Dr. John O'Connell, MD
Email: John.O'Connell@amedd.army.mil
Phone: 202-782-6180 
Entry Id: TP-73

Eligibility Criteria
Qualified candidates must have done an internship, and preference will be shown to those who have completed all or part of training in another oncologic specialty.

Overview
The Radiation Oncology Branch of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers a four-year clinical training program in radiation oncology. The program is organized in conjunction with the National Capital Consortium, through Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda.

Structure of the Clinical Training Program
Residents have clinical rotations through the NCI Clinical Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and National Naval Medical Center. An expanded, completely new NCI Clinical Center was opened in 2004. Residents have the opportunity for participation with in-house protocols at NCI. At affiliated hospitals residents participate in POG, GOG, NSABP, CALGB, and ECOG protocols. Approximately 80 definitive pediatric radiation oncology cases are treated per year at NCI. There are six residents in the program, and 12 full time staff physicians. For residents interested in an academic-research career, there is the possibility of extending the program an additional 2-4 years for formal research training as part of a newly established radiation sciences training program. There are one to two residency positions offered per year. Residents who complete this program are eligible to sit for the American Board of Radiology examination in Radiation Oncology.

Successful candidates will enter a four-year program that is active in multidisciplinary clinical, translational, and basic research with established programs in sterotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, and bone marrow transplantation. The NCI is at the forefront of technologic development with clinical availability of IMRT and state-of-the-art conformal radiotherapy, and the program is actively expanding into the areas of BNCT, radioimmunotherapy, and intraoperative MRI brachytherapy.

A dynamic radiobiology program is centered on pre-clinical basic science research aimed at identifying and translating creative approaches to cancer treatment and evaluation. Current projects include development of radiation sensitizers and protectors, recombinatorial libraries that target and inactivate specific intracellular proteins, and a novel functional imaging system to study the role and extent of treatment-induced free radical production and oxygen production in tissue.

• Kevin Camphausen, M.D.
• David Gius, M.D.
• Deborah Citrin, M.D.
• Aradhana Kaushal, M.D.

Program Graduates
The following is a list of recent program graduates including their current positions:

• Jondavid Pollock, M.D., Ph.D., Radiation Oncologist, Schiffler Cancer Center, Wheeling Hospital, Wheeling, WV
• Allan Chen, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiation Oncology, UC Davis, Sacramento, CA
• Alan Gant, M,D., Radiation Oncologist, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
• John O'Connell, M.D., Chief, Radiation Oncology, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC
• Deborah Citrin, M.D., Staff Clinician, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, M.D.
• Mike Brown, M.D., Radiation Oncologist, Madigan Hospital, Tacoma, WA
• Atman Pai, M.D., Radiation Oncologist, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN.

The Radiation Oncology Program at the NIH is a multi-institutional program under the aegis of the National Capital Consortium. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. Residents who complete this program are eligible to sit for the board exam in radiation oncology. Interested candidates should send:

• Personal Statement
• A copy of their Curriculum Vitae
• Three current letters of recommendation
• Dean's letter and complete medical school transcript
• USMLE examination results
• A current passport size photograph

All application material (transcripts, score, and letters) should be official copies sent directly to the Program Coordinator. There is no application form to complete for this program, and we do not participate in the ERAS program or the National Resident Matching Program. All candidates, including military applicants, must have the above information in our office before November 15. After a review of their application materials, select civilian candidates will be offered an opportunity to interview. Selections will be made by mid-December of that year. Visiting rotations prior to submitting an application are welcome.

This program selects from among eligible applicants on the basis of their preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. It does not discriminate with regard to sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Electronic Application
The quickest and easiest way to find out more about this training program is to do it electronically. Your request will be sent to the residency program coordinator, Lamont Savoy. There is no application form to complete for this program, and we do not participate in the ERAS program or the National Resident Matching Program. To apply, please follow the instructions under "Application Information."

The NIH is dedicated to building a diverse community in its training and employment programs.