Radiation Oncology Division

This summer research opportunity is a 10-week program that offers hands-on experience in radiation oncology research. Possible research experiences span a wide spectrum, including but not limited to laboratory-based scientific studies, large dataset analyses and review of patient clinical or imaging data.

Students will be matched with a mentor from the MD Anderson Cancer Center Radiation Oncology division based on shared interests and project availability.

Throughout the summer, students will participate in radiation oncology-specific as well as institution-wide programming to help familiarize students with oncology broadly and radiation oncology specifically. The program concludes with our annual
Radiation Oncology Summer Research Symposium where participants
present talks and posters on their research projects to peers and faculty.

Students who participate in this program will be introduced to the field of radiation oncology, have opportunities to learn about and engage in oncology research, and be afforded opportunities to establish mentorship relationships that may last well beyond the summer.

 The program includes:

Eligibility & Requirements

Students who are currently enrolled in (or have a letter of acceptance to):

• Highschool (age 16+ only)
• College/university
• Post-baccalaureate program
• Medical School (MS1)

Dates & Work Schedule

• The program will run from June 6 to August 12. Flexibility in start and end dates can be discussed.
• Applicants should be available for the full 10 weeks and be able
  to commit at least 30 hours/week to this position
• Appointments are typically uncompensated. 

Application Information

Applications open in November and close in January.  Check back in November 2022 to apply.

The following information will be required:

• Personal information, including contact information and address
• Transcript from current institution (or most recent institution in case of recent graduate)
• Personal statement
• One letter of reference from someone who has taught you or worked with you on a research project.

For more information, please contact Dr. Denise De La Cruz at ddlcruz@mdanderson.org or (832) 305-1753.

The Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship offers a unique one- to two-year clinical training opportunity that is tailored to the specific site/research interests and career needs of the fellow.

The curriculum is individualized to expand clinical and research experience, and cultivate familiarity with the application of specific modalities.

Fellows can focus on up to five disease sites, specific to their interests to gain greater depth of knowledge and skills in these areas. Read more about the Radiation Oncology Fellowship.

The Radiation Oncology Residency is a four-year program. The contract for continuation of training is reviewed annually and based on satisfactory clinical management and completion of patient care responsibilities, as well as demonstrated progression in the six ACGME Core Competencies. Read more about the Radiation Oncology Residency.

MD Anderson Cancer Center offers clinical rotations in Radiation Oncology to medical students enrolled at accredited US medical schools. We encourage students interested in pursuing radiation oncology as a career to inquire. 

The rotation offers the opportunity to interact with faculty and trainees within the division at one of the largest comprehensive cancer centers in the world. Read more about the rotation.

The Radiation Oncology department offers compensated and uncompensated research training opportunities for eligible trainees. Opportunities are by invitation only. 

If you have been invited by one of our faculty members, view the pre-screening instructions and complete the form.  

Clinical observership opportunities are by invitation only. If you have been invited by one of our faculty members, view the pre-screening instructions and complete the form. 

Read more about the Observer Programs at MD Anderson and the Radiation Oncology Observer Program. 

This summer research program aims to expose medical students interested in radiation oncology to the clinical and research aspects of the field. During this 10-week program, students are mentored by a faculty member in the Radiation Oncology department who will guide them in the completion of a research project intended for presentation at the end of the program.

Throughout the summer, students also have opportunities to attend lectures and workshops to increase their knowledge of and exposure to careers in oncology and research. Read more about the Medical Student Summer Research Program.