EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 444-57012) of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. of our
report dated February 27, 2002 relating to the financial statements of Varian
Medical Systems, Inc. Retirement Plan -- Pension Element, which appears in this
Form 11-K.


/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


San Jose, California
March 20, 2002