What is a radiation oncologist?

Radiation oncology is an increasingly popular specialty. With rising cancer rates and numerous advances in medical technology, the field offers tremendous opportunities for practice and research. But what does a radiation oncologist do? read more

A radiation oncologist is a specialist physician who uses ionizing radiation (such as megavoltage X-rays or radionuclides) in the treatment of cancer. Radiation oncology is one of the three primary specialties, the other two being surgical and medical oncology, involved in the treatment of cancer. read more

Experts in radiation oncology at Mayo Clinic treat more than 7,000 people who have a wide variety of cancers each year. Radiation oncologists work closely with medical oncologists, surgeons and other doctors to coordinate the most appropriate care for you. read more

"Radiation oncologists harness the therapeutic properties of radiation to treat and cure cancer," explains Allen Chen, MD, professor of radiation oncology and vice chair of education at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. read more