Rad Onc and background in math/physics

[courtyard]

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Hi everyone,

I am a medical student with keen interest in oncology. Naturally, radiational oncology sounds like a really cool field to explore.

But I have heard someone say that rad onc is a medical specialty where strong background in math and physics is very important. Now as for me, I am interested in rad onc b/c it allows one to actively intervene and treat cancer patients. In college, I did well in basic math and physics and I have passions for technology, but unlike some of my classmates with background in engineering degree or physics, I didn't like electromagnetics, or radiowaves, etc, as much as I like studying cancer biology.


I am hoping if some one could shed some light as to how much of this is true?

Thank you!

CY.

 

[14022]

From the FAQ thread

Is a strong background in math and yucky physics required?
No. No more than med oncs need a strong chemistry background to understand their drugs. You?ve been to college? Then you have the basic skills required. The math is mostly basic geometrical relationships and simple algebra. The physics actually is not like what you did in pre-med. It?s a discrete body of information that you will learn during your residency. It?s not very hard but it is the sort of thing that is ?high-yield? and will need to be reviewed prior to in-services and of course, your boards. However if you do have a strong background in either of these it makes life easier and you might have a nice career contributing to radiation oncology related physics, radiobiology or mathematical modeling.