Current residents training in radiation oncology at Tufts Medical Center

Our Radiation Oncology Residency Program at Tufts Medical Center is proud to train a diverse and talented group of residents. Each year, our residents bring unique perspectives and a shared dedication to clinical excellence, research and compassionate patient care.

Our current residents are engaged in rigorous training across multiple clinical sites, participate in research and quality improvement projects, and benefit from close mentorship by experienced faculty. They embody the collaborative spirit and professionalism that define our program.

We are excited to support their growth as they develop into skilled radiation oncologists ready to make a difference in the field.

Innovating cancer care with our radiation oncology faculty + residents at Tufts Medical Center

Our radiation oncology team at Tufts Medical Center is made up of dedicated faculty, experienced clinicians, researchers and educators committed to providing outstanding patient care and training the next generation of radiation oncologists.

Our faculty brings diverse expertise across cancer types, treatment techniques and research, creating a rich learning environment for residents and students. They are passionate mentors who support residents’ professional growth through personalized guidance, collaborative clinical care and cutting-edge research opportunities.

In addition to physicians, our team includes skilled medical physicists, radiation therapists, nurses and support staff who work closely together to deliver compassionate, high-quality care. This multidisciplinary team approach benefits both our patients and trainees alike.

Celebrating excellence in radiation oncology research

We’re proud to recognize our residents who have been honored with the Roentgen Resident Research Award, presented by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). This prestigious award highlights exceptional residents who have made significant contributions to radiologic research through peer-reviewed publications, national presentations, grant funding or impactful work in departmental research programs.

Award recipients:

• 2025: Chaewon Hwang, MD
• 2024: Abbas Rattani, MD
• 2023: Brett H. Diamond, MD
• 2022: Utkarsh C. Shukla, MD

These honors reflect our department’s commitment to research, mentorship and advancing the science of radiation oncology.

Build research skills in clinical + translational science in radiation oncology

Our program offers robust opportunities to engage in clinical research alongside expert faculty. Residents have access to active clinical trials and can participate in studies ranging from retrospective chart reviews to the development of investigator-initiated trials.

Through the Clinical and Translational Research Center, residents receive academic training in trial development and are encouraged to take an active role in research efforts. Each project is guided by a dedicated faculty mentor to support research design, implementation and publication.

In collaboration with our medical physics team, residents and medical students can also explore research topics in:

• Treatment planning
• Dosimetry
• Imaging
• Radiobiological calculations

These projects offer the chance to develop independent research skills while contributing to the advancement of cancer care.

Explore radiation oncology through our medical student elective

Medical student education is a vital part of our academic mission. Through a two- to four-week elective, we welcome Tufts University School of Medicine students to experience the full spectrum of cancer care—from diagnosis to follow-up—while gaining insight into the role of radiation oncology in a multidisciplinary setting.

What to expect during your rotation

During the elective, students become active members of the care team. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Participate in initial consultations, treatment planning and follow-up care
• Observe and assist in patient care across a variety of malignancies
• Learn how we approach cancer treatment with evidence-based, patient-centered strategies
• Get hands-on exposure to the advanced technology used in our department

This immersive experience offers a close-up look at the practice of radiation oncology, emphasizing collaboration across specialties and the value of individualized care.

A strong foundation for your future

Our faculty are committed to teaching and mentorship. Students consistently note that their learning goals were clearly communicated and that they felt supported throughout the rotation. Feedback from past participants highlights the educational value of the experience and its positive impact on their understanding of cancer care.

At the end of the elective, students are invited to share feedback through a structured evaluation, which helps us continuously refine and improve the experience.

Radiation oncology resident call responsibilities + clinical rotations at Tufts Medical Center

Residents in the Radiation Oncology Residency Program complete clinical rotations at Tufts Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and some rotations at the University of Massachusetts. Pediatric rotations are conducted in collaboration with Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. This variety of clinical sites ensures residents gain broad exposure to diverse patient populations and complex cases.

Call duties are assigned in one-week blocks, with residents taking a maximum of one week of consecutive call at a time. PGY-2 residents do not participate on calls during their first two months, receiving focused training before beginning call responsibilities. Call coverage extends to both Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Throughout the four-year program, residents take approximately 24 weeks of call. There is no in-house call coverage.

While on call, residents and their assigned attending physician manage all after-hours radiation oncology needs at their institution. This includes handling phone calls, performing in-house consultations and arranging urgent or emergent radiation treatments. These duties teach residents to manage common and critical clinical situations such as radiation side effects, brain metastases, malignant spinal cord compression, malignant hemorrhage, painful metastases and airway obstruction.

The program strictly complies with ACGME regulations governing resident work hours to maintain a safe and balanced training environment.

Important details about rotations and call responsibilities:

• Residents complete rotations at Tufts Medical Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and the University of Massachusetts
• Pediatric rotations are offered in partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and Brigham and Women’s Hospital
• Call shifts are scheduled in one-week blocks, with no more than one week of consecutive calls
• PGY-2 residents are excused from call during their first two months and receive dedicated training before starting call duties
• Call coverage spans both Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
• Residents take approximately 24 weeks of call throughout the four-year residency
• On call, residents manage after-hours radiation oncology needs, including phone consultations, in-house evaluations and urgent radiation treatments
• Common clinical issues addressed on call include radiation side effects, brain metastases, spinal cord compression, bleeding, painful metastases and airway obstruction
• The program adheres strictly to ACGME work hour standards to ensure resident well-being and training quality