Radiation Oncology (ABR) - ABR-Certified Diplomat in Radiation Oncology

Board Certification in Radiation Oncology is a professional credential for physicians specializing in the use of radiation therapy to treat cancer. In the United States, this certification is offered by organizations like the American Board of Radiology (ABR). The certification demonstrates a radiation oncologist's expertise in the principles and practice of radiation therapy, including patient care, treatment planning, radiation biology, and physics.

Completion Time: The certification process involves several years of medical school, followed by a residency program in radiation oncology, and then passing the board examinations.

Cost: 

• Application fee: $640

• Qualifying exam fee: $1280 This fee covers all three parts of the exam. It is charged when your application is approved and is due before exam registration. 

• Certifying exam fee: $1280 This fee must be paid before registering for your Certifying exam, after you have passed all three parts of the Qualifying exam.

• If you do not fully pass an exam, a one-time $640 re-exam fee will be assessed to retake that exam.

Training and Residency Requirements

• Completion of medical school.

• A residency program in radiation oncology, typically lasting 4-5 years.

• Residency training includes extensive clinical experience in radiation therapy, as well as education in radiation physics, radiation biology, and cancer medicine.

Board Examinations

After completing residency training, physicians must pass a series of board examinations.

Exams cover a range of topics in radiation oncology, including patient care, radiation treatment planning, oncologic emergencies, and palliative care.

Application to the relevant radiology board for eligibility assessment.

Successful completion of both written and oral board examinations.

Board-certified radiation oncologists are typically required to participate in maintenance of certification (MOC) programs.

MOC programs often include continuing medical education (CME), self-assessment activities, and periodic re-examination or assessment.

Continuing education is a crucial part of maintaining board certification.

CME activities may include attending conferences, participating in workshops, and completing online courses relevant to radiation oncology.

For specific information regarding Board Certification in Radiation Oncology, including residency programs, examination details, and maintenance of certification, it is recommended to consult with the American Board of Radiology (ABR) or the equivalent certifying body in other countries. Additionally, professional societies in oncology and radiation oncology can provide resources and guidance for those pursuing this specialty.

Career Opportunities

Board-certified radiation oncologists work in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and academic institutions.

They are responsible for designing and delivering radiation treatments for cancer patients and collaborating with other oncology specialists in comprehensive cancer care.

The ABR also offers the following certifications:

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Diagnostic Radiology (DR)

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology (IR/DR)

• ABR-Certified Diplomat in Medical Physics (Medical Physics)