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Radiation Oncology Division

Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D.

Division Head

Message from the Division Head, Albert Koong, M.D., Ph.D.

Our faculty and staff are committed to exceptional multidisciplinary patient care, innovative translational research and practice-changing clinical trials.

We have developed a nurturing environment that fosters learning for our postdoctoral fellows, clinical fellows, residents and students. We strive to maintain a culture of inclusivity, and embrace this philosophy in all facets of our workplace.

The Division of Radiation Oncology consists of nearly 200 faculty members across eight departments, Breast Radiation Oncology, Central Nervous System Radiation Oncology, Experimental Radiation Oncology, GI Radiation Oncology, GU Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiation Physics and Thoracic Radiation Oncology.

In addition, within the Radiation Oncology department, there are five clinical sections: Pediatrics, Head and Neck, Hematology, Melanoma/Sarcoma and Gynecology.

We deliver compassionate care for patients at multiple cancer center campuses across the greater Houston metropolitan area, including the Texas Medical Center, League City, Sugar Land, West Houston, The Woodlands and UTMB Galveston.

Our clinical facilities incorporate the most advanced radiotherapy and imaging technologies such as proton therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, magnetic resonance imaging guided linear accelerator (MRI LINAC), brachytherapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) also referred to as stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR). In addition, multiple other promising technologies, including FLASH radiotherapy, are being developed at the pre-clinical stage.

Due to the breadth and depth of expertise among our faculty, we offer unparalleled sub-specialty care to patients. We offer hundreds of therapeutic and non-therapeutic clinical trials across our campuses in Houston, and some are offered at our Cancer Network and collaborating sites across the nation.

Our faculty have demonstrated excellence in multiple research areas including cancer biology, radiation biology, translational science, clinical trials, data science and health services. We have a broad range of extramurally funded research consisting of more than $52M in annual direct costs. Our culture of collaboration and innovation enables our vision of developing novel therapies for the benefit of patients.

We are home to the number one ranked radiation oncology residency program according to Doximity’s 2024 to 2025 Residency Navigator. Every learner is provided a comprehensive experience in clinical practice in all clinical areas as well as dedicated research time to explore their academic interests. We are committed to training the next generation of academic leaders in radiation oncology.

I invite you to learn more about the breadth of our clinical services, research programs and educational opportunities as we work towards our goal of Making Cancer History®.

Education and Training

Radiation Oncology Summer Research Program

This summer research opportunity is a 10-week program that offers hands-on experience in radiation oncology research. Possible research experiences span a wide spectrum, including but not limited to laboratory-based scientific studies, large dataset analyses and review of patient clinical or imaging data.

Students will be matched with a mentor from the MD Anderson Cancer Center Radiation Oncology division based on shared interests and project availability.

Throughout the summer, students will participate in radiation oncology-specific as well as institution-wide programming to help familiarize students with oncology broadly and radiation oncology specifically. The program concludes with our annual Radiation Oncology Summer Research Symposium where participants present talks and posters on their research projects to peers and faculty.

Students who participate in this program will be introduced to the field of radiation oncology, have opportunities to learn about and engage in oncology research, and be afforded opportunities to establish mentorship relationships that may last well beyond the summer.

Eligibility & Requirements

Students who are currently enrolled in (or have a letter of acceptance to):

High school (Must be 18 years of age by the time of the appointment.)
College/university
Post-baccalaureate program
Medical School (MS1)

Dates & Work Schedule

Applicants should be available for the full 10 weeks and be able to commit at least 30 hours/week to this position.
Appointments are typically uncompensated.

Application Information

The following information will be required:

Personal information, including contact information and address
Transcript from current institution (or most recent institution in case of recent graduate)
Personal statement
One letter of reference from someone who has taught you or worked with you on a research project.
Access the High School application for the Radiation Oncology Summer Research Program.

For more information and to apply, please contact Denise De La Cruz, Ed.D., at DDLCruz@MDAnderson.org or (832) 305-1753.

Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship

The Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship offers a unique one- to two-year clinical training opportunity that is tailored to the specific site/research interests and career needs of the fellow.

The curriculum is individualized to expand clinical and research experience, and cultivate familiarity with the application of specific modalities.

Fellows can focus on up to five disease sites, specific to their interests to gain greater depth of knowledge and skills in these areas.

For more information and to apply, please contact Vanessa Moya. at VSMoya@MDAnderson.org or (832) 373-4965.

Radiation Oncology Residency

The Radiation Oncology Residency is a four-year program. The contract for continuation of training is reviewed annually and based on satisfactory clinical management and completion of patient care responsibilities, as well as demonstrated progression in the six ACGME Core Competencies. Read more about the Radiation Oncology Residency.

Radiation Oncology Medical Student Elective Rotation

MD Anderson Cancer Center offers clinical rotations in Radiation Oncology to medical students enrolled at accredited US medical schools. We encourage students interested in pursuing radiation oncology as a career to inquire.

The rotation offers the opportunity to interact with faculty and trainees within the division at one of the largest comprehensive cancer centers in the world. Read more about the rotation.

Research Training in Radiation Oncology

The Radiation Oncology department offers compensated and uncompensated research training opportunities for eligible trainees. Opportunities are by invitation only.

If you have been invited by one of our faculty members, view the pre-screening instructions and complete the form.

Observership in Radiation Oncology

Clinical observerships are temporarily suspended. Please contact Denise De La Cruz, Ed.D., at ddlcruz@mdanderson.org if you have questions or if you wish to inquire.

Radiation Oncology Medical Student Summer Research Program

This summer research program aims to expose medical students interested in radiation oncology to the clinical and research aspects of the field. During this 10-week program, students are mentored by a faculty member in the Radiation Oncology department who will guide them in the completion of a research project intended for presentation at the end of the program.

Throughout the summer, students also have opportunities to attend lectures and workshops to increase their knowledge of and exposure to careers in oncology and research. Read more about the Medical Student Summer Research Program.

Assistant Research Coordinator Program

The Radiation Oncology department's Assistant Research Coordinator Program is designed for recent college graduates who are interested in applying to medical school, physician assistant school, or graduate school in the biosciences. Individuals selected for the program will have dedicated time to work on faculty-led research efforts while also providing administrative support to Radiation Oncology department faculty. Participants in the program will have access to workshops throughout the year to refine skills to be successful applicants and meet regularly with assigned faculty mentors.

Recent participants have been selected to present at their work at national conferences, including the American Society of Radiation Oncology, American Radium Society, and Radiation Research Society meetings. Graduates have successfully published manuscripts and transitioned to medical schools across the country.

Please contact Denise De La Cruz, Ed.D., at ddlcruz@mdanderson.org if you have questions or if you wish to inquire.