MD Radiotherapy: Scope, Rank, and Salary – An Unbiased Overview for NEET PG Aspirants by MD RT Asst. Professor

During our preparation in NEET PG, one question keeps knocking in our heads again and again: what after getting a rank? The choice for many of us is not just about getting any MD seat but about choosing a branch that offers intellectual satisfaction, long-term stability, and a respectable lifestyle. MD Radiotherapy is one such branch which usually gets misconceived, underestimated, and many times gets ignored only because of unawareness.

To be frank, initially, even I thought radiotherapy is a very narrow field with limited scope. But as I started to explore it seriously, spoke to seniors, understood the actual work profile; I feel MD Radiotherapy is one of the most future-proof and steadily growing branches in modern medicine.

Radiation oncology remains the backbone of cancer management. Almost every kind of solid malignancy requires radiation at some or the other point in its treatment-either curative therapy, adjuvant therapy, neoadjuvant therapy, or palliation. This fact places radiation oncologists at the forefront of the oncology team. In contrast to some other branches which tend to fluctuate with demand, oncology is going to keep on growing owing to increasing incidence, improved survival, and better diagnostic capabilities.

From the academic point of view, MD Radiotherapy is a highly clinical and intellectually demanding branch of science. It combines anatomy, physics, imaging, pathology, and clinical medicine. The daily works that come include the assessment of cancer patients, staging diseases, planning radiation fields, interacting with medical and surgical oncologists, and managing radiation-related side effects. It is not passive work sitting at a desk nor only a procedural field. It requires continuous learning, precision, and decision-making.

Coming to the NEET PG rank requirements for the MD Radiotherapy course, it usually does not require ultra-top ranks, unlike Dermatology or Radiology. Yet, neither is it a low-demand branch. In government colleges, the number of seats is very limited, and ranks usually close in the mid-range, showing significant variation depending on the institute and state quota. Top institutes and AIIMS-level centers close at much better ranks compared to peripheral colleges. Therefore, radiotherapy becomes an excellent option for candidates who might not get what is conventionally considered “top branches” but still aspire to have a strong and respected MD degree with good future prospects.

One advantage is that the competition within the branch is pretty well balanced. Unlike supercrowded branches, there are fewer seats and specialists in radiotherapy compared to the rising cancer burden. The supply-demand gap works strongly in the favor of radiation oncologists over a long term.

After completing MD Radiotherapy, career options can vary. A lot of graduates join government medical colleges as senior residents and go ahead to become faculty at the same place. All teaching hospitals and regional cancer centers actively recruit radiation oncologists to this day because of chronic shortages. Private cancer hospitals, corporate chains, and stand-alone oncology centers also offer some quite respectable opportunities.

Fellowships further expand scope, especially in areas like brachytherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, IMRT, VMAT, and proton therapy. As technology advances, the modality of radiation oncology becomes more precise and technology-driven, further enhancing its value and relevance.

The next major consideration for most aspirants is, of course, the salary. Salaries during senior residency in government institutions are similar to other MD branches and go up steadily with experience. In private hospitals, fresh MD Radiotherapy graduates start with respectable salaries, which go up substantially by experience, skill set, and institutional reputation. Those working in high-volume cancer centers or corporate hospitals often earn substantially higher than many traditional clinical branches.

With experience, radiation oncologists have commanding salaries, especially those handling advanced techniques or working in metro cities and cancer hubs. Although it doesn't give as much immediate procedural income as some branches do, radiotherapy offers stable, predictable, and long-term financial growth without excessive physical stress.

Another underrated advantage is lifestyle. Since oncology is emotionally demanding, radiotherapy usually boasts structured working hours compared to more emergency-heavy branches. Night calls and acute emergencies are fewer. This allows better work-life balance, especially in well-established centres.

Another important factor is job security. Oncology isn't going anywhere. With rising cases of cancer, an aging population, and improved access to cancer care, radiation oncology remains one of the most secure specialties in medicine. Unlike trends that affect some branches due to saturation or technological disruption, radiotherapy evolves alongside technology rather than being replaced by it.

In the long run, MD Radiotherapy is the kind of branch that rewards patience, academic interest, and long-term vision. Lack of awareness might make it less popular as a first choice for most NEET PG aspirants, but for those who know its scope, it offers the unbeatable combination of clinical relevance, job security, respectable income, and professional satisfaction. Choosing radiotherapy is not a compromise on a lesser Scale; rather, it is an intelligent choice for a specialty that promises depth, dignity, and a bright future.