Radiation Oncology Residency Program Aims

Program Mission Statement

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Radiation Oncology Residency Program’s mission is to attract and train residents with humanistic, academic, and scholarly skills. In doing so, our mission is to prepare our trainees for their next position as outstanding radiation oncologists in their chosen academic or private sector setting.

Program Aims:

1. Train and prepare our residents to function as radiation oncologists.
2. Provide our residents with the opportunity for, and guide their participation in, cancer research.
3. Improve educator skills in effective and timely evaluation and feedback, and creation of appropriate learning environments.
4. Create a collegial training environment that enhances the residents’ ability to grow in the core competencies through clinical, didactic, and mentored experiences.
5. Continue to maintain high well-being results.

Our graduates are prepared to:

• Care for and learn from diverse patients across urban, rural, and underserved communities.
• Deliver patient-centered care that earns the trust and confidence of patients and families.
• Demonstrate professionalism through accountability, fairness, integrity, and respect for all patients and colleagues.
• Show compassion and empathy toward patients, families, and colleagues.
• Pursue excellence in patient care and develop expertise in research, education, or administration based on their interests.
• Develop skills in quality improvement, communication, teamwork, leadership, critical appraisal of medical literature, career development, and work-life integration.

We provide comprehensive training in radiation oncology and the broader field of oncology. Residents assume increasing responsibility as their skills develop, gaining the clinical judgment and technical expertise needed for independent practice. Alongside clinical training, faculty mentor residents in professionalism, leadership, work-life integration, and personal integrity. Our program is guided by the core values of compassion, professionalism, patient-centered care, and scholarship.

Residents develop strong communication and shared decision-making skills while applying evidence-based medicine to patient care. Faculty provide ongoing mentorship in career development, research, and preparation for future professional opportunities. Residents learn to evaluate patient outcomes, solve complex clinical problems, and build the habits of lifelong learning and continuous improvement.

Our four-year curriculum provides comprehensive education in clinical radiation oncology, radiation biology, and radiation physics. Graduates are well prepared to become skilled, independent physicians and future leaders in either academic medicine or private practice.