Hey, first off—huge respect for staying open to what genuinely excites you, especially this far into med school. That kind of self-honesty takes guts, and it’s a solid first step toward a specialty you’ll actually enjoy long term.
Now to your main question: Is it too late? In short—no, not at all. You’re finishing second year, which means you still have clinical rotations ahead, time for strategic research, and a window to connect with mentors in the field. Radiation Oncology isn’t the most common early exposure specialty, so it’s very normal for interest to develop a bit later after some digging. You're not behind—you’re just starting from a more informed place.
A few thoughts to help you move forward:
- Start by asking yourself: What specifically drew you to Rad Onc? Was it the patient population? The technology? The blend of oncology with procedure-based work? Getting clarity here will help you find meaningful ways to get involved—and talk about it authentically later.
- Research doesn't have to be RO-specific—yet. Any solid research foundation helps. But if you can pivot your current projects slightly toward oncology or find a way to collaborate on a Rad Onc project over the summer, that’s gold. Reach out to departments at your med school—even just asking to sit in on tumor boards or shadow a resident can open doors.
- Mentorship is key. You don’t need a massive research CV right away, but you do need someone in the field who can guide you. Start by asking your school's Rad Onc department if they have faculty open to student shadowing or informal advising. One conversation can change the trajectory of your application and these departments are often smaller and more responsive than students expect.
- Explore electives smartly. Try to schedule a Rad Onc elective as early as possible in fourth year (or even late third if your school allows), especially at your home institution. That can help you gauge your fit and build relationships for letters.
You’re at a great pivot point—not too late at all. The fact that you’re thinking about this now and being intentional gives you a real edge. What would it look like if you committed the next 6 months to just learning, shadowing, and connecting—no pressure, just curiosity? You’ll naturally start building the story that matters most: why this field, and why you.
It’s not about being early. It’s about being aligned.
Hope that gives you a helpful starting point—and if you’re wrestling with something more specific, the community here’s usually great at talking it through.
