Medical Physics Residency
The Medical Physics Residency Program at UTHSC-Methodist University Hospital is a 2-year program that provides each resident with a strong curriculum that includes a clinical rotation schedule, didactic training, resident courses, and the opportunity to participate in research and clinical projects.
The Department of Radiation Oncology clinical facility is located at the newly constructed Shorb Tower on the Methodist University Hospital (MUH) campus and the laboratory facility is located at the Cancer Research Building (CRB) on the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) campus. The clinical facility has two Elekta Versa HD linacs equipped with HexaPOD robotic couch, an Elekta Flexitron brachytherapy afterloader, Elekta Unity MRI-Linac, and Siemens Somatom Dual-Energy CT. One of the Versa HD linac vaults is designed for Total Body Irradiation and is also equipped with ExacTrac for patient positioning verification. The department has active HDR and LDR programs. The HDR service is dedicated to GYN and Breast treatments and the LDR service is dedicated to eye plaque and prostate seed implants.
The medical physic group is equipped with a wide variety of instruments such as two Dolphin QA devices, MR compatible ArcCheck, MR compatible Beam Profiler, film dosimetry, 3D water tanks for both the standard linacs and the MR-Linacs, and a diverse collection of ion chambers, diode dosimetry systems, anatomic phantoms, and 4D phantoms. Additionally, the physics group has a clinical project space equipped with surface scanners and 3D printers. The physics group also has a laboratory space in the Cancer Research Building where there are additional 3D printers, detector prototype suite, and a cell/ small animal image guided micro irradiator. Residents have continuous access to the clinical laboratory areas to work on their projects.
During the program each resident will participate in hands-on clinical training under the supervision of a mentor. The resident’s performance will be evaluated by the mentor(s) assigned to the resident throughout each clinical rotation. The resident will also meet with the program director, Dr. Enrique Izaguirre, PhD, DABR, EMBA, each month to ensure the resident is on track for successful graduation from the program. After the completion of each rotation the resident will be encouraged to provide feedback for concerns and the quality of the training provided.
Clinical Rotation Schedule
The clinical rotation schedule will include:
- Orientation
- Imaging in Radiation Oncology
- External Beam Treatment Planning
- Maintenance of Physics Equipment
- LDR Brachytherapy I
- HDR Brachytherapy I
- Linac Quality Assurance and Quality Control
- Radiation Protection
- Special Procedures
- LDR Brachytherapy II
- MRI-Linac and Adaptive Planning
- HDR Brachytherapy II
- Final Review
Didactic Training
The resident will be provided a reading list for each rotation to reinforce clinical
training. Additionally, the resident will be required to attend several courses provided
by the department staff. These courses include external beam treatment planning, medical
physics, radiation biology, imaging in radiation oncology, and brachytherapy treatment
planning. The resident will also be required to give at least one presentation during
each rotation, attend chart rounds, and attend tumor boards.
Research / Clinical Projects
Research and clinical project opportunities will be available during the program.
Residents will have an opportunity to participate in these projects based on their
interests, skills, and career goals. Participation in these projects is not required
but is strongly encouraged to promote the advancement of the medical physics field
and community.
Medical Physics Residency Application Requirements
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong foundation in physics. Proven by Masters or Doctorate degree in:
- Medical Physics
- Physics
- Engineering
- Coursework must include equivalent of minor in physics.
- Degree must be in a field related to medical physics.
- Applicants must have graduate from a CAMPEP-Accredited program.
Enrique Izaguirre, PhD, DABR
Director of Medical Physics, Director of Medical Physics Residency Program
Co-Director of Medical Physics Residency Program
