Radiation Oncology

Sophie Baldwin, 3/16/24

Radiation oncologists treat patients with cancer through the use of ionizing radiation. Radiation oncologists use techniques such as radioactive implantations, hyperthermia, external beam radiotherapy, chemotherapy, biological modifiers, and surgery to treat and manage the spread of cancer in patients. They work closely with oncologists and other physicians to determine treatment plans for patients. Radiation oncologists employ mathematics and physics to target cancer growths.

Fast Facts

• Salary: $506,000

• DO friendly? No

• IMG friendly? No

• Competitiveness: High

• Match rate: 88%

• Average step-one: 243

• Surgical? Yes

Becoming a Radiation Oncologist

• 4 years of undergraduate

• 4 years of medical school

• 1 transitional/preliminary year

• 4 years of radiation oncology residency

Work-life Balance

Radiation oncologists typically have a good work-life balance with a low-stress lifestyle. They are on the higher end of physician compensation with average salaries of over $500,000. Additionally, the training for radiation oncology is medium length. The low-stress lifestyle and high salary make radiation oncology a very competitive field.

Fellowships

• Radiation oncology is already a subspecialty, so there are no fellowships

Job Satisfaction and Outlook

• 30-63% report burnout (Applied Radiation Oncology)

• 78% report job satisfaction (Radiology Business)

• 9.1% projected job growth (2024-2032) (ITN)

Sources

https://residency.wustl.edu/choosing-a-specialty/specialty-descriptions/radiation-oncology/ 

https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-competitive-is-a-radiation-oncology-residency/

https://www.itnonline.com/article/special-report-radiation-oncology-takeaways-rsna23

https://www.appliedradiationoncology.com/articles/a-narrative-review-on-radiation-oncology-physician-well-being-in-the-united-states 

https://radiologybusiness.com/topics/healthcare-management/leadership/satisfaction-radiation-oncology-high-fellowships-low