Curriculum

The Medical Physics Residency combines comprehensive clinical rotations, hands-on technical training, and structured didactics to prepare residents for independent practice across a broad range of advanced radiation therapy techniques and specialized procedures.

Clinical Training Rotations

The two-year program is divided into multiple clinical rotations: 

Duration Description
1 Orientation, Workflow, Ethics, HIPPA, Safety, QA
2 CT Simulation, Set up for Clinical Sites; Imaging Modalities
3 Treatment Planning, Dose Calc Algorithm, Commissioning
3 Linac Calibration & QA
2 Radiation Dosimetry and Detectors
2 Gamma Knife/Linac SRS
3
  1. Brachytherapy (HDR)
  2. Prostate seed Implant
  3. Other: Eye Plaque, Gamma Tile, Radiopharmaceutical
2 IGRT (kV, MV imaging, CBCT, Adaptive therapy)
1 TBI/TSET
2 Advance TPS; SBRT, SRS, CSI, Reirradiation
1 Shielding Designs and Radiation Protections
2 Clinical Tasks (ICC, WCC, EOT)/Elective (Resident's choice)/Mock ABR Exam

Each rotation document details the didactic and practical competencies expected. The completed competencies and rotation material are summarized at the end of each rotation during a brief oral presentation by the resident. This is followed by a Q&A session to bridge any knowledge gaps.

Through these rotations, residents will gain exposure to a wide variety of modern radiation therapy treatment techniques and special procedures: 3D Conformal, IMRT/ VMAT, IGRT, SGRT, SBRT, TBI, TSET, OBI, CBCT, adaptive radiation therapy, Gamma Knife, Linac-based Radiosurgery, Hyperthermia, Low Dose Rate (LDR) and High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy, Eye Plaques, and GammaTile. Residents may also complete an optional proton therapy rotation at the Northwestern Medicine Proton Center (approximately 30 miles from main campus).

Curriculum Objectives

ABR Certification Preparation

To prepare our residents for ABR certification, in-house ABR Part 3-style Mock Oral Examinations are given on a semiannual frequency.

Independent Clinical Opportunities

Residents hold the following responsibilities as an opportunity to develop independence in clinical activities, with appropriate supervision where necessary:

  • MOSFET Measurements
  • Morning Machine Issues
  • HDR Daily QA
  • Monthly Linac and CT-Sim QA
  • IMRT and post-service QA (phased out with experience)

Didactics

Clinical education is complemented by regular didactic activities including:

  • Weekly Chart Rounds
  • Monthly journal club

Residents are strongly encouraged to participate in clinical projects and research. Our residents have a strong record of presenting their work at local and national conferences.

Optional 3rd Year

Depending on the candidate's background, interest, and funding, they may opt into a 3-year residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, with the expectation of the third year focused on research and academic work. This interest should be stated clearly in the application and interview process prior to the match results.