Radiation Oncologist Information

The radiation oncologist is a lifeline for patients fighting cancer. He is the physician who delivers radiation therapy in order to kill cancer cells. The radiation oncologist works closely with the other members of the cancer treatment team and primary physician.

Education.  Radiation oncology is a specialty acquired after medical school. Four years of residency plus a one year internship are required, making this specialty the most focused of the cancer treatment specialties and one of the most competitive specialties in the medical field. Certification following training is awarded by one of the following: the American Board of Radiology (ABR), which certifies radiation oncologists for a ten year period, or the American Board of Physician Specialties (ABPS), which certifies radiation oncology status for eight years. Both of these certifying agencies only certify those who have achieved medical (MD) degrees. Doctors of osteopathy (DO) receive certification from the American Osteopathic Board of Radiology (AOBR). Continuing education is required for re-certification.

Scope of Practice.  Radiation therapy is not radiology. Radiation is used to supplement current therapy and to destroy cancer cells. It is used to treat most types of cancer with the end purpose of killing the cancer cells. Radiation therapy is also used in many non-cancerous diseases such as pterygium, thyroid eye disease, hypertrophic ossoficaion and to reduce excessive keloid scar growth.

Methods.  Various methods are used to deliver radiation, either to a region or specifically to the tumor. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, stage of advancement, location and whether the goal is curative, palliative, adjunctive, or neoadjuvant. Radiation is administered in units called "greys". Photons and electrons are administered by machines that, for the most part, do not touch the patient's body.