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Im certainly not the job search expert but having gonethrough the process last year and after finishing boards and reflecting thelast few weeks, I thought I would leave a few words of advice. One of the mostdifficult things I found was how to even start the process and where to go, whoto contact, etc. As always, I would appreciate if some the more senior postersadd their 2 cents and divergent thoughts as Im sure each of us had differentexperiences.
PGY 2/3- This is really a time to immerse yourself inRadiation Oncology and gain the knowledge and skills you need to have a goodfoundation. You dont need to do much onthe job front (exceptions below) but if you the chance to give a presentation,work on a manuscript, etc. and it wont jeopardize your clinical duties orsanity, go for it as it can help in the job search in the future.
1. Remember that you are always being observed.Thats not to say you cant have a good time at meetings and enjoy yourself butremember that we are a small community and people will remember you if you arethe drunk resident at ASTRO or on the flip side if you give a great oralpresentation. The same goes in your own department; its not just about keepingthe attendings happy, I know of several people who had jobs contact theirdepartments and speak with nurses, secretaries, dosimetrists, therapists, etc.People want someone that will get along with the team.
2. If you are interested in a competitiveregion/narrow geographic window/have a dream practice in mind, I know ofseveral people who became familiar with the groups in the area they wanted andreached out to spend a day or two observing while they were free andcommunicated with partners at meetings so that people in the group werefamiliar with them.
PGY-4- This is a tough time. You are starting to master somethings but still arent ready for prime time yet.
1. Prepare a CV and have a senior/attending review-If you need a template ask a senior or an attending. Also, try to enhance yourCV as much as possible without killing yourself, even if you think you want togo to private practice.
2. Start perusing the ASTRO job center to at leasthave a frame of reference for salaries, positions, and skill requirements.
3. This can be difficult but if you are looking atdepartments/positions that require a certain skill set that you dont receivein your training find a way to get some experience if possible- ex.Brachytherapy- apply to ABS brachy fellowships, Cyberknife- contact departmentsfor an away if your PD will allow, Protons- same thing.
PGY-5- I didnt really start the job search until afterphysics/bio boards were done. After that, I spent a few weeks looking atpostings on ASTRO and going through academic programs I thought might interestme. I came up with a cover letter and cold emailed some academic programs thatI thought would be a good match as well as some private groups with my CVattached. I sent in a few CVs over the ASTRO job center. Most of the academicprograms initially told me they were uncertain of what their needs would beuntil closer to ASTRO but I did get a few interviews for academics and privatepractice in August.
1. Even if you think you are sure you want privateor academic, take the time to research both. I thought for sure I was headed toprivate practice but at the suggestion of my mentors applied to academicprograms as well. I learned very quickly that I had misconceptions about bothand was floored by the diversity of practices in both academics and privatepractice and ended up signing at an academic institution where I found theperfect fit for myself.
2. When you interview ask to review charts, plans,etc. You need to know if you see eye to eye in treating philosophy with yourpotential colleagues- that doesnt mean it has to be exactly what you do but ifyoure seeing mean lungs of 40 Gy , or 20 fraction palliative cases consistentlythat may be a warning side.
3. Dont be shy/afraid to ask the questions youreally have. I found it difficult but necessary to discuss salary, benefits,etc. up front because I didnt see a point in wasting their time or my time ifthe fit wasnt going to be there.
4. Have some idea about what fits you. You knowgeographically and practice fit wise what your hard limits are. I know a fewpeople who interviewed all over the country and at every type of practice whichcan be informative but if you know that you or your family would never livein a certain locale, or you would neverwant to practice in a certain practice setting dont waste your time or thejobs time.
5. Dont ever think a position is beyond you. WhatI learned as that while there is an advantage coming from a Top 5-10 program,after that, jobs want the best candidate based on their CV, letters, and peopleskills and not as much on where they went for training. I didnt experiencethis as much but I have several friends that have told me that in morecompetitive cities there was a push for pedigree grads but I never encounteredthis.
6. Do whats best for you and your family.
Best of luck to the current PGY-5s. Its a long, stressful,and difficult road but it means you are closer to doing what you spent allthese years studying and training for. May you all find the position that isbest for you.