsidize an international elective at the HIT center in Heidelberg, Germany. (See tweet below for a summary of the program)
Eligibility: Applicants must be members of ACRO and in good standing at a U.S. radiation oncology residency or fellowship program.
Sandia National Labs - Science of Extreme Environments Research & Innovation (SEERI) Summer Research
Here's the deal. I don't know if residents qualify for these kinds of positions (seems like maybe more of a grad student thing) HOWEVER, there are many national security-based labs across the country doing incredible radiation-based research. Sandia is particularly close to my heart (New Mexico born and raised), and I couldn't believe how cool the research topics for summer rotations were. For example, take an excerpt from one of the labs below:
In this position (Science of Extreme Environments Research and Innovation), you will work alongside staff members conducting leading-edge research and analysis of radiation-induced effects in electronics, materials, and other test objects. The goal is to deepen our knowledge of radiation effects physics in advanced microelectronics (e.g., Single Event Effects, Total Ionizing Dose, Displacement Damage, Dose Rate, and Electromagnetic effects) and in advanced materials (e.g., shock, ablation, structural response) microelectronics and systems through Test & Evaluation (T&E), Modeling & Simulation (M&S), and analysis. Our experiments may range from fundamental investigations into radiation effects in cutting-edge technologies to the response of electronic piece-parts, subsystems, and systems to natural space-based and/or man-made radiation environments. You will work in a collaborative environment with a diverse team and have access to some of the world’s most powerful tools.
NIH Residency Electives Program (REP)
The NIH Residency Electives Program (REP) is open to residents and clinical fellows enrolled in ACGME-accredited training programs throughout the United States. Participants have the opportunity to have direct experience in the care of patients enrolled in investigational protocols in certain disciplines (unclear to me if radonc is included specifically, but heme onc is, so there has to be something for us). Participants in these elective rotations also have exposure to the design, conduct, and management of investigational protocols, including clinical trials.
For the Humanities-Inclined
FASPE Ethics Fellowship
The Fellowship at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE) presents a chance for residents to confront the ethical challenges in healthcare today through investigation of the time before, and the ramifications of the Holocaust. FASPE awards 80 to 90 Fellowships to graduate students and early-career professionals in Business, Clergy, Design & Technology, Journalism, Law, and Medicine each year. The Fellowships begin with intense study in Germany and Poland where FASPE takes advantage of the urgency created by the power of place to translate history into the present. The FASPE Fellowship experience extends well beyond the two weeks in Europe. Fellows join a lifetime network, now comprised of over 900 alumni. FASPE curates and facilitates continuing conversations and learning, including through in-person gatherings; online education; participation in writing, lecturing, and symposia; and social and professional networking.
Eligibility: FASPE Medical applicants must fit into one of the following categories: 1) be enrolled in an MD or DO program (or equivalent) at the time of their application and anticipate completion of at least one clinical year prior to the start of the fellowship, OR 2) be enrolled in a residency program.
Extra: Current SWRO Communications Chair, Laura Flores, MD, PhD, completed FASPE in 2024. Learn more here: https://www.faspe-ethics.org/2024-medical-fellows/
Podcast Opportunities
Look, I couldn't find an opportunity to work directly with a podcast as a formal fellowship - HOWEVER- radiation oncology is chock-full of fabulous podcasters working on educating the masses (see, Drs Henke, Beckta, Wu, Spraker...). One of these days, I will get around to finishing the "Best Of: RadOnc Podcasts" blog post, but for now, let's highlight a few pods that I am sure would be open to working with/mentoring a passionate trainee about all things spoken-art.
The Accelerators Pod - https://accelerators.buzzsprout.com/
NRG Oncology Podcast - https://www.nrgoncology.org/Podcast
Out of the Basement - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/out-of-the-basement-radiation-medicine/id1637332267
At the Beam - https://www.atthebeam.com/
Extra: MANY SWRO gals have been interviewed by and/or participated in creating podcasts. Not only is this a great CV booster, it is truly a unique skill to be able to translate your message into podcast form. It is much harder than the above Pods make it seem.
For the Future Editorial Board Members
JAMA Health Forum Editorial Fellowship
JAMA Health Forum offers 3 editorial fellow positions, where fellows receive hands-on training in the editorial processes and policies of a health policy journal. Fellows will serve in 1 of 3 portfolios:
A fellow will work with the Associate Editor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) on advancing the journal’s commitment to DEI.
A fellow will work with the Senior Associate Editor on editorial content, engaging with work around Viewpoints, Invited Commentaries, and manuscript submissions from government and other organizations that advance ideas relevant to JAMA Health Forum.
A fellow will work with the Editor in Chief on digital media, including social media, article comment moderation, and other efforts to engage the journal in the digital translational space.
Editorial fellows will have an opportunity to work with the relevant editors and attend editorial meetings as appropriate. Each fellow will receive a small stipend.
