Incoming MS1 -- interested in oncology

[sunflower18]

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Hello,

I will be an MS1 in August, and I have a very strong interest in oncology. I've shadowed pediatric oncologists quite a bit, but only done a few hours of radiation oncology shadowing, so I'm not sure if medical or radiation is the right path for me. I'd like to get more clinical exposure before making my decision, but I also want to make sure that I'm competitive for rad onc if I decide that that is the path I want to pursue.

Should I do radiation oncology related research during MS1 and MS2 (and in the summer between) just to leave that door open? Or is general oncology research close enough if I can't get a radiation specific project? I'm really interested in cancer survivorship studies of pediatric cancer survivors -- would something like that be considered relevant to rad onc in terms of residency apps?

I'm planning to do shadowing during my first two years to try to get at this decision a bit more, since I feel like the earlier I decide, the better shot I have to properly tailor my application to the field I choose. But my biggest fear about radiation oncology is the physics and math required, since I absolutely hate what I've seen of both of those subjects. Is there something other than shadowing that I should do to figure out if radiation math and physics are deal-breakers for me?

Thanks so much in advance for your help!

 

[thecarbonionangle]

Congrats on your acceptance to medical school. You will soon be drinking from a fire hydrant, The white coat ceremony, the brachial plexus. Oh My! time flies by so fast! Learn your anatomy well. Do well in school and on Step 1. That should keep all your options open going forward. Enjoy your summer before school. Good luck.

 

[FistLength]

The FAQ mentions that Rad Onc specific research is (almost) required, it didn't seem that med onc research was viewed as highly upon. I am finishing up my first year, the only advice I have is not to worry too much about research now. When March/April/May rolls around start knocking on different doors to get attached to a project for the summer.

 

[sunflower18]

Thanks guys for your input!!! Are most rad onc projects that med students work on bench/wet lab? Or can students do clinical rad onc research?

You're both right though, I should relax for the time being. I'm just so excited to explore these fields!!

 

[itom37]

Most rad onc research is clinical, particularly that which med students get involved in unless you're MD/PhD. I agree with the above, don't worry about research at all until late spring. You need to get your med school grades in line. You should do your best to keep an open mind about all fields really. If you feel you're bound towards any oncology related field, then dipping your toes into oncology related research is wise and will serve you well for any of these. I don't believe you need a bunch of rad onc specific research, but it's true you do need to start laying the groundwork for the competitive specialties you're interested in early. Meet with the PD at your school next summer if you're still interested and lay out a plan.

It's hugely beneficial to keep an open mind at least until near the end of 3rd year clinical rotations. You'll get so much more out of it this way. I know it's tough to play it that way, but you kinda gotta be of two minds... openminded but preparing.

Math/Physics: Not a big deal! You learn it for boards and move on. It's not immensely difficult, but if both of these things are tough for you, you might have to work a bit harder on them. If your clinical experiences in rad onc as a student are anything like mine, you won't get any exposure to the physics side of things... maybe a few discussions that go over your head but not much more.

 

[Sheldor]

Thanks guys for your input!!! Are most rad onc projects that med students work on bench/wet lab? Or can students do clinical rad onc research?

You're both right though, I should relax for the time being. I'm just so excited to explore these fields!!

What I did seemed to work well so I'd recommend the following:

Over the course of your first semester start making connections with some of the attendings in the Rad Onc department. Set up a meeting to meet with the chair/PD half way through the first year just to introduce yourself and start talking about getting involved in research during the summer between MS1 and MS2. If you do it this way, by the time that summer comes you'll have something lined up and be able to hit the ground running. Then you can continue that research during MS2/MS3 and you should have a great app by the time the beginning of MS4 rolls around. Hope that helps!

 

[RedPhys]

Thanks for this thread, @sunflower18 , and the responses ! (I have a strong interest in Radiation Oncology ..)