Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Radiation Oncology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring radiation oncology.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Radiation Oncology
Step 2: Review Radiation Oncology Match Data
Between 2004 and 2015, radiation oncology was considered a highly competitive specialty. There were more US MD senior applicants than positions available. However, interest in the specialty declined soon thereafter with a precipitous drop in 2019 and 2020, leaving many programs unfilled through the Match. Among the concerns driving away applicants were oversupply of practicing physicians, residency expansion, and practice restrictions.
In 2024, the percentage of positions in the specialty filled by US MD seniors was approximately 65%, which is well below the percentage seen ten years ago. In a relatively short time period, the specialty has gone from the highest to the lowest tier of competitiveness.
Radiation Oncology-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2018
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. MD Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"We receive over 150 applications each year and offer interviews to 25-30 applicants," writes the Department of Radiation Oncology at UCSF.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in radiation oncology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Radiation Oncology-2024 NRMP Program Director Survey
Charting Outcomes™: Program Director Survey Results, 2024 Main Residency Match®
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
The process of matching into the specialty and/or program of your choice begins well before it’s time to work on the residency application. Success is the culmination of many decisions and actions that take place over a period of several years.
Many medical students struggle to become strong residency applicants not because they are not talented or hardworking, but because they lack knowledge or guidance about the actions they should take to position themselves for future success.
Complicating matters even further is the rapidly changing landscape in residency admissions making it difficult for both residency applicants and mentors to stay well informed. A recent study showed that 75% of faculty advisors had advising concerns due to lack of knowledge of current practices or recent changes to the residency application.
As competition for positions in the radiation oncology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to be an informed candidate who has the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." Fully updated in 2025 with over 1,000 pages of powerful information, the book is a must-have resource to help you stand out from the competition. For more powerful information, sign up for our weekly update.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
When Yao Yu, a medical student at UC Davis won the RSNA Research Medical Student Grant, his mentor was thrilled with his accomplishment. "I am very pleased that Yao was awarded this prestigious research grant," said Allen Chen, assistant professor of radiation oncology and director of the residency and fellowship training program. "The fact that he won this award as a first-year student is unique. His research has the potential to impact the way we deliver radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, and I look forward to mentoring him in the future."
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observerships and Externships
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.