Radiation Oncology

The Radiation Oncology Residency Program at Hamad Medical Corporation is a well-structured and comprehensive training program designed to prepare the next generation of Radiation oncologists for excellence in patient care, research, and leadership in the field of oncology. Our program is fully in line with the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring the highest standards of education and training.

The first year, also known as the preliminary year, serves as the foundation for residents before they begin their specialized radiation oncology training. During this year, residents typically complete rotations in various medical and surgical specialties to gain a broad understanding of clinical medicine. After completing the preliminary year, residents move on to the core of their radiation oncology training. During these four years, residents undertake rotations and educational sessions that are specific to radiation oncology. Our residents embark on a four-year journey that combines rigorous clinical rotations, cutting-edge research opportunities, and personalized mentorship from diverse and experienced faculty. Our state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology provide an ideal environment for learning and patient care. We prioritize hands-on experience, giving residents the opportunity to work closely with patients from diverse backgrounds and with a wide range of cancer diagnoses. Throughout the program, residents will gain hands-on experience in the planning and delivery of radiation therapy, as well as exposure to the latest advancements in radiation oncology.

We understand that becoming an exceptional Radiation Oncologist requires the practical experience to deal with diverse patient case scenarios. At our institution, we prioritize resident education and well- being. Throughout their training, residents have access to resources for personal and professional growth, including leadership development and opportunities to pursue their academic interests and research projects. Our goal is to graduate well-rounded, compassionate physicians who are not only experts in radiation oncology but also advocates for their patients and leaders in healthcare. Join us in shaping the future of radiation oncology.

Goals and Objectives​​

Clinical Training:

• Advanced Treatment Techniques: Develop proficiency in advanced radiation therapy techniques, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), Total Body radiotherapy (TBI), Total skin electron beam therapy (TSET), and brachytherapy.
• Treatment Planning: Master the art of treatment planning, optimizing radiation dose distribution while minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
• Patient Management: Gain expertise in managing a wide spectrum of cancer cases, from diagnosis through treatment planning, delivery, and follow-up.
• Communication Skills: Exhibit strong communication skills, fostering effective interactions with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.

Research and Scholarly Activity:

• Research Engagement: Actively engage in ongoing research projects, collaborating with faculty members to contribute to scientific advancements.
• Dissemination of Research: Present research findings at regional, national, and international conferences and publish research articles in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborative Research: Collaborate with faculty mentors on innovative research projects that address critical questions in radiation oncology.

Leadership and Professionalism:

• Provide opportunities for residents to develop leadership skills that are essential for future roles as department heads, educators, and researchers.
• In senior year, residents may take on the role of chief resident, providing leadership within the program. This includes mentoring junior residents, participating in program administration, and contributing to the overall development of the residency program.
• Ethical and professional conduct is a fundamental Residents will uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in all aspects of their practice.

Professional Development:

• Continuing Education: Attend regular conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay updated on the latest advances in radiation oncology.
• Offer mentorship from experienced faculty members to guide residents in their professional

Quality Improvement:

• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives within the department, helping to enhance patient care and safety.

Wellness and Balance:

• Resident Well-Being: Promote a culture of well-being and work-life balance among residents, offering resources and support for physical and mental health.
• Collegial Environment: Create and maintain a supportive and collegial environment within the residency program, where residents can learn, grow, and collaborate effectively.

Lifelong Learning:

Instill a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development, ensuring residents stay current with evolving medical knowledge and technologies.

Clinical Training and Key Rotations​​

The preliminary year

Serves as the foundation for residents before they begin their specialized radiation oncology training. During this year, residents typically complete rotations in various medical and surgical specialties to gain a broad understanding of clinical medicine

Year 1: Foundations of Radiation Oncology – 13 blocks)

General radiation Oncology and Radiobiology Fundamentals: During this initial phase, residents build a strong foundation in oncology by studying tumor biology, Radiobiology, understanding cancer pathology, and becoming familiar with cancer therapies. This knowledge forms the basis for later clinical decision-making.

