Highlights
Building a Strong Clinical, Didactic Foundation in a State-of-the-Art Cancer Center
The medical physics residency program at UNMC emphasizes clinical excellence and professional development, aiming to prepare our residents to become board certified and to enter the workforce as confident and independent physicists.
The Radiation Oncology department at UNMC moved into the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center in June 2017. The $323 million dollar project and the only NCI-designated cancer center in Nebraska, this facility boasts state-of-the-art treatment and research resources in addition to an impressive healing arts program. This highly patient-centered facility includes:
- A 10-story, 98-laboratory research tower
- An 8-story, 108-bed inpatient treatment center
- A multidisciplinary outpatient center
- Outdoor gardens
- More than 200 works of art, including the Chihuly glass sanctuary
Radiotherapy equipment at the Buffett Cancer Center includes two Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators, one Varian Edge radiosurgery system, two Elekta Flexitron HDR afterloaders, two Siemens CT simulators, two Philips MRI scanners, ARIA record & verify system, Eclipse and RayStation treatment planning systems, Oncentra and Oncentra Prostate brachytherapy treatment planning systems, Velocity image registration software, AlignRT surface guidance, RPM respiratory motion management and more. Additionally, the main department houses the MEVION S250-FIT proton therapy system, with clinical treatments expected to begin in 2027. Other technologies and equipment are also available at our two satellite facilities.
“The residency training at UNMC emphasized exposure to diverse treatment facilities and hands-on clinical experience. All physicists in the program were willing to share their invaluable experience and knowledge, and helped me develop solid clinical skills. ”
Facilitating Career Development
UNMC physics residents receive solid clinical and didactic training but are encouraged to develop in other ways as well. Our program offers ample opportunities for clinical research (though participation in research is not required) and support for attending conferences. All this, along with teaching and leadership opportunities, help our residents become well-rounded, career-ready physicists.
A Vibrant, Growing Department
The department has 12 faculty physicists, 12 faculty physicians, 2 research faculty, 7 dosimetrists, 4 radiation oncology residents (1 per year), 4 medical physics residents (2 per year), 2 medical physics postdoctoral scientists and radiation therapy and dosimetry students. It is large enough to offer a wide range of insights and experiences, but small enough to foster strong mentorship and meaningful collaboration. Our department highly values diversity and inclusion and welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and life experiences.