Radiation Oncology Chair's Message

Welcome to the Department of Radiation Oncology at Penn State College of Medicine. Our department is committed to delivering the highest quality cancer care while advancing the field through innovation, education, and research. Every day, our team of physicians, physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, nurses, and staff work together to provide compassionate, patient-centered treatment using state-of-the-art technology.

At Penn State, we are proud to offer a comprehensive suite of advanced radiation modalities, including image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS or Gamma Knife) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (SRS/SBRT), intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT/VMAT), brachytherapy, and total body irradiation. In collaboration with our colleagues in Neurosurgery, we also offer GammaTile® radiation therapy during brain surgery. Our clinical sites at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and our regional locations in Reading and Hampden allow patients across central Pennsylvania access to high-quality, academic-level radiation therapy close to home. Our strong quality and safety programs, combined with active multidisciplinary collaboration, allow us to tailor each treatment to the needs of every patient we serve.

We take pride in our dual mission – to offer exceptional clinical care and to educate the next generation of oncology professionals. Learners benefit from exposure to cutting-edge techniques, multidisciplinary tumor boards, and a culture that values mentorship, professionalism, and continuous improvement.

Research is a core pillar of our identity. Our faculty lead and participate in national cooperative group studies, investigator-initiated clinical trials, and translational research efforts in collaboration with the Penn State Cancer Institute. Areas of active investigation include radiosensitizers, adaptive resistance mechanisms, technology-driven treatment optimization, and survivorship outcomes. By integrating research with clinical practice, we strive to bring novel therapies and improved outcomes to our patients and communities.

Thank you for your interest in our department. Whether you are a patient seeking exceptional care, a trainee looking for meaningful educational opportunities, or a collaborator looking to engage in clinical or scientific partnership, we invite you to explore our programs and join us in shaping the future of cancer care at Penn State.

Vice President, Radiation Oncology, Penn State Health
Professor and Miriam Beckner Chair in Cancer Research, Department of Radiation Oncology
Penn State College of Medicine
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center