What We Do


I feel extremely fortunate to have done my medical physics residency at the University of Colorado. I transitioned to medical physics from another field and this program provides exceptional training and mentorship, clinical experience, and ABR board preparation. Most importantly are the wonderful people I get to associate with. I'm very proud to be a part of the University of Colorado Medical Physics Residency family.
Brian W. Miller, PhD, DABR, Alumnus & Faculty

 

To help orient yourself with our program, here's an overview of everything we do, presented by Program Director Dr. Leah Schubert. Please view the powerpoint in presentation mode in order to hear the recording.

 

Click here to download a copy of the powerpoint file


Rotation CalendarResidency_Master_Schedule

Download Rotation Calendar (PDF)
 
Workflow, Equipment, and Dosimetry (1.5 months)
The resident will complete orientations through the university and within the department. The resident will observe patient visits with the radiation oncologists as well as participate in CT simulation and treatment delivery.  The resident will become familiar with the operation of the machines and radiation detector equipment used in the clinic.
 
3D and Advanced Treatment Planning (4.5 months)
The resident will learn fundamental treatment planning concepts for various disease sites while interacting closely with dosimetrists, radiation oncology faculty, and radiation oncology residents.  The resident will have the opportunity to perform all tasks related to treatment planning, including block fabrication, image registration, contouring, planning (hand calculations, 3DCRT, IMRT, and VMAT), chart preparation, and physics plan and chart reviews.
 
SRS and SBRT Special Procedures (3 months)
This rotation is focused on SRS, SBRT, and advanced delivery techniques, including motion management methods such as respiratory gating.  The resident will learn the theory and equipment requirements of these advanced treatments while becoming proficient in the SRS and SBRT treatment planning process.  The resident will also gain experience on GammaKnife machines.
 
External Beam Machines (2 months)

This rotation focuses on quality management of external beam treatment machines.  The resident will learn the subtle yet critical skills for calibrating and characterizing a machine well.  The resident will gain practical skills for avoiding pitfalls when performing TG-51 and using a 3D tank for beam scanning.

Brachytherapy (3 months)

The resident will become competent in brachytherapy physics coverage.  The resident will gain skills in brachytherapy treatment planning, treatment delivery, equipment commissioning and quality assurance.  The resident will be involved in all aspects of clinical brachytherapy cases, including HDR gynecological and prostate treatments, and LDR eye plaque cases.
 
Clinical Development and Emerging Topics (2 months)

During this rotation, the resident will participate in clinical development.  Opportunities for working on clinical development initiatives under close supervision of faculty arise during the resident’s clinical training, such as participation of commissioning new technology, implementing new techniques, or quality improvements in the clinic. The resident will also engage in a deeper study of emerging topics of their choice in the medical physics field, which provides the opportunities to study cutting edge technologies and new topics.

Imaging and Special Procedures (3 months)
Through a special collaboration with the Department of Radiology, the resident will learn the principles of oncologic imaging while observing oncologic diagnostic imaging procedures and shadowing diagnostic physicists.  The resident will then focus on how images are used in our department by participating in image fusion and IGRT procedures.  The resident will also gain the skills for handling special physics procedures and patient situations including TBI, TSE, implanted electronic cardiac devices, pregnant patients, and metal prostheses.
 
Facility Commissioning and Treatment Planning Algorithms (2.5 months)
The resident will apply knowledge gained from previous rotations to study the overall process of commissioning, as it provides the opportunity to combine knowledge of the equipment, operational procedures, and quality assurance already covered in previous rotations.  The resident will focus on treatment planning algorithms and linac commissioning.  The resident will also be co-assigned with a staff physicist on clinical coverage and troubleshooting, an especially valuable experience.

Beam Modeling and Shielding (2.5 months)
The resident will add to their knowledge of treatment planning algorithms and linac commissioning by focusing on treatment planning system commissioning.  The resident will continue to increase their experience in clinical coverage and troubleshooting during this last rotation.