UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                              WASHINGTON, DC 20549

                               -------------------

                                    FORM 11-K

                                  ANNUAL REPORT
                        PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

(Mark One):

    [X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE
        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

    For the fiscal year September 28, 2001.

                                       OR

    [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 15(d) OF THE
        SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

     For the transition period from _________________ to _________________.


                          Commission file number 1-7598


                          VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
                                 RETIREMENT PLAN
                            (Full title of the plan)

                          VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
          (Name of issuer of the securities held pursuant to the plan)

                                 3100 HANSEN WAY
                        PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA 94304-1129
                    (Address of principal executive offices)







                           VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.
                                 RETIREMENT PLAN

                                      INDEX


                                                                         
Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan -- Pension Element: ............1

    Report of Independent Accountants........................................2

    Financial Statements.....................................................3

        Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits......................3

        Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits...........4

        Notes to Financial Statements........................................5

Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan -- Profit Sharing Element: ....13

    Report of Independent Accountants.......................................14

    Financial Statements....................................................15

        Statements of Net Assets Available for Benefits.....................15

        Statements of Changes in Net Assets Available for Benefits..........16

        Notes to Financial Statements.......................................17

Supplemental Schedule Furnished Pursuant to Requirements of the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974:.....................................25

      Schedule H, Item 4i:  Schedule of Assets Held for Investment Purposes
as of September 30, 2001 ...................................................25






VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
RETIREMENT PLAN -
PENSION ELEMENT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000





                                      1


                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Participants and Retirement Committee of Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Retirement Plan - Pension Element:


In our opinion, the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits
and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits
present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits
of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan - Pension Element (the "Pension
Element") at September 30, 2001 and 2000, and the changes in net assets
available for benefits for the years then ended in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Pension Element's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with
auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/  PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Jose, California
February 27, 2002


                                      2


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                               SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           ---------------------
                                                             2001         2000
                                                           --------     --------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                  
Interest in the Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement
  and Profit Sharing Program Trust (Note 5)                $224,796     $300,345
                                                           --------     --------
Net assets available for benefits                          $224,796     $300,345
                                                           ========     ========




   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                                      3


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                             FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                                 SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                           ------------------------
                                                             2001            2000
                                                           ---------      ---------
                                                               (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                    
Additions to net assets attributed to:
  Interest in Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement
    and Profit Sharing Program Trust investment income     $      --      $  54,151
                                                           ---------      ---------
  Contributions:
    Participant                                                  270            318
    Employer                                                   4,643          4,760
                                                           ---------      ---------
      Total contributions                                      4,913          5,078
                                                           ---------      ---------
      Total additions                                          4,913         59,229
                                                           ---------      ---------
Deductions from net assets attributed to:
  Interest in Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement and
    Profit Sharing Program Trust investment loss              56,115             --
  Benefits paid to participants                               24,247         36,679
  Administrative expenses                                        100             27
                                                           ---------      ---------
      Total deductions                                        80,462         36,706
                                                           ---------      ---------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets prior to
  transfers to other plans                                   (75,549)        22,523

Transfers to other plans (Note 1)                                 --         (2,442)
                                                           ---------      ---------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets                        (75,549)        20,081

Net assets available for benefits:
  Beginning of year                                          300,345        280,264
                                                           ---------      ---------
  End of year                                              $ 224,796      $ 300,345
                                                           =========      =========


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      4


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

   The following brief description of the Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
   Retirement Plan (the "Plan") is provided for general information purposes
   only. Participants should refer to the Plan and the Summary Plan
   Description/Prospectus document for more detailed information.

   In November 1998, the Board of Directors of Varian Associates, Inc. approved
   a plan to reorganize into three publicly traded independent companies by
   spinning off two of its businesses to stockholders in a tax free
   distribution. On April 2, 1999, the distribution was consummated by spinning
   off the instruments business, which renamed itself Varian, Inc., and the
   semiconductor equipment business, which renamed itself Varian Semiconductor
   Equipment Associates, Inc. Varian Associates, Inc. renamed itself Varian
   Medical Systems, Inc. (the "Company"). The Plan remained with the Company.
   The employees of the other two companies had the following options with
   respect to their Plan balances: (i) transfer their entire Plan balance,
   including any loans, to the new company retirement plan; (ii) choose a
   distribution of their entire Plan balance and directly rollover the amount to
   an IRA or another employer's tax-qualified plan; (iii) choose a distribution
   of their entire Plan balance, or (iv) leave their account balance in the
   Plan. Transfers out the Plan have been shown on the statement of changes in
   net assets available for benefits as transfers to other plans.

