Residency: Radiation Oncology
The radiation oncology residency program at North Carolina State University is designed to allow the resident to become eligible for and pass the American College of Veterinary Radiology certification examination in radiation oncology. The residency is a three-year program and consists of clinical experience, course work, investigation and teaching. Formal instruction in radiation biology and the physics of radiation therapy is provided at Duke University Medical Center and the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Additional didactic lectures in cancer biology are provided at NC State. An investigational experience that culminates in a manuscript being submitted to a refereed journal will be required. Support for travel to the Annual Meeting of the American College of Veterinary Radiology is provided during the resident’s second or third year. Results of the resident project will be presented at this meeting.
Clinical experience will be gained in evaluation of cancer patients for radiation therapy, radiation treatment planning, administration of radiation treatments, and assessing the response of the patient to therapy. The radiation oncology service is a primary receiving service, seeing new consultations, recheck visits, and accepting transfers from other services. The oncology clinic at North Carolina State University is very active, and the trainee will be involved with a large and complex population of cancer patients. There are ongoing investigational programs in oncology (including an active clinical trials program, and opportunities for benchtop lab experiences) that add to a stimulating learning environment. There is opportunity for out-rotation in radiation oncology at area medical schools. There are daily oncology rounds, weekly journal club activities, and bimonthly multidisciplinary equine oncology rounds (with a possibility of expanding opportunities to treat large animals with radiation therapy).
The program is supported by a radiation therapy facility housing a dual photon energy (6 and 10 MV) linear accelerator with electron, IMRT (intensity-modulated radiation therapy) and SRT (stereotactic radiation therapy) capabilities and on-board imaging (OBI), advanced 3D computerized treatment planning, digital radiographic capabilities and on-site CT and MRI. A Strontium-90 radiation source is also available for treatment of small, superficial tumors.
**Please note that the program is designed as a 3-year program. For applicants who have completed residencies in diagnostic imaging or medical oncology, consideration by the radiation oncology faculty will be given to completion of the program in 2 years.
A North Carolina Veterinary license can be obtained after arrival through our institutional employment licensing agreement. Professional liability insurance is supplied with our program.
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This residency participates in the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians’ (AAVC) Veterinary Internship and Residency Matching Program (VIRMP) when a position is available.
The NC State Radiation Oncology program receives a large number of applications from candidates with a wide range of experiences. Candidates should detail their strengths in the various areas outlined below.
Aspects of an application that are considered in the selection process include (but are not limited to):
- DVM GPA / Class Rank
- Awards and Honors related to Oncology
- Completion of a rotating medicine/surgery internship or similar post-graduate experience
- Ability of the letter of intent to convey the candidates interest in the position and future goals
- References from Diplomates of ACVIM or ACVR and other specialty Colleges that attest to your abilities
Information for International Applicants
Preference is given to applicants who have graduated from a college that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association. If you wish to apply for an internship or residency program things to keep in mind:
- Have your degree translated and evaluated by a reputable company. Options include: Josef Silny & Associates, Trustforte Corporation, and World Education Services
- Some programs require the TOFEL exam to qualify for a internship or residency position.
- Most foreign interns and residents are appointed to H-1B visas.
- To ensure that a foreign national candidate has the H-1B visa at the start of their program the candidate will be asked to pay for the premium processing filing fee of $1,225 USD, if necessary.
- Getting a visa takes between 4 and 6 months if the visa is expedited it takes approximately 15 business days.
- Take the initial steps and apply for The Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates (ECFVG) certification program is accepted by all state veterinary regulatory boards and the federal government as meeting, either in part or full, the educational prerequisite for licensure or certain types of employment, respectively.