Follow along in this new series, Mission in Motion, where we showcase how Renown employees embody our mission, vision and values through work that advances our strategic pillars.
This second feature celebrates Aaron Andersen, Director of Medical Physics at Renown Regional Medical Center, and his efforts in addressing the national shortage of clinical training sites for medical physicists by establishing Nevada’s first in-state residency program.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) alumnus Andersen, who earned his Ph.D. from Purdue University, collaborated with UNLV’s Department of Health Physics and Diagnostic Sciences to establish a first-of-its-kind residency program for medical physicists.
Previously, students had to leave Nevada to complete their two-year residency to earn their Doctor of Medical Physics (DMP) degree. With the establishment of the new DMP program at UNLV, students can now train locally at Renown Regional Medical Center, where they gain exposure to a wide range of radiation oncology procedures while ensuring highly reliable and exceptional care. This new program is one of only four in the U.S., bringing specialized training right to northern Nevada at Renown.
“The country has a shortage of clinical sites, and the first thing I wanted to do was to work with UNLV to establish a new site,” Andersen said. “That involved making sure it was appropriate for accreditation. At Renown, we have our entire physics, dosimetry, and physician team together at a single site. This is ideal for providing quality clinical training to the residents that are here for two years.”
The program’s first resident, Mason Smith, praised the hands-on experience and mission-driven environment that Andersen fosters. The residency includes rigorous training in treatment planning, machine calibration and safety protocols using advanced medical linear accelerators. Residents work alongside radiation oncologists, medical dosimetrists, medical physicists, radiation therapists and nurses to provide the highest quality of care for patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.
Andersen credits his alma mater, UNLV, for providing foundational experiences that shaped his career and Renown for providing an advantageous environment for medical physicists to study different radiation oncology procedures. His efforts not only benefit current and future students by leading with a people-first mindset but also contribute to the development of Nevada’s healthcare workforce, continuing to provide essential and advanced care right here in our community.
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in science or a related field, and at least a minor in physics, are eligible to apply to the program. Upon completion of the DMP program, residents will have the opportunity to be considered for a position at Renown when positions become available.
Learn more about UNLV’s DMP program here.
