There are three main components to the training: didactic courses, clinical rotation, and seminar. An optional research component is offered.

I. Didactic Courses

1. Radiobiolgy. 2. Radiation physics. 3. Radiation therapy physics. 4. Anatomy and physiology for medical physicists. 5. Advanced photon beam radiation therapy. 6. Radiation protection. 7. Medical imaging physics. The applicants are expected to have finished most or all of the courses (equivalency is determined by the residency program) prior to start of the residency. The rest will be made up during the residency. However, CAMPEP limits the makeup courses to two within the two year clinical training period.

II. Clinical Rotation

The 24-month clinical training is divided into rotations and covers the following topics.

1. Monthly and Daily QA of linac, simulator and CT/CT-sim, IMRT plan QA

2. Annual quality assurance of linac, simulator and CT simulator

3. Linac acceptance and commissioning

4. Radiation output calibration of linac

5. Commissioning of treatment planning system

6. Treatment planning: manual, computer aided 2D and 3DCRT, IMRT

7. Chart checking

8. Design and fabrication of treatment aids

9. SRS, SRT and SBRT

10. IGRT

11. Brachytherapy LDR and GYN LDR

12. Brachytherapy HDR, QA, source calibration and procedure

13. Brachytherapy prostate seed implant

14. Brachytherapy eye plaque

15. Other special procedures: TSI/TBI, commissioning and procedure, in-vivo dosimetry, application of TLD and other dosimeters.

16. Radiation Safety

17. Imaging

Each rotation covers several training topics with multiple learning objectives. Each training topic is individually evaluated and summarized at the end of rotation.

III. Seminars

Regular attendance is required for the departmental weekly chart rounds, grand rounds, Morning Conference, and other medical physics related speeches as arranged by the Residency Program. The residents will be giving talks on selected topics periodically.

IV. Research (optional)

To prepare the resident to implement the ever-emerging new technology in medical physics and to be a leader in developing new technology, the program trains the resident in conducting research, as an option.

If the resident chooses this option, the Program will help him work with one current research project that he can finish within the time frame of the residency. The minimum requirement for the research training is to submit and present one abstract at a conference at a professional society. No blocked time in the residency will be set aside for this effort. The resident would have to be self-motivated to take on such an option, and find “spare time” among his regular training schedule to work on this research option.

Another option to conduct research is to extend the residency beyond the 24 month with extra time and extra research funding.