JCO Journals Editorial Fellowship
The JCO Journals Editorial Fellowship is designed to introduce oncology-focused fellows to the peer review, editing, and publishing intracacies of medical research manuscripts in journals. Fellows get a direct and immersive experience into how a manuscript is handled, from submission to final decision. This will include the opportunity to critically review papers with the supervision of assigned editors who will serve as their mentors. This program is mostly virtual. There are multiple tracks to pursue, based on the fellow's interests, including Clinical Oncology, Cancer Research Professionals, and Narrative Medicine (ooh cool!)
Eligibility:
Applicants must:
Be in the field of oncology
Have some experience publishing papers
Have specific ideas for what they hope to learn in the program
Not quite ready for the fellowship, but want peer review experience?
Fill out the same application for the fellowship. There will be an option to indicate interest in the JCO Journals Trainee Reviewer Mentoring Program if you are not selected for the fellowship.
For the World Travelers and Global Health Advocates
ACRO Global Radiation Oncology Workforce (GROW) Scholarship
Getting involved in global health initiatives can significantly impact a resident's training. Programs that allow residents to work in underserved communities enable them to utilize their skills in various settings while learning about healthcare disparities.
To broaden awareness and support for cancer education and treatment in developing countries, the ACRO Board of Chancellors and supporters of the College have dedicated funding to enable international travel to assist in radiation oncology-related outreach. ACRO will be offering two $2,000 travel grants to participate in an international elective in a developing country.
Eligibility: Applicants must be members of ACRO and in good standing at a US radiation oncology residency or fellowship program. Applicants should be driven to provide meaningful outreach and humanitarian support to the destination program, clinic, or institution.
Applicants interested in the Radiating Hope expedition will be required to work on a collaborative project that will advance cancer care.
EXTRA:
Phylicia Gawu is a 2024 Global Health Scholars Awardee!
For the Policy and Quality Improvement Folks
ACR/ACRO Government Advocacy Fellowship
The American College of Radiology (ACR) and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) offer a government advocacy fellowship that allows residents to engage with lawmakers on crucial issues in radiation oncology. This fellowship provides hands-on experience in advocacy work, helping residents understand how healthcare policies are crafted and implemented while deepening their insight into the political environment within healthcare.
Eligibility: Applicants must be members of ACRO and in good standing at a U.S. or Canadian radiation oncology residency program.
Applicants must list a primary mentor for their project.
All submissions must include: Application Form, Applicant’s Curriculum Vitae, Personal Statement, and Letter of Support from Radiation Oncology Program or Fellowship Chair or Program Director.
ASTRO Government Advocacy Fellowship
Similar to the ACR/ACRO fellowship, the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) has its own government advocacy fellowship. This program emphasizes the complexities of healthcare legislation and its effects on radiation oncology. By working directly with lawmakers and health committees, residents advocate for essential issues, acquiring skills that will support their future careers in medicine.
White House Fellow
Okay, we know not EVERYONE can simply become a White House Fellow (it's not that easy). However, in recent years, there has been an impressive showing of radiation oncology residents in this position or something similar. The description is about as awesome as you would expect: "White House Fellows gain first-hand experience in the process of governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of society."
This experience not only expands a resident's understanding but also positions them to contribute to significant health policy discussions on a national scale.
Extra: Notable alumni include Zachary White, MD, MS, (all start radiaton oncology resident) who was recently named a 2024-2025 Fellow!
Amis Fellows for Quality and Safety
If you are a radiation oncology resident with a passion for quality improvement, this fellowship is for you.
The E. Stephen Amis, Jr., MD, Fellowship in Quality and Safety provides an opportunity for up to three residents in diagnostic radiology, interventional radiology, integrated interventional and diagnostic, and radiation oncology to discover insights and gain experience with the ACR Department of Quality and Safety. You will learn about the work that ACR does to promote and support Quality and Safety. You will have an opportunity to meet leaders in the profession and launch your own leadership journey in your careers.
Eligibility:
Candidates must be residents in radiology or radiation oncology.
Candidates must be currently second-year, third-year, or fourth-year residents.
EXTRA: Claire Baniel, MD (Current SWRO President, and all-around extraordinaire) was an Amis fellow in 2023. See more details here: https://www.acr.org/Practice-Management-Quality-Informatics/Quality-Care-News/Newsletter/Quality-and-Safety-eNews-September-2023/New-Amis-Fellows
For the Hands-ON-Brachytherapy Enthusiasts
300 in 10
The 300 in 10 is a 2-month fellowship program designed to elevate skills and knowledge in the specialized field of brachytherapy. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a community focused on developing competent and skilled brachytherapists. You will gain hands-on experience, expand your knowledge, and contribute to the field of brachytherapy through this transformative learning experience.
Eligibility: PGY4 or PGY5
Final Thoughts
Residency is hard - make time for the things you are passionate about. Now is as good a time as ever to explore, learn, and gain new skills. :)
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