Residency programs in NY

[thone2k]

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Is there a website where I can find a list of hospitals that have a residency program in Radiation Oncology in NY? It does not seem like many hospitals put all the residencies they offer on their website. I was trying to find the MSKCC RadOnc program on their website and found nothing.

Maybe i am missing something here.


Thanks

 

[napoleondynamite]

Did you try Frieda?

 

[thone2k]

I appreciate the fast reply. I had not tried FRIEDA before. It answered my question. I am second year student and trying to figure out rotations for next year.

Another question: This is posted under "Just the FAQs"
, 'Can DOs/FMG?s/IMG?s get Rad Onc?
It?s increasingly difficult right now. This simply reflects the highly competitive nature of the field. A strong IMG who has performed well in a rotation in an ACGME approved radiation oncology program certainly may make it. This often means doing an ?outside? rotation and the IMG should be aware that outside rotations are not accepted towards credit to the MD degree by some states come residency/licensing time. This means that even if you go to the best radonc hospital in the country for your outside rotation, those states will not count those weeks as part of your MD, making you that many weeks short of the degree. Its up to the applicant to make sure that they know in which states this applies."

I am just curious as to why is it harder for DO students to land a spot in RadOnc. I HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS IS NOT INTENDED AS AN MD/DO BATTLE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. PLEASE DON'T RESPOND IN THAT FASHION.

I am just trying to see a way for myself as I am an osteopathic student. Is there a specific reason? Is it the numbers game, since there are lots more MD students applying? I am hoping to get an opinion from seasoned pros who have been in it for a while. This information might be helpful for me to improve my application.

thanks

 

[radoncmonkey]

Programs tend to favor applicants from "big name" schools. Since most if not all of these "big name" programs are MD not DO this explains why they favor MDs. I am by no means an expert on this topic and maybe a DO who matched can shed more light on the issue.

 

[stephew]

Let me address this; I'm an IMG and am well familiar with the very silly DO versus allo arguement because in the IMG world it comes up quite a bit.

First of all- outside electives for IMGs ARE credited in most states but there are exceptions (PA?)


The reason its harder for DOs that US allopaths is for the same reason its harder for IMGs: the reality is that most DOs take that route because they didn't get into a US allopathic school. While there are exceptions, this is a general truth and even if you are an exception, the assumption is potentially against you. Plus of course there are more MD's applying than DOs so there is tha issue.

Does this mean you can't make it? Of course not. There are DOs in the field and will continue to be so. An excellent applicant is an excellent applicant and coming from a DO school shouldn't be a catagorical ding against you. Indeed I'd say that coming from a DO school and one of the better IMG schools will give you a chance.

To optimize this chance, I would do some outside roations, really excell at them. Also, try to get involved in research. Show dedication and aptitude now to the field. And stay in contact with program directors from programs that you connect with. if you're good, you may need to show yourself a little more, but you can do that.
Steph.

 

[napoleondynamite]

Hey T2K,

I would definitely listen to folks like Stephew (who know firsthand) or others who've actually matched WAAAaaay before you listen to me (I am a 4th year currently applying to RadOnc), but I'd like to chime in here too with my .2 cents.

I think Stephews advice to rotate through programs is solid...but I would try to research which programs are "DO-friendly." The fact is (however unjust it may be) there are multiple programs out there that I don't think would give you the time of day as a DO, even if you impressed the hell out of them and were a totally stellar applicant. I have heard that there are some DO friendly programs in the mid-west. If you are truly serious about radonc, find out which programs have DO faculty or who have accepted DO residents in the recent past and spend time there..it is probably where you will have the best shot.

Above all, don't give up! I don't think there is one SINGLE factor that will keep ANYONE out of ANY field in medicine. Some people have a low step 1 score or no research or come from a lower-tier med school..people like that break in every year. If I'm not mistaken, 1 or 2 DO's also manage to get in each year too..just know that you're definitely in for an uphill battle. If you're ok with that, go for it. Good luck.

 

[thone2k]

I really appreciate the input. I have started some RadOnc specific research and did some glioblastoma multiforme research in undergrad. I am hoping to publish at least a couple of papers from this opportunity. But the institution I am working with does not even have a residency program. So I am in the process of getting to know some important people in the field. Its just tough trying to obtain that sort of information (DO friendly) with out having to deal with some fuss.

thanks again..

 

[stephew]

also check out www.arro.org