Radiation Oncology for Students

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Thank you for your interest in our radiation oncology electives for medical students! We are dedicated to providing medical students opportunities to enhance their clinical and educational experiences. Explore our radiation oncology opportunities for learning and discovering the exciting world of radiation oncology.

If you have questions about our educational opportunities, contact our Education Coordinator.

Elective Objectives

  • Gain a basic understanding of the principles and techniques of radiation therapy, including treatment planning and treatment delivery methods.
  • Develop a comprehensive view of cancer treatment by actively participating in the patient management process, including patient consultations, treatment plan discussions, and follow-up care.
  • Learn the practical skills in radiation therapy planning, such as contouring target volumes and critical structures, optimizing dose distributions, and understanding treatment regimens for various cancer types.

OHSU Students

The purpose of this clinical elective is to provide medical students with an introduction to the field of radiation oncology. Students will learn the principles, practices, and clinical applications of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. During this elective, students will rotate with a variety radiation oncologist, residents, and a multidisciplinary team through the clinic (Kohler Pavilion), seeing and assessing patients at various stages of radiation therapy and developing an understanding of cancer management and patient care. Students will have the opportunity to learn the scope of a clinical radiation oncology practice, including treatment planning and delivery, on-treatment management, diagnostic procedures, and patient follow-up.

A short (20 minute) presentation to the clinical faculty and staff is required during final week of this elective. 

The purpose of this research elective is to provide medical students with dedicated research time to explore a research topic related to cancer biology or radiation oncology. Students will have the opportunity to participate in basic or clinical research through a faculty-supervised research project.

The purpose of this clinical elective is to provide medical students a comprehensive clinical experience in the field of radiation oncology. Students have the opportunity to spend dedicated time learning about specific disease site(s) or observe a specific radiation oncologist and their multidisciplinary team. Students will develop a deeper understanding of patient management and treatment planning associated with radiation therapy.

Visiting Medical Students

The purpose of this clinical elective is to provide medical students with an introduction to the field of radiation oncology. Students will learn the principles, practices, and clinical applications of radiation therapy in cancer treatment. During this elective, students will rotate with a variety radiation oncologist, residents, and a multidisciplinary team through the clinic (Kohler Pavilion), seeing and assessing patients at various stages of radiation therapy and developing an understanding of cancer management and patient care. Students will have the opportunity to learn the scope of a clinical radiation oncology practice, including treatment planning and delivery, on-treatment management, diagnostic procedures, and patient follow-up.

This elective is intended for M.D. and D.O. students at any stage of their clinical experience who are interested in exploring this specialty, or a related specialty.

A short (20 minute) presentation to the clinical faculty and staff is required during final week of this elective. 

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) utilizes the AAMC Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO, previously known as VSAS) to receive visiting M.D. and D.O. student applications. Student applications are processed by the Education & Student Affairs Office.

Students must be in good academic standing and currently registered for their fourth year in a M.D. or D.O. degree program at a school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) or American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Learn more about applying as a visiting medical student at OHSU and OHSU Requirements for Admission.

CO-OP on the hill (on OHSU campus)

Rotating Room 

Student Housing 

TreeHouse Apartments (on OHSU campus; long-term housing)

Other Learning Opportunities

The Radiation Medicine Student Interest Group (RMSIG), a collaboration between students and faculty, is dedicated to offering insights into the field of radiation oncology. RMSIG's key objectives include early and immersive exposure to this rapidly evolving medical field, fostering opportunities for student research, and cultivating valuable mentorship from experienced physicians.

RMSIG welcomes all students who aspire to gain insight into the use of cutting-edge radiation modalities for patient treatment, including high school students, undergraduate students, and graduate students.

Are you interested in becoming a part of the Radiation Medicine Student Interest Group? Sign up by clicking here: Radiation Medicine SIG form

Rad Onc Virtual Education Rotation (ROVER) is a virtual multi-institutional session reviewing patient cases with radiation oncology physicians and discussing treatment options for each patient case. The goal is to review how to treat certain disease-specific cases. 

Learn more here: https://www.radoncvirtual.com/