Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program

Program Identity & Fit

Vanderbilt's Radiation Oncology residency is a university-affiliated, research-intensive program embedded in a comprehensive academic cancer center with strong physician-scientist infrastructure, including dedicated radiobiology labs, physics/dosimetry research space, and deep ties to VICTR, BioVU, and multiple NCI-designated Specialized Programs of Research Excellence. All residents receive at least 12 months of dedicated research/elective time, and the program has a notably long track record of residents completing the selective ABR Holman Research Pathway (18 months dedicated research), with alumni now serving as chairs, physician-scientists, and academic faculty at institutions like UAB, Emory, WashU, and UT Southwestern. Clinically, the program offers broad disease-site exposure with particular depth in head and neck, CNS, and GI malignancies, and access to advanced technologies (SRS, SBRT, ocular and HDR/LDR brachytherapy, SpaceOAR, Xoft) plus a distinctive inpatient radiation oncology service for managing emergent and end-of-life cases. The program clearly prioritizes producing academic radiation oncologists and physician-scientists, supporting early clinical trial involvement and cross-departmental collaboration over community-practice-oriented training.