Residency in Radiation Oncology Physics

Program overview

The Radiation Oncology Physics Residency Program at CancerCare Manitoba (CCMB) is a 27-month program that provides the resident with clinical training in the main areas of therapeutic medical physics practice. The program was established in 1997 and has been CAMPEP accredited since 2009. Residents learn from certified clinical radiotherapy physicists to acquire the clinical knowledge and practical experience necessary to operate independently as a clinical radiotherapy physicist upon completion of the program. The development of decision-making skills and communication skills are fostered and residents contribute to daily clinical activities.

Radiation Oncology at CCMB

The Radiation Oncology Program (https://www.cancercare.mb.ca/For-Health-Professionals/radiation-oncology-program-team) consists of three main groups: Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics and Radiation Therapy. The Medical Physics division includes Therapy Physics, Imaging Physics, Radiation Protection and Medical Engineering. Residents work with and learn from professionals in each of these groups during their training. 

The majority of clinical radiation oncology activities are based out of the CCMB MacCharles location, which is attached to the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. The program also has one CT simulator and linac at the Western Manitoba Cancer Centre in Brandon, MB. CancerCare Manitoba also partners with Shared Health Manitoba and operates a linac dedicated to stereotactic radiation therapy treatments and a Gamma Knife unit at the Health Sciences Centre.

Facilities and equipment

CancerCare Manitoba operates eight Varian linear accelerators. Special techniques include total body irradiation (TBI) and total skin irradiation (TSI) treatments. There is an active stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) program. In addition, an orthovoltage unit is used for superficial treatments. Gynecological brachytherapy treatments are delivered with a Varian high dose rate afterloader.  

Three wide-bore computed tomography (CT) simulators (two Siemens units in Winnipeg and one Phillips unit in Brandon) are used for treatment planning. All CT units have 4DCT and contrast injection capabilities. The ARIA Oncology Information System is used throughout CCMB. External beam treatment planning is performed in Eclipse. 

Physicists at CancerCare Manitoba also support treatments at the Winnipeg Centre for Gamma Knife Surgery, located in the Health Sciences Centre. An Elekta Gamma Knife Perfexion Unit, the first in Canada, is used for radiosurgery treatments of a variety of benign and malignant conditions. 

CCMB operates a fully equipped electronics lab that is staffed by certified electronics technologists that support maintenance and repair activities of all major radiotherapy equipment. There is also a machine shop with certified machinists that support the design and fabrication of clinical and research devices.

Program structure

The residency program at CancerCare Manitoba is 27 months long and consists of four major rotations, Dosimetry, External Beam Radiation Therapy, Brachytherapy, and Stereotactic Radiosurgery and is outlined in the flow chart below. The residency is customized for each resident to ensure opportunities to participate in major clinical activities (i.e. linac commissioning, etc.)

Resident Evaluation

To successfully complete a rotation the resident must demonstrate competency in specific areas and pass two to three oral exams, depending on the rotation. The development of clinical skills is fostered through hands on learning with staff physicists and performing clinical duties under direct supervision. Residents are evaluated while performing clinical skills and several staff members sign off on each clinical competency. Oral exams are scheduled throughout and at the end of each rotation to assess a resident’s knowledge. These oral exams also provide excellent preparation for the professional oral board exams.

Additional Learning Activities

In addition to the clinical rotations described above, residents are also enrolled in an Applied Physics course with the medical radiation oncology residents and attend departmental rounds and presentations. When possible, residents are encouraged to work with the physicists on ongoing clinical projects. We also encourage residents to participate and attend related conferences like COMP, and AAPM. In the past, we have residents be actively involved in COMP related activities (i.e. COMP resident sub-committees), and continue to encourage creating these linkages with residents across the country.

Stipend and Benefits

CCMB offers a very competitive salary for residents. The salary scale ranges from approximately $67K-$89K over 6 steps. Residents are placed on the scale according to previous medical physics experience and whether they hold a PhD or MSc degree. Residents also receive a $2500/year educational stipend. As with all employees at CancerCare Manitoba, residents are provided with comprehensive health and dental insurance.

About Winnipeg, Manitoba

The City of Winnipeg is located in the heart of Canada at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The extremely diverse city boasts over 100 cultural festivals each year and is home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Winnipeg is also home to several professional sports teams, including the Winnipeg Jets, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Winnipeg is an affordable city to live in with a lower cost of living than other major cities in Canada. Manitoba has numerous provincial and national parks within driving distance of Winnipeg with countless options for outdoor activities in all four seasons.

Application Information

Presently we are inviting applications for one position, starting September 3, 2024. The candidate for the Medical Physics Resident position must hold a PhD or MSc in Medical Physics from a graduate program accredited by CAMPEP or have successfully completed a CAMPEP-accredited certificate program. This role necessitates a steadfast dedication to the highest clinical standards, along with well-developed interpersonal and teamwork skills. 

Our program is registered with the national match program (Institution #27311), listed here: https://natmatch.com/medphys/directory/participating-programs.html 

To apply follow these steps:

  1. Register for the match program here: https://natmatch.com/medphys/applicants/register.html
  1. Email the following documents to the Program Director at [email protected] by 5pm CST, January 19th, 2024:
    1. Cover letter outlining your interest in pursuing a career in Radiation Oncology Physics.
    2. Update-to-date Curriculum Vitae
    3. University transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable)
    4. Provide the names and contact information for 3 references. 

Deadline to apply is 5pm CST Friday, January 19th, 2024.

For more information about our program and our application process, please contact: 

Niranjan Venugopal, PhD, MCCPM
Program Director, Radiation Oncology Physics Residency
Email: [email protected]

Or,

Susannah Hickling, PhD, MCCPM
Assistant Program Director, Radiation Oncology Physics Residency
Email: [email protected]

Historical Data

Year Number Applicants Number Entering Program Number Graduating Program Number Grads that Eventually Achieved Certification Number Grads Securing Clinical Positions Number Grads Securing Academic Positions Number Grads Securing Positions in Industry Number Grads Pursuing Other   Employment
2008 TBD 3 2 2 1 0 0 0
2009 TBD 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 TBD 1 2 1 1 1 0 0
2011 TBD 1 1 1 1 0 0 0
2012 TBD 1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2013 30 2 0 1 1 0 0 0
2014 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0

2015

 42 2 2 2 2 0 0 0

2016

 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2017

 0 0 2 1 2 0 0 0

2018

 30 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

2019

 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2020

 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

2021

 16 1 1 0 1 0 0 0

2022

 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0