Resources for Residents - ASCO

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Resources for Residents

General Information

Oncology
The Highest Stakes and the Greatest Rewards

Many physicians go into residency knowing they will eventually specialize in oncology; a good number make that decision during residency training. The following specialties have some form of subspecialization in oncology. This additional training varies in length from two - five years, depending upon your area of interest.

• Internal Medicine, subspecialty of Medical Oncology

• Pediatrics, subspecialty of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

• OB/GYN, subspecialty of Gynecologic Oncology

• Radiation Oncology specialty

• Surgery, specialization in Surgical Oncology

• Urology, specialization in Urologic Oncology

• Pathology, multiple areas of subspecialization including neuro, hematology or other organ/tumor specific pathology

• Radiology, subspecialization in multiple areas often organ specific (such as neuroradiology or mammography) or technique specific (such as nuclear medicine)

The common bond is that in each of these fields, there is an explosion of research, multidisciplinary care (learn from others your whole career), career choice options (private practice, academics, industry, government) and very rewarding patient relationships.

If you've made the decision to pursue oncology in any specialty area, it is advised that you've:

• found a mentor

• taken advantage of any oncology rotations or research experiences that may be available during your residency.

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When reviewing applications, fellowship program directors often look for candidates who participated in a research endeavor during medical school or residency.

o
Some degree of academic pursuit is desirable, whether you seek an academic career or a career in practice.

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If available and applicable, take advantage of an away rotation for a specialized oncology experience

o
Show a true interest or drive in a particular area

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Show a tendency to pursue excellence in all areas

It is not necessary to become a "junior oncologist" during your residency training. Use this time to master the specialty area and then use the fellowship to develop your skills as an oncologist.

Finding an Oncology Training Program
ASCO maintains a searchable list of all oncology training programs, available here. Information on many programs can also be found on the AMA's FRIEDA website.

Applying to an Oncology Training Program
Each of the oncology specialty areas has a different application process and timeline. Although a few do have the commonality of using ERAS and participating in the NRMP matches, each process is overseen and/or administered in some way by a separate entity. Please follow the links on the side for your discipline's subspecialty.

Medical Oncology
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Radiation Oncology
Gynecologic Oncology
Urologic Oncology
Surgical Oncology

About the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Oncology is at the leading edge of the new age in molecular medicine. This makes all fields of oncology the most exciting in all of medicine. As the world's leading professional organization representing physicians who treat people with cancer, ASCO is committed to advancing the education of oncologists and other oncology professionals, to advocating for policies that provide access to high-quality cancer care, and to supporting the clinical trials system and the need for increased clinical and translational research.

The ASCO Annual Meeting attracts more than 30,000 attendees and is considered the premier educational and scientific event in the oncology community. Visit ASCO's Virtual Meeting for links to sessions from this and other thematic (GU Cancers/GI Cancers/Breast) meetings. The blend of science and patient care inherent in oncology is represented here.

ASCO recently published a guide for residents and fellows discussing many early career decisions faced by oncologists. Achieving Career Success in Oncology provides career development advice and strategies for success to new oncologists as they decide which career path is the right one for them: academia, community practice, pharmaceutical industry or federal government.

Please contact ASCO (training@asco.org or asco@asco.org) for more information about participating in ASCO or attending ASCO meetings.

Special Opportunity for Residents

ASCO has partnered with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to offer the Susan G. Komen for the Cure/ASCO Resident Travel Award to residents who are from populations currently underrepresented in medicine to attend ASCO’s Annual Meeting. The award offers a $1,500 travel advance, complimentary Annual Meeting registration, and access to the Annual Meeting housing block and ASCO's travel agent. Learn more.

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Medical Oncology

Most medical oncology training takes place in combined hematology/oncology training programs. These three year programs focus on solid tumors, malignant hematology and benign hematology. Completing a combined hematology oncology training program positions you to take both the medical oncology and hematology Board examinations.

ASCO has an active role in the application process through its sponsorship of medical oncology and hematology/oncology (with the American Society of Hematology) participation in the Medical Specialties Matching Program (MSMP).

Since 2006 oncology and hematology (combined and single focus programs) have utilized the ERAS system for fellowship applications and the Match for fellowship placement.

The application process runs from July of your PGY 2 when ERAS opens for residents to begin working on their applications, which can be submitted starting in November; programs begin receiving applications December 1. The process concludes the following June with the MSMP Match for Fellowships beginning the following July. Fellowship programs generally accept applications through January and conduct interviews in February-April. Exact dates vary from program to program.

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Gynecologic Oncology

Fellowship training in gynecologic oncology is accredited by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). All fellowship programs require a minimum of three years of training. Approved fellowship programs cover the following curricula: pathology; physiology & patho-physiology; carcinogenesis, invasion and metastasis; genetics; statistics and experimental design; tumor immunology; chemotherapy; pharmacology; radiation therapy; organ-specific diseases and therapeutic options; surgical procedures; and palliative care.
Upon graduation from fellowship, fellows are eligible to sit for both the required oral and written exams leading to their certification in gynecologic oncology.

Since 2006, the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) has sponsored the fellowship match on behalf of participating ABOG approved gynecologic oncology programs. The match is conducted by the NRMP Specialty Matching Services and fellowship applications are accepted through the ERAS system.

Fellowship Program Application Timeline:

* Application Submission: Fellowship applicants may begin applying to gynecologic oncology programs via the ERAS system beginning December 1st. Applications are taken until May 31st.

* Fellowship Interviews: Conducted between June and September.

* Match: Conducted in November.

* Training Begins: July.

For more information, please visit here.

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