Radiation Oncology Consultation Service: Residents rotate through the consultation service, where they develop crucial patient assessment skills. They learn to communicate effectively with patients and their families, make treatment recommendations, and appreciate the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration.

Radiation Physics and Treatment Planning: This extended rotation focuses on radiation physics and treatment planning. Residents gain a deep understanding of the physical principles behind radiation therapy, delve into dosimetry, and become proficient in the basics of treatment planning for external beam radiation therapy.

Year 2: Building Clinical Competence – 13 blocks)

External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): In the second year, residents’ transition into the clinical realm with an intensive focus on EBRT. They learn about advanced treatment machines like linear accelerators and become proficient in sophisticated techniques such as IMRT, VMAT, SRS, SBRT, TBI and TSET. The emphasis is on comprehensive treatment planning and precise radiation delivery.

Brachytherapy: This rotation provides specialized training in brachytherapy, which involves the placement of radioactive sources directly into or near tumors. Residents gain hands-on experience in procedures, focusing on patient safety and treatment accuracy.

Radiation Oncology Outpatient Clinics: Residents spend time in outpatient clinics, following patients throughout their radiation therapy courses. They hone their patient management skills, learn to assess treatment responses, and become adept at compassionate communication with patients and their families.

Year 3: Advanced Training and Specialization – 13 blocks)

Pediatric Radiation Oncology: During this rotation, residents specialize in the unique challenges of treating pediatric cancer patients. They learn about age-specific considerations, pediatric treatment techniques, and the importance of delivering radiation therapy with utmost precision and care.

Medical Oncology Collaboration: Residents participate in combined clinics with medical oncologists, providing them with a deep understanding of multidisciplinary cancer care. They engage in complex case discussions, learning how to collaborate effectively with other specialists in the cancer care team. Advanced radiation Oncology: Progressively increasing their expertise in sophisticated techniques such as Intensity modulated Radiotherapy, (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT), Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) and Adaptive Radiotherapy.

Radiation Oncology Research: This dedicated research time allows residents to actively engage in ongoing research projects, collaborate closely with experienced mentors, and contribute to the advancement of radiation oncology through publications and presentations at scientific conferences.

Year 4: Integration and Electives – 13 blocks)

Radiation Oncology Quality and Safety: Residents focus on quality assurance, safety protocols, and quality improvement initiatives within the department. They learn to prioritize patient safety and adhere to established standards in radiation therapy.

Radiation Oncology Electives: The fourth year offers residents the flexibility to choose elective rotations based on their individual interests and career aspirations. Electives may include exposure to advanced techniques like proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), clinical trials, or subspecialty areas within radiation oncology.

Palliative Care and Supportive Oncology: This rotation equips residents with the skills needed to manage cancer patients' symptoms effectively, improve their quality of life, and provide compassionate end-of-life care. this emphasizes the holistic approach to patient well-being.

Leadership Development and Graduation: During the final year, residents participate in leadership development workshops and activities, preparing them for leadership roles in healthcare settings. In senior year, residents may take on the role of chief resident, providing leadership within the program. The culmination of the year involves graduation from the program and the transition to independent practice.

Throughout the program, residents engage in ongoing contouring sessions, progressively increasing their expertise in target delineation and organ-at-risk definition. They also participate in multidisciplinary tumor boards and case discussions to enhance their clinical decision-making and treatment planning skills. The program aims to ensure that residents graduate as well-rounded radiation oncologists with advanced skills in contouring and treatment planning, ready to provide high- quality patient care. Programs also have a core didactic curriculum that covers essential topics in radiation oncology, Radiation Physics, Radiobiology, tumor biology. These lectures are typically scheduled regularly throughout the academic year and follow a structured curriculum that aligns with residents' progression through the program.

Contact Information

Program Director:
Dr. Noora M Al Hammadi Associate

Program Director(s):
Dr. Mohamed Riyas. P
Dr. Rabih Wafiq Hammoud
Dr. Beena Kunheri

Program Coordinator(s):
Ms. Bushra Shameer
Ms. Hanna Simulata

Program Email:
bshameer@hamad.qa
radiot​herapy@hamad.qa​