Radiation Oncology Program

Radiation Oncology CT Scan

Welcome from the Chair/Chief, Division of Radiation Oncology

Dr. David D'Souza

Welcome to the Division of Radiation Oncology within the Department of Oncology at Western University. A central mission of the Division is the provision of exemplary patient care. We are a key provider of cancer care to Southwestern Ontarians and partner programs throughout the province. Together, we strive to ensure best patient care informed by a multi-disciplinary and collaborative practice, and are guided by quality, education, and research.

With a growing incidence, prevalence, and burden of cancer, we are aware of the need to both lead and drive change within our field. Our faculty has led pivotal clinical trials, and facilitated innovation in patient care, education, and training. We are focused on the ongoing development of a learning culture and a spirit of inquiry with an acceptance of change. Research is a core element to our shared success. Indeed, we are actively engaged in the spectrum of research from basic science through to clinical trials that help to guide and inform best patient care. Our residency training program is recognized internationally and focused upon clinical training and an innovative pedagogy to afford a world class experience in research, education, and program administration/physician leadership.

The Division of Radiation Oncology strives to further its commitment to excellence and seeks to position itself as a clinical, educational, and research leader within the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, and beyond. Our commitment is to establish and maintain a key role as the most trusted provider of patient care, and a respected partner in education and research within Southwestern Ontario and beyond.

Dr. David D'Souza
Interim Chair, Division of Radiation Oncology

About the Division of Radiation Oncology

Residents and Fellows

Residents

PGY1


Dr. E. Kotrri	Dr. A. Vucetic

PGY2


Dr. A. Akingbade	Dr. S. Shahhat

PGY3


Dr. S. Ramadan	Dr. V. Tan

PGY4


Dr. T. Tang	Dr. S. Young

PGY5

Dr. Stephanie Gulestene
Dr. S. Gulstene

Fellows:

Dr. T.M. Starling
Dr. R. Amjad

To learn more about our residents, please visit our Residents & Fellows page.

Medical Staff: Radiation Oncologists

Dr. Belal Ahmad, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Glenn Bauman, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Rohann Correa, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Robert Dinniwell, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. David D'Souza, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Barbara Fisher, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Chris Goodman, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Joanna Laba, Program Director, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Pencilla Lang, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Michael Lock, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Lucas Mendez, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Adam Mutsaers, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Tim Nguyen, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. David Palma, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Francisco Perera, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Melody Qu, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Nancy Read, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. George Rodrigues, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Vikram Velker, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Brian Yaremko, Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Scott Karnas, Physicist
Dr. Kathleen Surry, Physicist

Program Application

Applications are made to the Program Director through CaRMS for positions beginning July 1 of the following year. The London Regional Cancer Program will hold their interviews on January, 2024.

For more information about our training program and residents, visit our CaRMS page.

Program Structure and Duration

The Radiation Oncology Residency Program is a five-year program and included the areas listed below:

Radiation Oncology Academic blocks

The program consists of two to three month rotations, during which a trainee will be generally assigned to a radiation oncologist having primary responsibility for treatment in specific organ sites - neuro-oncology, head and neck, thoracic oncology, breast, gynecological, genitourinary oncology, GI tract malignancies, sarcomas, melanomas and other malignancies. During the first year there is also a two to three month rotation through medical oncology at the London Regional Cancer Program. During the first to second year there is a three to four month rotation in internal medicine. Two months are spent in physics and there is up to six months of elective time to include further clinical oncology, pediatric oncology basic research and further experience in radiation oncology. A substantial proportion of the training is done in outpatients areas at the London Regional Cancer Program.

Trainees will be expected to actively participate in clinical rounds, grand rounds, conferences, seminars and journal clubs. Trainees will also be expected to attend a 74-hour program on core oncology knowledge during their training years. There are courses on treatment planning, general oncology, statistics and quality assurance. A monthly journal club is ongoing.

Research Opportunities and Awards

Radiation Oncology Residents are expected to complete at least one research project during their five-year program. Historically, our residents are involved in a number of research projects and publications during their time in the program. This is undoubtedly due to the unparalleled research support offered by Dr. David Palma, Research Director, and the enthusiastic staff at the London Regional Cancer Program (LRCP).

Depending on the individual goals of each resident, Dr. Palma will help facilitate a project that is of interest to the individual resident and ensure that they are supported from planning to publication.

Selected Resident Research Awards

In addition to numerous podium and poster presentations at National and International conferences annually, Residents have been recently recognized with the following awards.

2021

Resident Research Career Development Award - Dr. Rohann Correa

2020

ASCO Merit Award - Dr. Sondos Zayed
Catalyst Grant Proposal Co-applicant ($25,000) - Dr. Rohann Correa
CARO ACURA Grand ($20,000) - Dr. Wei Liu
CARO Book Prize - Dr. Chris Goodman

2019

CARO Best Poster Presentation - Dr. Sondos Zayed
CARO Book Prize for Clinical Care & Epidemiology - Dr. Wei Liu
Research Day Best Presentation - Dr. Rohann Correa
Ontario Institute of Cancer Research Co-applicant ($140,000) - Dr. Rohann Correa
IASLC Fellowship Award ($65,000) - Dr. Hanbo Chen
Best Scientific Abstract in Science and Applied Technology CARO 2019 - Dr. Wei Liu

2018

Best Resident Oral Presentation CARO 2018 - Dr. Adam Mutsaers
Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award - Dr. Rohann Correa
Research Day Best Presentation - Dr. Rohann Correa

Academic Half Day

Residents are required to attend the Radiation Oncology Academic Half Day at LRCP once a week. Teaching sessions are designed to prepare residents not only for the Royal College exam, but life outside the program, and foster a fulfilling and successful career. Topics include:

Disease Sites
Clinical Trials
Ethics
Communication
Statistics
Wellness
Professionalism
Finances
Career Planning

Additional Learning Opportunities

There is no shortage of learning opportunities as residents move through the Radiation Oncology Program. Residents can expect to be challenged during practice exams, while soaking up new ideas and knowledge through rounds and journal clubs. Opportunities include:

Treatment Planning Rounds (weekly)
Applied Physics ACR Bootcamp (annually)
International Anatomy & Contouring Course (annually)
Radiobiology Course (PGY2)
Royal College Exam Review Course (PGY 4 & 5)
Practice Oral Exams (PGY 3 - 5)
Bell Ringer (PGY 3 - 5)
Practice Written Exam (annually)
multi-disciplinary Tumour Boards
Radiation Oncology Assurance Rounds
American Board of Radiology Exam (annually)
Grand Rounds - Weekly lecture series featuring speakers from all disciplines, across the globe
Resident Rounds - annual presentation to help residents prepare for conference season