Radiation Oncologists

Radiation oncologists are the doctors who will oversee your radiation therapy treatments. These physicians work with the other members of the radiation therapy team to develop your treatment plan and ensure that each treatment is given safely and accurately. Your radiation oncologist will also monitor your progress and adjust the treatment as necessary to make sure the radiation is hitting its target while minimizing side effects. Before, during and after your radiation therapy, your radiation oncologist works closely with other cancer doctors such as medical oncologists and surgeons to maximize radiation’s effectiveness.

Radiation oncologists are the only physicians with the expertise and training to deliver radiation therapy treatments. In addition to college and medical school, five years of additional training are required for radiation oncologists. They receive extensive training in cancer medicine, in the use of radiation to treat disease and in managing any side effects caused by radiation. Radiation oncologists must pass an examination by the American Board of Radiology to become board certified.