Head and Neck IORT Fellowship

About Ohio State’s Head and Neck IORT Fellowship

The Department of Radiation Oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) has experienced unprecedented growth over the last several years. The OSUCCC – James features a National Cancer Institute (NCI) – designated comprehensive center aligned with a nationally ranked academic medical center and a freestanding cancer hospital on the campus of one of the nation’s largest public universities. In 2020, the NCI gave the OSUCCC – James a perfect score of 10 and the NCI’s highest descriptor, “exceptional,” following a site review that resulted in Ohio State’s re-designation as a comprehensive cancer center—a designation the university has competitively maintained since 1976. The OSUCCC – James is a transformational facility that integrates scientific research, education and innovative patient care. Learn more about the OSUCCC – James.

The Ear, Nose and Throat Department has been recently designated a top five program nationally. The Head and Neck Radiation Oncology Department in one of the busiest services in the country, averaging over 500 patients per year. Today, RT remains an important treatment modality option in all stages of H&N cancers in the definitive, adjuvant and recurrent setting. Intra operative radiation therapy (IORT) represents an important approach to improve outcomes in head and neck cancer patients, particularly in the recurrent/salvage setting. Ohio State is one of the few Institutions in the country with the experience and capability to treat head and neck cancer patients with IORT, both with electrons and high dose rate brachytherapy, since 1992. We are excited to announce that we will have FLASH proton therapy and IOERT FLASH therapy for research purposes available in 2024, and we are working on receiving IDE approval from FDA for human clinical trials. This will bring new research and treatment opportunities for our cancer patient population.

With this growth, we are excited to offer a Head and Neck IORT fellowship. The fellowship will focus primarily on head and neck patients, but there will be opportunities to learn other areas of radiation oncology as well. The fellowship will provide ample opportunity to learn how best to treat head and neck and base of skull cancer patients, particularly in the re-irradiation, recurrent/persistent disease settings, in addition to research opportunities. The Head and Neck Radiation Oncology Program counts with a > 4500 patient database(s) as well as funding opportunities for clinical and translational research.

Goals and Objectives of Training

• To learn appropriate methods and collection of data in support of a diagnosis of treatment of cancer patients with Radiation Therapy.
• To learn appropriate uses of radiation oncology therapies targeted for these diseases.
• To learn appropriate preventative measures used in the treatment of these conditions and complications of therapies.
• To learn the essentials of clinical investigation relevant to clinically-oriented questions in radiation therapy and relevant to translation of basic patient-oriented research.
• To learn to identify finding relevant to diagnosis and management of patients with cancer and as it relates to the use of radiation therapy in the management of the disease.
• To provide guidance and teaching to residents and medical students in the disease site.

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates for the position should have successfully completed an ACGME accredited residency in Radiation Oncology by the start date of the fellowship and be Board Certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Radiology. The start date is July 1, however, the starting date is negotiable. If a fellow wishes for consideration to start at a date other than July 1, please contact the Education Manager. Exceptional international applicants who have completed a radiation oncology training program will be considered provided they can obtain a valid US medical license, and ECFMG certification for training outside the US (requires completion of USMLE 1 and USMLE 2 exams). ECFMG certification is also required for visa sponsorship, if applicable. The Ohio State Department of Radiation Oncology will gladly accept a J-1, F-1, or TN visa. If this is not available, an H-1B visa will be considered.

• Applicants must be able to secure the appropriate visa for the appointment.
• Must be fluent in the English language.
• Must complete an application.
• Must provide current curriculum vitae indicating prior training, research and publications.
• Must provide copy of current transcript from medical or clinical training school.

Please note: All applicants must be able to obtain a full and unrestricted license in the state of Ohio prior to starting the fellowship.

Application Process

We are currently accepting applications.

• Each applicant is responsible for ensuring their application is complete.
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information and supporting documents provided are authentic and accurate.
• We reserve the right to request additional information or verification of information and documents submitted. If an applicant is unable to do so, we reserve the right to withdraw consideration of the application.
• Applicants assume all costs associated with authenticating, retrieving and submitting documents and material in support of their application.

Application Requirements

• Completed application form
• Current CV
• Personal Statement (one page, articulating the candidate’s interest in the fellowship)
• Digital Photo
• 3 letters of Recommendation (from clinical and/or research mentors, including one from the fellow’s residency director)
• USMLE Scores (Step 1-3)
• ECFMG Certification (if applicable)

Please email above documentation to Marcie Sparks at marcie.sparks@osumc.edu .

Letters of Recommendation can be emailed to the address above, or mailed to:
The Ohio State University Department of Radiation Oncology
c/o Marcie Sparks
460 West 10th Avenue, 2nd floor – Suite D252
Columbus, OH 43210

Contact Us

460 W. 10th Ave.
Suite D252D
Columbus, OH 43210

For additional information regarding the fellowship program and for all other inquiries please contact the Department of Radiation Oncology Education Coordinator:
Education Manager: Marcie Sparks
Phone: 614-814-1224
Email: marcie.sparks@osumc.edu

NOTES: Additional Salary Information: negotiable; based on experience and education. All stipends are set by The Ohio State University Graduate Medical Education.

The Ohio State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, or protected veteran status.