   The Plan was established to provide benefits to those employees of the
   Company who elect to participate. The Plan consists of two distinct defined
   contribution plan elements, the Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan
   - Pension Element (the "Pension Element") and the Varian Medical Systems,
   Inc. Retirement Plan - Profit Sharing Element (the "Profit Sharing Element").
   The Plan is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of the
   Internal Revenue Code and the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income
   Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended. Contributions to the Pension
   Element can come from participant after-tax contributions, Company matching
   contributions, matching Employee Incentive Plan ("EIP") contributions and
   matching Management Incentive Plan ("MIP") contributions. Contributions to
   the Profit Sharing Element can come from participant before-tax
   contributions, EIP bonus allocations, MIP bonus allocations, retirement
   profit-sharing contributions and rollover contributions. Employees are
   eligible to join the Plan immediately after they are hired by the Company.

   FISCAL YEAR
   The Plan's fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to September 30. For
   presentation purposes, the financial statements are shown as ending September
   30 although the fiscal years ended on September 28, 2001 and September 29,
   2000, respectively.

   ADMINISTRATION
   The Company is the designated administrator of the Plan. The Company has
   contracted with Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services Company
   ("Fidelity") to maintain the Plan's individual participant accounts and with
   Fidelity Management Trust Company ("Fidelity Trust") to act as the custodian
   and trustee. The Company currently pays certain administrative expenses on
   behalf of the Plan, except for loan fees paid by Plan participants who elect
   to receive a Plan loan. Brokerage commissions and other charges incurred in
   connection with investment transactions are paid from Plan assets. The
   Pension Element's investments, as well as the investments of the Profit
   Sharing Element, are maintained in the Varian Associates, Inc.


                                      5


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Retirement and Profit Sharing Program Trust ("Master Trust"), a trust
   established pursuant to a trust agreement between the Company and Fidelity
   Trust.

   CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTICIPANTS' ACCOUNTS
   Participants in the Plan may make a minimum contribution of 1% of their base
   pay (as defined) up to a maximum of 15% of their base pay, subject to
   statutory annual limitations. Employees of the Company may elect to have
   their EIP bonus allocation paid out in cash or deposited directly to their
   Plan accounts in 10% increments, subject to statutory annual limitations. All
   participant contributions may be made on either a before-tax or after-tax
   basis and are subject to statutory annual limitations and Plan rules.
   Effective October 2, 1999, new Plan participants must complete one year of
   service before making any after-tax contributions to the Plan.

   Upon completion of one year of service with the Company, participants are
   entitled to receive Company contributions. The Company's matching
   contribution is 100% of participants' before or after tax deposits, up to a
   maximum of 6% of participants' eligible base pay. Contributions for Company
   EIP matching contributions are 6% of participants' EIP allocations. The
   Company may make a discretionary retirement profit-sharing contribution to
   the Profit Sharing Element for participants who have completed one year of
   service and were employed on the last day of the fiscal year or died during
   the fiscal year. Participants' portions of the Company's retirement
   profit-sharing contributions are based on the percentages of their eligible
   base salary to the total eligible base pay for all participants during the
   Profit Sharing Element year. No discretionary Company retirement
   profit-sharing contributions were made in fiscal year 2001 and 2000.

   Each participant's account is credited with the participant's contributions
   and allocations of the Company's contributions and Plan earnings and charged
   with an allocation of certain administrative expenses. Allocations are based
   on participant earnings or account balances, as defined. The benefit to which
   a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the
   participant's vested account.

   Participants are immediately fully vested in their contributions and Company
   contributions.

   Contributions made to the Plan are allocated among twenty-two investment
   funds, including the Varian Medical Systems Stock Fund, offered by the Plan
   in 1% increments according to the participant's direction. Participants may
   transfer account balances and the investment of their future contributions
   among these funds.

   PARTICIPANT LOANS
   Loans are available to participants who are either active employees or on a
   leave of absence. Participants are eligible to request a loan from the Plan
   ranging from $1,000 to the lesser of 50% of the participant's Plan assets or
   $50,000. Loan balances are also subject to certain other limitations as
   provided by the Plan. Loan balances are collateralized by the balance in the
   participant's account and bear interest at a fixed rate of prime plus 1% at
   the date requested. The interest rates on loans outstanding at September 30,
   2001 and 2000 range from 7.75% to 10.5% and 8.75% to 10.5%, respectively.
   Principal and interest is paid ratably through payroll deductions generally
   over five years. Upon employment termination, the entire loan balance becomes
   immediately due and payable.


                                      6


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
   Upon termination of service on account of death, disability or retirement, a
   participant or beneficiary may elect to receive either a lump sum amount
   equal to the value of their account or annual installments over a period of
   years.

   HARDSHIP DISTRIBUTIONS
   Participants are allowed to withdraw funds from the Profit Sharing Element in
   case of hardship. Withdrawals may be made no more than once a month and must
   be at least $500 (or such lesser amount as is available for withdrawal).

   Withdrawals are subject to restrictions as to amount, frequency and intended
   use of the proceeds. The normal form of payment is cash.

   PLAN TERMINATION
   Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right
   under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate
   the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
   The financial statements of the Pension Element are prepared utilizing the
   accrual basis of accounting.

   USE OF ESTIMATES
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
   principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the
   administrator and trustee to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
   reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements. Such
   estimates include those regarding fair value. Actual results may differ from
   those estimates.

   RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
   The Plan provides participants with various investment options in mutual
   funds which are invested in a combination of stocks, bonds, fixed income
   securities and other investment securities. Investment securities are exposed
   to various risks, such as those associated with interest rates, market
   conditions and credit worthiness of the securities' issuers. Due to the level
   of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least
   reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially
   affect participants' account balances and the amounts reported in the
   financial statements.

   INVESTMENTS
   Investments of the Plan are held by Fidelity Trust and are invested in the
   investment options available in the Plan based solely upon instructions
   received from Plan participants.

   Investments of the Master Trust held in money market and mutual funds are
   valued at fair value as determined by quoted market prices. Investments of
   the Master Trust held in the Interest Income Fund and the Varian Medical
   Systems Stock Fund are stated at net asset value,


                                      7


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   as determined by the investment manager, based on the fair value of the
   underlying securities. The carrying amounts of the investments approximate
   fair value. Purchases and sales of securities held in the Master Trust are
   recorded on a trade-date basis. Participant loans are valued at cost which
   approximate fair value. The Master Trust presents in its investment income
   (loss) the net appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of its
   investments, which consists of the realized gains or losses and the
   unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on these investments.

   PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
   Benefits are recorded when paid.

3. INCOME TAXES

   The Pension Element obtained its current determination letter on December 4,
   2001, in which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the Pension Element
   design is in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal
   Revenue Code. The Pension Element has been subsequently amended; however, the
   Company believes that the Pension Element is designed and is currently being
   operated in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal
   Revenue Code and that the Master Trust, which forms a part of the Plan, is
   exempt from tax. Therefore, no provision for income taxes has been included
   in the Pension Element's financial statements.

   This letter supersedes the determination letter received in August 1996 in
   which the Internal Revenue Service stated the Pension Element design was in
   compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code.

4. RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500

   The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for benefits per
   the financial statements to the Form 5500 (in thousands):



                                                                             SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                      -------------------------
                                                                        2001            2000
                                                                      --------        ---------
                                                                                
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements        $224,796        $ 300,345
Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants                               --             (323)
                                                                      --------        ---------
Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500                   $224,796        $ 300,022
                                                                      ========        =========



   The following is a reconciliation of benefits paid to participants per the
   financial statements to the Form 5500 (in thousands):


                                      8


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                                         YEAR ENDED
                                                                        SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  ------------------------
                                                                    2001            2000
                                                                  --------         -------
                                                                             
Benefits paid to participants per the financial statements         $24,247         $36,679
Less:  Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants                  (323)            323
                                                                   -------         -------
Benefits paid to participants per the Form 5500                    $23,924         $37,002
                                                                   =======         =======



   Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants are recorded on the Form 5500
   for benefit claims that have been processed and approved for payment prior to
   September 30 but not yet paid as of that date.


                                      9


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. INVESTMENT IN THE VARIAN ASSOCIATES, INC. RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING
   PROGRAM TRUST

   The Pension Element's investments are in the Master Trust which was
   established for the investment of assets of the Pension Element and the
   Profit Sharing Element. Each participating element has a specific interest in
   the Master Trust. Investment income and administrative expenses relating to
   the Master Trust are allocated to the individual elements based upon
   participant balances.

   A summary of the net assets available for benefits of the Master Trust and
   significant Master Trust investments at September 30, 2001 and 2000 is as
   follows:

                 STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
                           SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)


                                                2001                                          2000
                                      -----------------------------------------       -----------------------------------------
                                       PENSION      PROFIT SHARING                     PENSION     PROFIT SHARING
                                       ELEMENT         ELEMENT          TOTAL          ELEMENT         ELEMENT          TOTAL
                                      ---------     --------------    ---------       ---------    --------------     ---------
                                                                                                    
Assets
Master Trust investments:
  Mutual funds                        $ 197,031       $ 228,301       $ 425,332       $ 274,336       $ 328,178       $ 602,514
  Money market funds                     26,465          28,974          55,439          25,220          26,085          51,305
  Stock fund                                822           1,355           2,177              --              --              --
  Participant loans                         140           2,273           2,413             184           2,715           2,899
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total Master Trust investments          224,458         260,903         485,361         299,740         356,978         656,718
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Receivables:
   Company contributions                    363            --               363             628              --             628
   Participant contributions                 10             592             602               9             626             635
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total receivables                           373             592             965             637             626           1,263
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total assets                            224,831         261,495         486,326         300,377         357,604         657,981
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------

Liabilities
   Accrued expenses                         (35)            (40)            (75)            (32)            (38)            (70)
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total liabilities                           (35)            (40)            (75)            (32)            (38)            (70)
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Net assets available for benefits     $ 224,796       $ 261,455       $ 486,251       $ 300,345       $ 357,566       $ 657,911
                                      =========       =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
Element's participating interest             46%             54%            100%             46%             54%            100%





                                      10


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Investment income (loss) for the Master Trust is as follows (in thousands):



                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001            FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
                                      --------------------------------------------         --------------------------------------
                                      PENSION        PROFIT SHARING                        PENSION    PROFIT SHARING
                                      ELEMENT           ELEMENT            TOTAL           ELEMENT        ELEMENT         TOTAL
                                      --------       --------------      ---------         -------    --------------     --------
                                                                                                       
Net appreciation (depreciation) in
  fair value of investments:
     Mutual funds                     $(67,784)        $ (98,182)        $(165,966)        $40,328        $52,375        $ 92,703
     Stock fund                            147               182               329            --             --              --
                                      --------         ---------         ---------         -------        -------        --------
                                       (67,637)          (98,000)         (165,637)         40,328         52,375          92,703

Interest                                11,522            15,426            26,948          13,823         18,068          31,891
                                      --------         ---------         ---------         -------        -------        --------
   Total                              $(56,115)        $ (82,574)        $(138,689)        $54,151        $70,443        $124,594
                                      ========         =========         =========         =======        =======        ========



   Master Trust investments in excess of 5% of net assets were as follows (in
   thousands):



                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                ----------------------
                                                  2001          2000
                                                --------      --------
                                                        
Fidelity Growth Company Fund                    $ 92,632      $220,568
Fidelity Growth and Income Portfolio              76,917       110,522
Fidelity Balanced Fund                            36,548        44,051
Fidelity Retirement Money Market Portfolio        55,439        51,305
Spartan U.S. Equity Index Portfolio               70,407       111,705
Interest Income Fund                             120,676       107,350




                                      11


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PENSION ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. PARTY-IN-INTEREST AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   As allowed by the Plan, participants may elect to invest in the Varian
   Medical Systems Stock Fund. Investments in the Company's common stock at
   September 30, 2001 and 2000 consisted of 61,623 shares and zero shares, with
   fair market values of $809,000 and $0, respectively. The Varian Medical
   Systems Stock Fund invests primarily in the Company's common stock. The
   remainder of the Varian Medical Systems Stock Fund, approximately $13,000 and
   $0 at September 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively, is invested in the Fidelity
   Institutional Cash Portfolio Money Market to allow for timely handling of
   exchanges, withdrawals and distributions.

   Certain Master Trust investments are shares of mutual funds managed by an
   affiliate of Fidelity, and therefore these transactions qualify as
   party-in-interest. Any purchases and sales of these funds are open market
   transactions at fair market value. Consequently, such transactions are
   permitted under the provisions of the Plan and are exempt from the
   prohibition of party-in-interest transactions under ERISA. Administrative
   fees paid by the Plan to Fidelity for the years ended September 30, 2001 and
   2000 were $98,000 and $16,000, respectively .


                                      12



VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000




                                      13



                        REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Participants and Retirement Committee of Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
Retirement Plan - Profit Sharing Element:


In our opinion, the accompanying statements of net assets available for benefits
and the related statements of changes in net assets available for benefits
present fairly, in all material respects, the net assets available for benefits
of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan - Profit Sharing Element (the
"Profit Sharing Element") at September 30, 2001 and 2000, and the changes in net
assets available for benefits for the years then ended in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Profit Sharing Element's
management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in
accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of
America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

San Jose, California
February 27, 2002


                                      14


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
STATEMENTS OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                                      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                  ----------------------
                                                                    2001          2000
                                                                  --------      --------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                          
Interest in the Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement and
  Profit Sharing Program Trust (Note 5)                           $261,455      $357,566
                                                                  --------      --------
Net assets available for  benefits                                $261,455      $357,566
                                                                  ========      ========




   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.



                                      15


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



                                                            FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                                SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                          -------------------------
                                                            2001             2000
                                                          ---------       ---------
                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
                                                                    
Additions to net assets attributed to:
  Interest in Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement and
    Profit Sharing Program Trust investment income        $      --       $  70,443
                                                          ---------       ---------
  Contributions:
    Participant                                               8,289           7,488
    Employer                                                    335             889
                                                          ---------       ---------
      Total contributions                                     8,624           8,377
                                                          ---------       ---------
      Total additions                                         8,624          78,820
                                                          ---------       ---------
Deductions from net assets attributed to:
  Interest in Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement and
    Profit Sharing Program Trust investment loss             82,574              --
  Benefits paid to participants                              21,975          37,773
  Administrative expenses                                       186             171
                                                          ---------       ---------
      Total deductions                                      104,735          37,944
                                                          ---------       ---------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets prior
  to transfers to other plans                               (96,111)         40,876

Transfers to other plans (Note 1)                                --          (4,127)
                                                          ---------       ---------
Net increase (decrease) in net assets                       (96,111)         36,749

Net assets available for benefits:
  Beginning of year                                         357,566         320,817
                                                          ---------       ---------
  End of year                                             $ 261,455       $ 357,566
                                                          =========       =========



   The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.


                                      16


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN

   The following brief description of the Varian Medical Systems, Inc.
   Retirement Plan (the "Plan") is provided for general information purposes
   only. Participants should refer to the Plan document and the Summary Plan
   Description/Prospectus for more detailed information.

   In November 1998, the Board of Directors of Varian Associates, Inc. approved
   a plan to reorganize into three publicly traded independent companies by
   spinning off two of its businesses to stockholders in a tax free
   distribution. On April 2, 1999, the distribution was consummated by spinning
   off the instruments business, which renamed itself Varian, Inc., and the
   semiconductor equipment business, which renamed itself Varian Semiconductor
   Equipment Associates, Inc. Varian Associates, Inc. renamed itself Varian
   Medical Systems, Inc. (the "Company"). The Plan remained with the Company.
   The employees of the other two companies had the following options with
   respect to their Plan balances: (i) transfer their entire Plan balance,
   including any loans, to the new company retirement plan; (ii) choose a
   distribution of their entire Plan balance and directly rollover the amount to
   an IRA or another employer's tax-qualified plan; (iii) choose a distribution
   of their entire Plan balance, or (iv) leave their account balance in the
   Plan. Transfer out of the Plan have been shown on the statement of changes in
   net assets available for benefits as transfers to other plans.

   The Plan was established to provide benefits to those employees of the
   Company who elect to participate. The Plan consists of two distinct defined
   contribution plan elements, the Varian Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan
   - Pension Element (the "Pension Element") and the Varian Medical Systems,
   Inc. Retirement Plan - Profit Sharing Element (the "Profit Sharing Element").
   The Plan is intended to comply with the applicable requirements of the
   Internal Revenue Code and the provisions of the Employee Retirement Income
   Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), as amended. Contributions to the Pension
   Element can come from participant after-tax contributions, Company matching
   contributions, matching Employee Incentive Plan ("EIP") contributions and
   matching Management Incentive Plan ("MIP") contributions. Contributions to
   the Profit Sharing Element can come from participant before-tax
   contributions, EIP bonus allocations, MIP bonus allocations, retirement
   profit-sharing contributions and rollover contributions. Employees are
   eligible to join the Plan immediately after they are hired by the Company.

   FISCAL YEAR
   The Plan's fiscal year ends on the Friday closest to September 30. For
   presentation purposes, the financial statements are shown as ending September
   30 although the fiscal years ended on September 28, 2001 and September 29,
   2000, respectively.

   ADMINISTRATION
   The Company is the designated administrator of the Plan. The Company has
   contracted with Fidelity Institutional Retirement Services Company
   ("Fidelity") to maintain the Plan's individual participant accounts and with
   Fidelity Management Trust Company ("Fidelity Trust") to act as the custodian
   and trustee. The Company currently pays certain administrative expenses on
   behalf of the Plan, except for loan fees paid by Plan participants who elect
   to receive a Plan loan. Brokerage commissions and other charges incurred in
   connection with


                                      17


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   investment transactions are paid from Plan assets. The Profit Sharing
   Element's investments, as well as the investments of the Pension Element, are
   maintained in the Varian Associates, Inc. Retirement and Profit Sharing
   Program Trust ("Master Trust"), a trust established pursuant to a trust
   agreement between the Company and Fidelity Trust.

   CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTICIPANTS' ACCOUNTS
   Participants in the Plan may make a minimum contribution of 1% of their base
   pay (as defined) up to a maximum of 15% of their base pay, subject to
   statutory annual limitations. Employees of the Company may elect to have
   their EIP bonus allocation paid out in cash or deposited directly to their
   Plan accounts in 10% increments, subject to statutory annual limitations. All
   participant contributions may be made on either a before-tax or after-tax
   basis and are subject to statutory annual limitations and Plan rules.
   Effective October 2, 1999, new Plan participants must complete one year of
   service before making any after-tax contributions to the Plan.

   Upon completion of one year of service with the Company, participants are
   entitled to receive Company contributions. The Company's matching
   contribution is 100% of participants' before or after-tax deposits, up to a
   maximum of 6% of participants' eligible base pay. The Company may make a
   discretionary retirement profit-sharing contribution to the Profit Sharing
   Element for participants who have completed one year of service and were
   employed on the last day of the fiscal year or died during the fiscal year.
   Participants' portions of the Company's retirement profit sharing
   contribution are based on the percentages of their eligible base salary to
   the total eligible base pay for all employees during the Profit Sharing
   Element year. No discretionary Company retirement profit-sharing
   contributions were made in fiscal year 2001 and 2000.

   Each participant's account is credited with the participant's contributions
   and allocations of the Company's contributions and Plan earnings and charged
   with an allocation of certain administrative expenses. Allocations are based
   on participant earnings or account balances, as defined. The benefit to which
   a participant is entitled is the benefit that can be provided from the
   participant's vested account.

   Participants are immediately fully vested in their contributions and Company
   contributions.

   Contributions made to the Plan are allocated among twenty-two investment
   funds, including the Varian Medical Systems Stock Fund, offered by the Plan
   in 1% increments according to the participant's direction. Participants may
   transfer account balances and the investment of their future contributions
   among these funds.

   PARTICIPANT LOANS
   Loans are available to participants who are either active employees or on a
   leave of absence. Participants are eligible to request a loan from the Plan
   ranging from $1,000 to the lesser of 50% of the participant's Plan assets or
   $50,000. Loan balances are also subject to certain other limitations as
   provided by the Plan. Loan balances are collateralized by the balance in the
   participant's account and bear interest at a fixed rate of prime plus 1% at
   the date requested. The interest rates on loans outstanding at September 30,
   2001 and 2000 range from 7.75% to


                                      18


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   10.5% and 8.75% to 10.5%, respectively. Principal and interest is paid
   ratably through payroll deductions generally over five years. Upon employment
   termination, the entire loan balance becomes immediately due and payable.

   PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
   Upon termination of service on account of death, disability or retirement, a
   participant or beneficiary may elect to receive either a lump sum amount
   equal to the value of their account or annual installments over a period of
   years.

   HARDSHIP DISTRIBUTIONS
   Participants are allowed to withdraw funds from the Profit Sharing Element in
   case of hardship. Withdrawals may be made no more than once a month and must
   be at least $500 (or such lesser amount as is available for withdrawal).

   Withdrawals are subject to restrictions as to amount, frequency and intended
   use of the proceeds. The normal form of payment is cash.

   PLAN TERMINATION
   Although it has not expressed any intent to do so, the Company has the right
   under the Plan to discontinue its contributions at any time and to terminate
   the Plan subject to the provisions of ERISA.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

   BASIS OF ACCOUNTING
   The financial statements of the Profit Sharing Element are prepared utilizing
   the accrual basis of accounting.

   USE OF ESTIMATES
   The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
   principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires the
   administrator and trustee to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
   reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the financial statements. Such
   estimates include those regarding fair value. Actual results may differ from
   those estimates.

   RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES
   The Plan provides participants with various investment options in mutual
   funds which are invested in a combination of stocks, bonds, fixed income
   securities and other investment securities. Investment securities are exposed
   to various risks, such as those associated with interest rates, market
   conditions and credit worthiness of the securities' issuers. Due to the level
   of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least
   reasonably possible that changes in risks in the near term could materially
   affect participants' account balances and the amounts reported in the
   financial statements.

   INVESTMENTS
   Investments of the Plan are held by Fidelity Trust and are invested in the
   investment options


                                      19


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   available in the Plan based solely upon instructions received from Plan
   participants.

   Investments of the Master Trust held in money market and mutual funds are
   valued at fair value as determined by quoted market prices. Investments of
   the Master Trust held in the Interest Income Fund and the Varian Medical
   Systems Stock Fund are stated at net asset value, as determined by the
   investment manager, based on the fair value of the underlying securities. The
   carrying amounts of the investments approximate fair value. Purchases and
   sales of securities held in the Master Trust are recorded on a trade-date
   basis. Participant loans are valued at cost which approximates fair value.
   The Master Trust presents in its investment income (loss) the net
   appreciation (depreciation) in the fair value of its investments, which
   consists of the realized gains or losses and the unrealized appreciation
   (depreciation) on these investments.

   PAYMENT OF BENEFITS
   Benefits are recorded when paid.

3. INCOME TAXES

   The Profit Sharing Element obtained its current determination letter on
   December 4, 2001, in which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the
   Profit Sharing Element design is in compliance with the applicable
   requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The Profit Sharing Element has
   been subsequently amended; however, the Company believes that the Profit
   Sharing Element is designed and is currently being operated in compliance
   with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Code and that the
   Master Trust, which forms a part of the Plan, is exempt from tax. Therefore,
   no provision for income taxes has been included in the Profit Sharing
   Element's financial statements.

   This letter supersedes the determination letter received in August 1996 in
   which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the Profit Sharing Element
   design was in compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal
   Revenue Code.

4. RECONCILIATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO FORM 5500

   The following is a reconciliation of net assets available for benefits per
   the financial statements to the Form 5500 (in thousands):



                                                                         SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                    -----------------------
                                                                      2001          2000
                                                                    --------       --------
                                                                             
Net assets available for benefits per the financial statements      $261,455       $357,566
Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants                             --           (447)
                                                                    --------       --------
Net assets available for benefits per the Form 5500                 $261,455       $357,119
                                                                    ========       ========




                                      20


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   The following is a reconciliation of benefits paid to participants per the
   financial statements to the Form 5500 (in thousands):



                                                                     YEAR ENDED
                                                                    SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                                 ---------------------
                                                                  2001          2000
                                                                 -------       -------
                                                                         
Benefits paid to participants per the financial statements       $21,975       $37,773
Less:  Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants                (447)          447
                                                                 -------       -------
Benefits paid to participants per the Form 5500                  $21,528       $38,220
                                                                 =======       =======




   Amounts allocated to withdrawing participants are recorded on the Form 5500
   for benefit claims that have been processed and approved for payment prior to
   September 30 but not yet paid as of that date.


                                      21


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

5. INVESTMENT IN THE VARIAN ASSOCIATES, INC. RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING
   PROGRAM TRUST

   The Profit Sharing Element's investments are in the Master Trust which was
   established for the investment of assets of the Profit Sharing Element and
   the Pension Element. Each participating element has a specific interest in
   the Master Trust. Investment income and administrative expenses relating to
   the Master Trust are allocated to the individual elements based upon
   participant balances.

   A summary of the net assets available for benefits of the Master Trust and
   significant Master Trust investments at September 30, 2001 and 2000 is as
   follows:

                 STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR BENEFITS
                           SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)



                                                         2001                                          2000
                                      -----------------------------------------       -----------------------------------------
                                       PENSION      PROFIT SHARING                     PENSION     PROFIT SHARING
                                       ELEMENT         ELEMENT          TOTAL          ELEMENT         ELEMENT          TOTAL
                                      ---------     --------------    ---------       ---------    --------------     ---------
                                                                                                    
Assets
Master Trust investments:
  Mutual funds                        $ 197,031       $ 228,301       $ 425,332       $ 274,336       $ 328,178       $ 602,514
  Money market funds                     26,465          28,974          55,439          25,220          26,085          51,305
  Stock fund                                822           1,355           2,177              --              --              --
  Participant loans                         140           2,273           2,413             184           2,715           2,899
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total Master Trust investments          224,458         260,903         485,361         299,740         356,978         656,718
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Receivables:
   Company contributions                    363              --             363             628              --             628
   Participant contributions                 10             592             602               9             626             635
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total receivables                           373             592             965             637             626           1,263
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total assets                            224,831         261,495         486,326         300,377         357,604         657,981
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Liabilities
   Accrued expenses                         (35)            (40)            (75)            (32)            (38)            (70)
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Total liabilities                           (35)            (40)            (75)            (32)            (38)            (70)
                                      ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------       ---------
Net assets available for benefits     $ 224,796       $ 261,455       $ 486,251       $ 300,345       $ 357,566       $ 657,911
                                      =========       =========       =========       =========       =========       =========
Element's participating interest             46%             54%            100%             46%             54%            100%





                                      22


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN - PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

   Investment income (loss) for the Master Trust is as follows (in thousands):




                                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001       FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000
                                     --------------------------------------      -------------------------------------
                                      PENSION    PROFIT SHARING                  PENSION    PROFIT SHARING
                                      ELEMENT       ELEMENT         TOTAL        ELEMENT       ELEMENT         TOTAL
                                     --------    --------------   ---------      -------    --------------    --------
                                                                                            
Net appreciation (depreciation) in
  fair value of investments:
    Mutual funds                     $(67,784)     $ (98,182)     $(165,966)     $40,328       $52,375        $ 92,703
    Stock fund                            147            182            329           --            --              --
                                     --------      ---------      ---------      -------       -------        --------
                                      (67,637)       (98,000)      (165,637)      40,328        52,375          92,703

Interest                               11,522         15,426         26,948       13,823        18,068          31,891
                                     --------      ---------      ---------      -------       -------        --------
   Total                             $(56,115)     $ (82,574)     $(138,689)     $54,151       $70,443        $124,594
                                     ========      =========      =========      =======       =======        ========




   Master Trust investments in excess of 5% of net assets were as follows (in
   thousands):



                                                              SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                      ----------------------------
                                                        2001                2000
                                                      --------            --------
                                                                    
Fidelity Growth Company Fund                          $ 92,632            $220,568
Fidelity Growth and Income Portfolio                    76,917             110,522
Fidelity Balanced Fund                                  36,548              44,051
Fidelity Retirement Money Market Portfolio              55,439              51,305
Spartan U.S. Equity Index Portfolio                     70,407             111,705
Interest Income Fund                                   120,676             107,350




                                      23


VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC. RETIREMENT PLAN -
PROFIT SHARING ELEMENT
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. PARTY-IN-INTEREST AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

   As allowed by the Plan, participants may elect to invest in the Varian
   Medical Systems Stock Fund. Investments in the Company's common stock at
   September 30, 2001 and 2000 consisted of 101,557 shares and zero shares, with
   fair market values of $1,333,000 and $0, respectively. The Varian Medical
   Systems Stock Fund invests primarily in the Company's common stock. The
   remainder of the Varian Medical Systems Stock Fund, approximately $22,000 and
   $0 at September 30, 2001 and 2000, respectively, is invested in the Fidelity
   Institutional Cash Portfolio Money Market to allow for timely handling of
   exchanges, withdrawals, and distributions.

   Certain Master Trust investments are shares of mutual funds managed by an
   affiliate of Fidelity, and therefore these transactions qualify as
   party-in-interest. Any purchases and sales of these funds are open market
   transactions at fair market value. Consequently, such transactions are
   permitted under the provisions of the Plan and are exempt from the
   prohibition of party-in-interest transactions under ERISA. Administrative
   fees paid by the Plan to Fidelity for the year ended September 30, 2001 and
   2000 were $183,000 and $157,000, respectively.


                                      24


SCHEDULE OF ASSETS HELD FOR INVESTMENT - ATTACHMENT TO 2000 FORM 5000 SCHEDULE H
ITEM 4(i)

PLAN NAME: VARIAN ASSOC., INC RETIREMENT AND PROFIT SHARING PROGRAM TRUST
PLAN NO. 003

PLAN SPONSOR: VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NUMBER: 94-2359345



(a) (b) Identity of Issue        (c) Description of Investment                         (d) Cost **   (e)  Current Value
-------------------------         ----------------------------                         --------------------------------
                                                                                            
  *  PIMCO TOT RETURN ADM                Mutual Fund                                                          7,274,851
  *  FKLN SMMIDCAP GRTH A                Mutual Fund                                                          1,253,723
  *  JANUS MERCURY FUND                  Mutual Fund                                                          1,280,457
  *  JANUS OVERSEAS                      Mutual Fund                                                            845,272
  *  NB GENESIS TRUST                    Mutual Fund                                                          4,034,012
  *  INTEREST INCOME FUND                Mutual Fund                                                        120,676,918
  *  VMS COMPANY STOCK                   Employer Stock                                                       2,176,843
  *  FIDELITY PURITAN                    Mutual Fund                                                          3,766,129
  *  FIDELITY EQUITY INC                 Mutual Fund                                                          1,479,762
  *  FIDELITY GROWTH CO                  Mutual Fund                                                         92,632,400
  *  FIDELITY GROWTH & INC               Mutual Fund                                                         76,917,104
  *  FIDELITY BALANCED                   Mutual Fund                                                         36,548,281
  *  FIDELITY BLUE CHIP                  Mutual Fund                                                            848,654
  *  FIDELITY WORLDWIDE                  Mutual Fund                                                          3,305,020
  *  FIDELITY DIVERS INTL                Mutual Fund                                                            846,551
  *  FID FREEDOM INCOME                  Mutual Fund                                                            607,633
  *  FID FREEDOM 2010                    Mutual Fund                                                          1,077,403
  *  FID FREEDOM 2020                    Mutual Fund                                                            926,484
  *  FID FREEDOM 2030                    Mutual Fund                                                            489,232
  *  FID FREEDOM 2040                    Mutual Fund                                                            114,453
  *  FIDELITY RETIRE MMKT                Mutual Fund                                                         55,439,362
  *  SPARTAN US EQ INDEX                 Mutual Fund                                                         70,406,663
  *  PARTICIPANT LOANS                   Maturity dates of up to 5 years; interest                            2,413,701
                                         rates range from 7.75% to 10.5%;
                                         collateralized by participants' account
                                         balances

                                                                                        Total:              485,360,995



     * Party-in-interest transactions for which statutory exemptions exist.

     ** All investments are participant-directed; therefore, disclosure of cost
        is not required.


                                      25


                                    SIGNATURE

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
trustee (or other persons who administer the employee benefit plan) has duly
caused this annual report to be signed by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.

                                      VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC.
                                      RETIREMENT PLAN



                                      By: Varian Medical Systems, Inc.



                                      By: /s/ John E. McCarthy
                                          --------------------------------------
                                          John E. McCarthy
                                          Vice President, Human Resources

Date: March 22, 2002






                                  EXHIBIT INDEX



Number                              Description
------                              -----------
                                 
 23.1                               Consent of Independent Accountants.

 23.2                               Consent of Independent Accountants.