Medical Physics Residency

Program Description

** NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR A TWO-YEAR RESIDENCY STARTING NOVEMBER 1, 2010 **

The two-year Radiation Oncology Clinical Medical Physics Residency Program at UAMS is designed for candidates with doctoral degrees in the relevant physical/engineering sciences who are interested in pursuing careers as Clinical Medical Physicists in Radiation Oncology. This program concentrates on the medical applications of physics in the clinical treatment of cancer patients with radiation.

Clinical Training

The training is based on the recommendations of the AAPM and the curriculum developed by CAMPEP.

During the residency, the resident will learn:

• Quantification of radiation
• Radiation Safety
• Linear Accelerator, acceptance testing, calibration and quality assurance
• Imaging for planning and treatment verification
• Brachytherapy, including High Dose Rate (HDR) and Low Dose Rate (LDR)
• Prostate implants
• Computer assisted treatment planning
• Quality control of the treatment process

• Delivery techniques including:

  - Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT)

  - Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)

  - Tomotherapy, with the Hi-ART Helical Tomotherapy System.

  - Stereotactic radiosurgery with Leksell Gamma Knife Perfexion

  - Stereotactic radiotherapy with a Linac equipped with a mini- multileaf collimator and cones

   

   

• Special procedures including:

  - Spatially Fractionated Radiation Therapy (GRID)

  - Mammosite Brachytherapy

  - TBI, TMI, etc.

In addition, clinical training will include work on research/clinical projects, carried out under the supervision of the Medical Physics faculty.

Didactic Training

Clinical conferences, seminars, small discussion groups, journal clubs and one-on-one instruction are all an integral part of the program. The resident will participate in the following established activities: Physics Division meetings, Treatment Planning conferences, Patient Case conferences, and assigned projects and readings.

Competency

Clinical competency is evaluated by oral exams and reports.

Research Experience

During the second year of training and depending upon progress, a resident may have the opportunity to concentrate on a particular area of interest, and design and execute a research project that will enhance his/her clinical skills.  Residents who successfully perform research will be encouraged to submit their results for presentation at a scientific meeting and/or prepare a manuscript for publication in a scientific journal.

Appointments and Applications

To be eligible to apply, you must have a Ph.D. (or equivalent degree) in Medical Physics, in a related Physical Science or Engineering Science. 

Print an application form.

For more information contact:
 Sara Huck
 University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
 4301 West Markham, Slot 771
 Little Rock AR 72205
 Tel (501) 526-7474;  Fax (501) 686-7285