EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-57012) of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. of our report dated January 31, 2003 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 24, 2003