The AAMC (as part of our Specialty Perspectives series) recently sat down with Dr. Garlock to learn more about her work. Dr. Garlock is a PGY-5 radiation oncology resident at VCU Health. Learn more about Dr. Garlock and her specialty below.
Can you describe your work as a radiation oncologist?
Radiation oncologists are few and far between, there are less than 8000 of us in the United States. We are an important part of the oncology treatment team, using radiation, photons, electrons, and protons to treat cancer and some non-cancerous conditions, as well, such as osteoarthritis, Dupuytren's, and Ledderhose Disease.
What attracted you to radiation oncology?
My mom is a family medicine physician, and growing up, I thought all doctors practiced family medicine. I was squeamish about the blood and bodily fluids that were a part of her everyday job! I thought that being a doctor wasn’t something that I was interested in.
In undergrad, I did a research project on breast cancer. I was able to spend time with breast cancer specialists, oncologists, surgeons, and the radiation oncologists. This was when I got exposed to radiation oncology. This experience helped me realize that maybe I did want to become a doctor. In radiation oncology, I get to use physics and math, which is what I enjoy! I also have a history of molecular biology which pairs well with this specialty.
In radiation oncology, there are also many different avenues you can specialize in. You can practice brachytherapy, which is a type of internal radiation therapy. You can use interstitial needles, and radiopharmaceuticals are also a largely growing topic in our field!
Can you describe a typical work week?
One of the biggest things that drew me to radiation oncology is that every day looks a bit different but there is a rhythm to the week. Some days, I will spend my time seeing patients who receive weekly radiation. These are called treatment visits. Other days, I spend my time doing consultations and seeing follow-up patients. As a resident, I also have research days.
What parts of your job do you find most challenging? What parts do you find most rewarding?
What’s most challenging about radiation oncology is the amount of information you learn post-medical school. Medical school is a great foundation, but after graduation you learn a completely different field once you are in residency. We have a physics board exam, radiation biology, and more that isn’t in medical school! Keeping up with literature on this specialty is also difficult.
What’s most rewarding is helping the patients. I get the opportunity to see patients’ tumors shrink as I give them radiation, which is so amazing to watch!
What previous experiences have helped you most in radiation oncology?
I’ve had many jobs, and I think that’s one of my biggest strengths! I’ve been a janitor at a hospital, which helped me learn the logistics of how a hospital is run. I’ve been a baker which helped me work with my hands. I also did an organic chemistry research internship that helped me realize I’d rather work with people than chemicals. All these experiences led me to where I am today and provided me with the skills that help me excel in my role.
How would you describe someone who would excel in a career in radiation oncology?
You must be very detail-orientated in this specialty and you should be able to read a room. As a radiation oncologist, you need to be able to understand where a patient is coming from during consultations and get to the root of the treatment they truly want. Do they want information so they can make the decision, or are they relying on your professional opinion?
What was it like applying to radiation oncology residency as a DO student?
Overall, most fields are becoming more DO-friendly, which is fantastic since one in four students are DOs. I think that the hardest part for DOs in the application process is that many of us come from institutions where we’re not exposed to smaller specialties, like radiation oncology. In my case, I had prior exposure in undergrad which was a big advantage. I also took it upon myself to talk to my teachers in medical school and get involved in research with a private group in my region.
As a DO, it’s important to do research in medical school and work to forge your own path if your institution doesn’t have it clearly laid out for you.
Are there parts of your residency that were a surprise to you?
Medical school is the easy part! Residency is very long and challenging, but I am grateful that I don’t work weekends or nights, which is a nice perk of radiation oncology. But I am still studying 10-20 hours a week and doing research on the side and involved in committees. It’s important to maintain mental toughness while you’re in residency.
Can you share a case you found especially rewarding?
When I was working at the VA, I met a woman who was being treated for lung cancer. I formed a strong bond with her while she was receiving her treatment. She was so appreciative of me and thankful for the work our team was doing.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with premeds?
Choosing between being daringly bold and daringly reckless can be a fine line. My biggest piece of advice is to not let someone tell you no. Be resilient! If you really want something, set your goal but then get to work on creating a plan on how to get there. And never forget to appreciate the ones that helped you accomplish your goal!
To learn more about Dr. Garlock and her work, you can follow her on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.