Competitive for Radiation oncology?

[Thatonestudent]

Hi, I’m a quebec incoming medical student (Université de Montréal) and my primary interests are Medical genetics and Radiation oncology. I’m wondering what students should do to be competitive for Rad Onc? It’s competitiveness seems to fluctuate a lot so I would definitely have a parallel plan, but what do Rad Onc faculties really value. If research, how much and what kind would be expected?

thanks!

[zxcccxz]

It's a highly academic speciality, so they value research. The best kind would be in radiation oncology of course, but research in other oncology areas, or even in anything else can be valuable, especially if you have productivity to show for it (i.e., publications, presentations at national/international conferences). Research is also a good way to network with staff and residents and score a sweet reference letter come time for CaRMS applications.

Rad Onc used to be crazy competitive in the states until recent years. In Canada, not so much. I think if you show genuine interest and put some effort into your electives, you should have no trouble matching. This year, only 19/23 seats were filled in the first round.