Radiation Oncology Residency at MD Anderson
Radiation Oncology Residency
The MD Anderson residency program in radiation oncology is an advanced, four-year program certified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). With 27 residents and over 70 faculty on our main campus, the program provides comprehensive clinical training to physicians preparing to practice full-time radiation oncology and introduces them to clinical, translational, and/or laboratory-based research. Our goal is to develop the careers of future leaders in academic radiation oncology.
At the completion of the program, our residents are well-versed in the overall management of radiotherapy cases and are proficient with brachytherapy procedures and advanced radiation therapy techniques including proton therapy, MRI guided radiotherapy, stereotactic ablative radiation therapy of multiple sites, gamma knife radiosurgery, total body irradiation and total skin electron beam therapy. Residents participate at all levels of care, including consultation, treatment planning and evaluation, weekly assessment, and follow-up, and are expected to assume increasing responsibilities commensurate with their level of experience. Residents learn in a multi-disciplinary environment from experts in medical oncology, surgical oncology, pathology and radiology in a world-renowned comprehensive cancer center. Trainees have the opportunity to spend a full year dedicated to clinical, translational and/or laboratory research.
Our Mission
The mission of the MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Residency Program is to provide outstanding clinical training in radiation oncology, along with exceptional opportunities for research and academic growth, for the development of future leaders in radiation oncology.
Program Aims
- To provide outstanding education in the principles of radiation oncology, including oncologic principles, oncologic literature, treatment techniques, dosimetry, radiation physics, and radiation biology
- To provide robust, evidence-based clinical training in radiation oncology, in the full spectrum of disease sites across adult and pediatric populations, including technical expertise in various radiation therapy modalities, and multidisciplinary treatment options
- To provide excellent opportunities for clinical, laboratory, translational, and health services research
- To provide education in quality improvement and patient safety
Our Faculty
Our faculty members are international experts with decades of expertise in all oncologic subspecialties. Many of our faculty have served as American Board of Radiology oral board examiners with recent/current examiners for every disease site.
Karen Elizabeth Hoffman, M.D., M.H.Sc., M.P.H.
Breast Cancer Service, Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Kevin T. Nead, M.D., M.Phil.
Breast Cancer Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
George H. Perkins, M.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jay P. Reddy, M.D, Ph.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Simona F. Shaitelman, M.D., Ed.M.
Breast Cancer Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Benjamin D. Smith, M.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Jay and Lori Eisenberg Distinguished Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Michael C. Stauder, M.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Eric A. Strom, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Breast Cancer Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Welela Tereffe, M.D., M.P.H.
Breast Cancer Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Chief Medical Officer, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Research Profile
Wendy A. Woodward, M.D., Ph.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Professor and Service Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Andrew J. Bishop, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Caroline Chung, M.D., M.Sc., F.R.C.P.C., C.I.P.
Central Nervous System Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Amol J. Ghia, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
David R. Grosshans, M.D., Ph.D.
Central Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jing Li, M.D., Ph.D.
Central Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Associate Professor and Service Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research profile
Mary Frances McAleer, M.D., Ph.D.
Centeral Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Susan L. McGovern, M.D., Ph.D.
Central Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Arnold dela Cruz Paulino, M.D.
Central Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Chenyang Wang, M.D., Ph.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Kristina D. Woodhouse, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Debra N. Yeboa, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Prajnan Das, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., F.A.C.R.
Gastrointestinal Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Emma B. Holliday, M.D.
Gastrointestinal Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Eugene J. Koay, M.D., Ph.D.
Gastrointestinal Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Albert C. Koong, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Gastrointestinal Service
Professor, Chair, and Division Head, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Bruce D. Minsky, M.D.
Gastrointestinal Service
Professor (term tenure), Department of Radiation Oncology
Frank T. McGraw Chair for the Study of Cancer
Research Profile
Grace Li Smith, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Gastrointestinal Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Cullen M. Taniguchi, M.D., Ph.D.
Gastrointestinal Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Seungtaek L. Choi, M.D.
Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Steven J. Frank, M.D.
Genitourinary Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Deborah A. Kuban, M.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Genitourinary Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Sean E. McGuire, M.D., Ph.D.
Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Henry Mok, M.D., Ph.D.
Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, M.D.
Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Chad Tang, M.D.
Genitourinary Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Lauren E. Colbert, M.D.
Gynecology Service
Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology Department
Research Profile
Patricia J. Eifel, M.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Gynecology Service
Clinical Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Anuja Jhingran, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Gynecology Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Ann H. Klopp, M.D., Ph.D.
Gynecology Service
Associate Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Lilie L. Lin, M.D.
Gynecology Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Steven J. Frank, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Clifton David Fuller, M.D., Ph.D.
Head and Neck Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Adam S. Garden, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
G. Brandon Gunn, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Amy C. Moreno, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
William H. Morrison, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jack Phan, M.D., Ph.D.
Head and Neck Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jay P. Reddy, M.D., Ph.D.
Head and Neck Service, Sarcoma and Melanoma Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
David I. Rosenthal, M.D., F.A.S.T.R.O., F.A.C.R.
Head and Neck Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Michael T. Spiotto, M.D., Ph.D.
Head and Neck Service
Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology Department
Research Profile
Bouthaina S. