Frequently Asked QuestionsTo address commonly asked questions, we have compiled the following list. If you need more information, please contact us at RadOncResidency@Rochester.edu or call (585) 275-5575. Recruitment RecruitmentWhat is your application deadline? We currently do not have any openings in our residency program and we are not accepting applications at this time. Are there any application requirements other than those outlined by ERAS? No. We follow ERAS requirements, but keep in mind we require three letters of recommendation in addition to the Dean's letter. What USMLE scores do I need to be considered? The University of Rochester Radiation Oncology Residency Program does not set score limits, but passing is required. Applications are reviewed in their entirety with no set minimum score requirement. How many people apply? This varies from year to year. generally, during the last several years, approximately 125 applied each year, which is commensurate with the competitiveness of our specialty and the quality of our program. When are the interviews? Interviews for invited applicants usually take place on Saturdays. When will I be notified that I have been selected for an interview? All applicants to be interviewed will be notified by email within two weeks of our application deadline.
Couples MatchCouples Match applicants are welcomed.
Allopathic and Osteopathic CandidatesD.O. candidates are welcome to apply.
Foreign and International Medical GraduatesDo you accept international medical graduates? We accept graduates from international medical schools approved for listing by the World Health Organization or equivalent accrediting bodies. What's required of international medical graduates? All international applicants must have passed Steps 1 and 2 of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and be eligible for certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). What type of visa is required? We accept U.S. citizens, permanent residents or J-1 visas. Do I need ECFMG certification? Yes. Is U.S. clinical experience required? At least one year of U.S. clinical internship training (e.g., General Surgery, Internal Medicine, or Transitional Year) is required for all applicants to Radiation Oncology. Are there presently foreign medical graduates or international medical graduates in the program? Yes.
CurriculumIs your program fully accredited by the ACGME? The Radiation Oncology Residency Program has received continued accreditation since 1971. Following our ACGME Site Visit in January 2006, we received full accreditation for another four years. How many residency positions are there? We are currently approved for five residency positions. How many residents are in the program, and where do they come from? There are five residents in the program. Please see Our Residents page for more information. Are there fellowships, and how do fellows interact with the residents? Fellowships are provided to select individuals who have had previous experience in radiation oncology (completed residency, international trainees, etc.), and desire further training in clinical radiation oncology. They frequently provide a high level of experience and academic ability that further enriches the residents’ experience. How much pediatric and gynecologic oncology exposure do residents get? Pediatric Oncology Gynecologic Oncology What didactic sessions take place? Please see our Teaching Conferences and Rounds page for more information. Is there protected conference time? Yes, educational activities take place at times which have minimal conflict with clinical activities. All clinical groups within the department receive the weekly education calendar. During these conference times, it is our policy that residents should not be disturbed for clinical issues (unless there is an urgent patient need).
EducationIs there a research requirement? Yes, all residents must select at least one research project to work on throughout the course of their residency. An appropriate project must be selected and discussed with the appropriate mentor. It is expected that each resident will present their findings at departmental grand rounds. This research should result in presentation at a regional or national forum and in publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Is money provided for books? Yes, copies of the required core curriculum textbooks are provided to each resident. These required texts are also recommended by the Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO). Additional supplemental texts are available to our residents in our resident library. Can residents attend national meetings? Yes, residents are given professional time to attend regional and national meetings if they are presenting research findings pertinent to radiation oncology. Senior residents also attend ASTRO (American Society for Therapeutic Radiology & Oncology). What’s the program policy on "moonlighting"? Since residency education is a full-time endeavor, we do not allow our residents to participate in moonlighting activities during their residency. Is there any on-call requirement? Residents take beeper calls from home on a rotating basis, approximately every 5-6 weeks. Occasionally, this requires the resident to return to the hospital on evenings/nights or weekends for emergency treatments. Attendings are also on call with the residents. To what extent do trainees have input into the organization, evaluation, and evolution of the training program? Is there a Resident Association? Do residents have a retreat during the training year?
Resident LifeWhat academic-related social events are there for residents? What social events are sponsored by the Department of Radiation Oncology? Please see our Resident Life – Departmental Social Events page for more information. What hobbies do the faculty and residents have? Kayaking, rafting, cycling, volleyball, softball, cultural activities. If I come to Rochester, will I still be able to have time for my family and friends? Rochester is in full compliance with the New York State and federal regulations on work hours. In addition, the Department of Radiation Oncology acknowledges the importance of leading a healthy, balanced life. Numerous activities throughout the year contribute to establishing and strengthening of friendships, and ultimately lead to the creation of a strong interdisciplinary team. Is the resident's well-being—the balance between professional and personal activities—respected in your program? Although we demand a great deal of residents, we also respect the need for a proper balance between professional and personal lives to maintain a healthy learning environment. How are a resident's requests for leave (maternity/paternity, sickness, vacation) handled? How are clinical service demands managed when the number of residents decreases due to leaves or illness?
Does anyone in the program have children? Yes, 3 out of 5 of our current residents are married with families, and 1 of our current residents have taken family leave during the course of their residency training to have children. Where do your graduates go after completing their training? Our Recent Graduates.
Ask a QuestionDo you have a question that was not answered? Please contact our Residency Program Administrator at RadOncResidency@Rochester.edu for further assistance.
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