Education

Radiation Oncology Residency Programme

2025/07/11

The current Radiation Oncology Seamless Training Programme will transition to a national residency programme in July 2026.

Objectives

Our Radiation Oncology Residency Programme at National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) is committed to training well-rounded radiation oncologists with specialised clinical expertise and professional competencies, empowering them to lead in patient care, education, and research. 


Structure

The 5-year Radiation Oncology Residency Programme is designed to fulfil the requirements of Specialist Accreditation Board (SAB) for specialist certification in Radiation Oncology in Singapore. 

Admission criteria require applicants to have one year of clinical postings outside of Radiation Oncology prior to entry into the programme.

The main training sites are National University Hospital and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, with opportunities for overseas attachments to broaden clinical exposure and experience.

Programme Highlights

Learn Personalised Cancer Care
Radiation Oncology uniquely blends science and art to deliver tailored treatments by carefully balancing treatment decisions and radiotherapy techniques. Residents learn to achieve cancer control or symptom relief while minimising treatment adverse effects.

Structured, Supportive Training
Our programme features a structured curriculum with systematic tracking of progress, supported by a nurturing learning environment, dedicated mentors, and a collegial departmental culture.

Comprehensive Curriculum
Residents receive in-depth training in medical physics, radiation biology, and clinical oncology, with a strong emphasis on advanced radiation technologies that enhance precision in both curative and palliative care.

Diverse Clinical Exposure
Residents gain experience across a broad spectrum of cases at multiple training sites, including opportunities for overseas rotations, fostering both clinical expertise and cross-institutional collaboration.

Growth beyond Residency
The programme is designed to develop not only clinical excellence but also the full spectrum of CanMEDS competencies—including communicator, collaborator, leader, health advocate, scholar, and professional. Graduates will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in patient care, education, and research, and to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

Clinical Practice

Basic training in Years 1 and 2 focuses on foundational sciences, including medical physics, radiobiology, cancer biology, pharmacology of systemic anti-cancer treatments, and medical statistics. Residents are required to spend dedicated time at treatment unit (linear accelerator), simulation suite, treatment planning, and physics quality assurance. This curriculum prepares residents for first FRANZCR/ FRCR Radiation Oncology examination.

Advanced training in Years 3 to 5 emphasizes the comprehensive management of common malignancies and provides exposure to less common ones. This phase also includes training in advanced radiotherapy techniques (stereotactic radiotherapy, brachytherapy, total body irradiation, total skin electron), clinical oncology (systemic therapies, cancer screening and prevention, palliative care), and pathology. By the end of this phase, residents are expected to be ready for the final FRANZCR/ FRCR Radiation Oncology Examination.

Throughout the programme, residents rotate through various tumour streams, with each clinical rotation lasting between 3 to 6 months. During these rotations, residents will attend outpatient clinics, inpatient referrals, radiotherapy treatment reviews, radiotherapy simulation, radiotherapy planning, radiotherapy quality assurance meetings, brachytherapy, and multidisciplinary tumour board discussions.

Education

Beyond core Radiation Oncology rotations, residents will rotate through key related specialties such as Pathology, Palliative Care, Medical Oncology, Malignant Haematology, General Surgery, Urology and Otorhinolaryngology. This interprofessional exposure ensures well-rounded clinical training.

Educational activities include a comprehensive didactic lecture series, case-based discussions, tutorials, journal clubs, and examination preparatory sessions to support residents' professional growth and exam readiness. Additionally, residents are provided with protected time—half a day per week—for self-directed learning.

 

Research

Residents have access to a wide range of research opportunities, supported by experienced mentors and structured research workshops. Areas of focus include basic science, translational research, and clinical studies.

Our residents have consistently contributed to the academic field through publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at both local and international conferences. Many have also received prestigious awards in recognition of their work.

 

Structure of Training
Year 1-2 (minimum 2 years): Basic training
Breast
Thorax
Head and neck
Male reproductive system
Female reproductive system
Gastrointestinal tract


Year 3-5: Advanced training
Haematology
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue
Endocrine
Skin
Optional elective postings (at least 4 months, capped at 6 months)
  1. Palliative medicine
  2. Diagnostic radiology
  3. Medical oncology
  4. Pathology 

 

Our Faculty

Adj A/Prof Koh Wee Yao, Programme Director, NUHS Radiation Oncology Residency Programme

Adj A/Prof Koh Wee Yao
Programme Director, Radiation Oncology Residency Programme, NUHS

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Clin Asst Prof Ng Wee Loon

Associate Programme Director,
Radiation Oncology Residency Programme, NUHS

 


Dr Ivy Ng

Core Faculty,
Radiation Oncology Residency Programme, NUHS

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Dr Timothy Cheo

Core Faculty,
Radiation Oncology Residency Programme, NUHS

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Dr Leong Yiat Horng

Core Faculty,
Radiation Oncology Residency Programme, NUHS

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Testimonial from our Radiation Oncology Senior Resident
Dr Ng Zhi Xuan, NUHS Radiation Oncology Residency Programme, Year 3

"Radiation Oncology residency has been a rewarding experience. It's an unique field that blends advanced technology, precision medicine, and deep human connection with oncology patients.

While the learning curve is steep, what has stood out most is the strong sense of mentorship and camaraderie. Our peers and seniors are deeply invested in our growth, not just as clinicians, but as individuals. Radiation Oncology feels like a family, with approachable, supportive people who are committed to shared learning and each other's well-being.

Each day brings new opportunities to learn, whether through research, collaboration with colleagues both local and international, or meaningful interactions with patients, with whom we often build long-term relationships.

This residency has not only equipped me with the skills and knowledge to become a competent radiation oncologist, but has also instilled in me the empathy needed to provide truly patient-centred care."

Contact Us

Programme Director
Adj A/Prof Koh Wee Yao
[email protected]

 

1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Singapore 119228
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