EX-32.1 8 a2123744zex-32_1.htm EX-32.1
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EXHIBIT 32.1


CERTIFICATION
PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

        In connection with the accompanying Annual Report of Varian Medical Systems, Inc. (the "Company"), on Form 10-K for the year ended September 26, 2003 (the "Report"), I, Richard M. Levy, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 that:

(1)
the Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)
the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Dated: November 26, 2003   By: /s/  RICHARD M. LEVY      
Richard M. Levy
President and Chief Executive Officer



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CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350 AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002