Jun 7, 2025, 14:24

2026/2027 BC Cancer – AFC in Brachytherapy

BC Cancer – Victoria is inviting applications for its one-year funded Area of Focused Competency (AFC) in Brachytherapy Fellowship, commencing July 1, 2026. This training program is formally accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada since 2021 and is designed to develop expertise in prostate and/or gynecological brachytherapy.

Trainees will acquire comprehensive theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in brachytherapy, with increasing procedural responsibilities as competencies are demonstrated.

Training Objectives:
The AFC program offers in-depth exposure to:

Prostate low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy
Gynecological intracavitary brachytherapy
Gynecological interstitial brachytherapy

Trainees must gain competency in at least two of the above techniques.
Over 50% of the training occurs in the brachytherapy suite/OR, with structured progression based on demonstrated competencies. The curriculum also includes didactic teaching and a research component.

Facilities and Environment:
BC Cancer – Victoria is a medium-sized academic centre serving Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands. The facility includes:

6 Varian TrueBeam linear accelerators
1 Flexitron HDR brachytherapy afterloader
2 CT simulators and 1 PET-CT scanner
A superficial treatment unit
Comprehensive brachytherapy applicator set, including:
- Venezia applicator
- Geneva applicator
- Multichannel and shielded cylinders

The center supports a high-volume prostate and gynecological brachytherapy program and treats ~3,000 patients annually with radiotherapy.

Living in Victoria:
Victoria is known as one of Canada’s most scenic and temperate cities, offering oceanfront living, mountains, and access to outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and sailing. It’s an ideal location for a high-quality work-life balance.

Eligibility Criteria:

AFC Program Eligibility:
- Canadian applicants must be certified or eligible for certification by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Radiation Oncology
International Applicants:
- Eligible for non-AFC Brachytherapy Fellowship (without AFC diploma)
English Language Proficiency:
- Required for all applicants whose medical education was not in English
- Minimum IELTS Academic score of 7 in each component

Applicants must also be eligible to obtain an educational license from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC).

Application Requirements:
Interested candidates must submit:

Curriculum Vitae
Cover letter describing interest in brachytherapy and research
Contact information for three references

Submit all materials to:
Aida Castro-Chan
Email: [email protected]

Documents will be reviewed and forwarded to:
Dr. Negin Shahid, Director, AFC in Brachytherapy Program
Email: [email protected]

Additional Information:
Website: www.bccancer.bc.ca
For further details on the AFC or non-AFC brachytherapy fellowship, please contact Dr. Negin Shahid directly.

BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) and is committed to employment equity. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.

You can learn more about fellowship programs here.