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The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington (UW) provides fellowship training in Proton Radiation Therapy. Translational research opportunities will be available and encouraged during research/scholarly rotations in the fellowship program either within the research programs of the Radiation Oncology department, or with other investigators at UW and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center.

Fellowships Table of Contents


Department Overview

The Department of Radiation Oncology treats over 2,500 patients yearly from a multi-state region covering over 25% of the U.S. The University of Washington is the only radiation oncology department in the United States that has particle delivery systems for both proton and neutron therapy. Technologies include 7 IGRT-capable linear accelerators, the Gamma Knife Icon, one fast neutron therapy and 3 proton therapy units. The Department has direct access to PET/CT including novel tracers, SPECT/CT and MRI, which are integrated into the planning process with standard CT-simulation. We have a broad range of planning systems including RayStation (photon, proton), CMS, and MIM.

The U.S. News & World Report recognizes UW Medicine and Fred Hutch Cancer Center among the best hospitals for cancer in the United States. Our clinical approach is collaborative with numerous multidisciplinary clinics and tumor boards. We enjoy strong collaborations with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and several imaging research laboratories.

The University of Washington is located at the center of the Pacific Rim. Its proximity to the coast and mountains combined with its mild climate allows for year-round outdoor recreational activities. Seattle is a growing city and vibrant community that provides diverse arts and culture.


Proton Radiation Therapy Fellowship

The Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Washington (UW) School of Medicine is seeking applications for our Proton Radiation Therapy Fellowship Program. Fellows in this 1-year program will receive comprehensive training in all aspects of proton radiation therapy. Fellow will gain extensive clinical experience in treating pediatric and adult patients with protons across the full range of disease sites, as well as in the technical and treatment planning aspects of proton therapy.

Clinical rotations will involve working with UW Medicine faculty at the University of Washington Medical Center, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital. The fellowship’s curriculum is adaptable to emphasize candidates’ varying needs and interests in clinical and research interests.

Research rotations are customized to the fellow’s interests and include opportunities in clinical, physics, radiobiology, imaging, and health services research programs within the FHCC Proton Therapy Center and University of Washington.

For more information on this fellowship, click the topics below.

The FHCC Proton Therapy Center is located on the 30-acre Northwest Campus of UW Medicine with 4 treatment rooms with the capability to deliver both uniform and pencil-beam scanning. Chemotherapy and conventional radiation therapy facilities are available in the immediate vicinity, providing comprehensive care to proton therapy patients. Overall, the UW Department of Radiation Oncology treats over 2,500 patients per year in multimodality programs and with strong emphasis on tumor imaging, using advanced stereotactic image-guided modalities, as well as IMRT, IGRT, 3D conformal radiation therapy, Proton and Neutron radiation, IORT and LDR/HDR brachytherapy. Other radiation therapy delivery systems include 7 linear accelerators, IGRT-capability, and Perfexion Gamma Knife. The department has direct access PET/CT (with novel tracers), SPECT/CT, and MRI that are integrated in the planning process.  Planning/IT systems include CMS, MIM, and RayStation. The SCCA/University of Washington Medical Center have been named one of the top 5 best hospitals for cancer care in the United States.

Seattle’s proximity to the coast and mountains with ample year-round outdoor recreational activities along with its rich arts and cultural scene make it one of the most geographically and culturally desirable cities in the U.S.

The successful applicant must have an MD or a DO, or foreign equivalent, and be board certified or eligible in Radiation Oncology with the American Board of Radiology (ABR); candidates who are ABR board eligible must become board certified within two years of faculty appointment. Must be eligible for medical licensure in the state of Washington.

In order to be eligible for University sponsorship for an H-1B visa, graduates of foreign (non-US) medical schools must show successful completion of all three steps of the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE), or equivalent as determined by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Please submit the following via Interfolio:

  • CV
  • Cover letter
  • Diversity Statement
  • 3 references

General questions about the program may be directed to:

Stephanie Schaub, MD

Program Director, Proton Therapy Fellowship

skschaub@uw.edu


Medical Student Research Fellowship

The University of Washington Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center offers a clinical research fellowship for medical students interested in dedicating 10-12 months to research. This fellowship program is in partnership with the Integrative Medicine Department at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and activities occur under the supervision of Dr. Erin Gillespie, Associate Professor and Radiation Oncologist specializing in breast cancer and metastatic disease at the University of Washington, and Dr. Jun Mao, Attending Member and Chief of the Integrative Medicine Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Fellows will be paired with a primary mentor for conducting their research projects.

Potential projects involve clinical trials, care delivery innovation, health equity, implementation science, symptom science, quality and safety, health services, healthcare policy, and educational research, with opportunities available to conduct multidisciplinary studies with experts in biostatistics, epidemiology, behavioral sciences, and clinical trial methodology. Research fellows typically design, conduct, analyze, and publish 2-3 studies during the research year, as well as participate in ongoing educational and clinical programming initiatives. Leadership opportunities include overseeing research projects and managing eContour’s content and strategic partnerships, such as the cloud imaging solution MIM Software Inc. Research fellows will participate in formal didactics which includes a practical course in applied statistics. Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in limited clinical activities in radiation oncology, medical oncology, and/or integrative medicine.

For more information on this fellowship, click the topics below.

The FHCC Proton Therapy Center is located on the 30-acre Northwest Campus of UW Medicine with 4 treatment rooms with the capability to deliver both uniform and pencil-beam scanning. Chemotherapy and conventional radiation therapy facilities are available in the immediate vicinity, providing comprehensive care to proton therapy patients. Overall, the UW Department of Radiation Oncology treats over 2,500 patients per year in multimodality programs and with strong emphasis on tumor imaging, using advanced stereotactic image-guided modalities, as well as IMRT, IGRT, 3D conformal radiation therapy, Proton and Neutron radiation, IORT and LDR/HDR brachytherapy. Other radiation therapy delivery systems include 7 linear accelerators, IGRT-capability, and Perfexion Gamma Knife. The department has direct access PET/CT (with novel tracers), SPECT/CT, and MRI that are integrated in the planning process.  Planning/IT systems include CMS, MIM, and RayStation. The SCCA/University of Washington Medical Center have been named one of the top 5 best hospitals for cancer care in the United States.

Seattle’s proximity to the coast and mountains with ample year-round outdoor recreational activities along with its rich arts and cultural scene make it one of the most geographically and culturally desirable cities in the U.S.

Medical students in good standing who have completed at least one year of medical school (typically fellows are between 3rd and 4th year) and are U.S. citizens or permanent residents may apply. Underrepresented minorities and women are encouraged to apply. The student must commit to full-time research for a minimum of 10 months. Ideally, candidates should

have some clinical research experience; however, it is more important that they be motivated, hard-working, and eager to learn. Two to three research fellows will be chosen per year. Fellows will have a research base at either UW/FHCC (in Seattle) or MSK (in New York City). Working remotely may also be accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

The stipend for FY 2023-2024 is approximately $700/week or $36,400 for 12 months. In addition, funds to travel to one meeting to present research may be provided.

Please email the following materials to eringill@uw.edu:

  • 300-word personal statement describing your interest in the program and prior research experience. Please also indicate what specialty you are considering for your residency application.
  • CV including medical school grades, USMLE Step scores (if available), and contact information for 2 references
  • Preference for location in Seattle (at UW/FHCC) or New York City (MSKCC)

The deadline for applications is December 31, 2023 but are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified soon thereafter for a videoconference interview, and decisions will be provided no later than February 1, 2024.

For general questions about the program, please contact eringill@uw.edu

Disclosure: Dr. Gillespie is a co-founder and editor-in-chief for eContour.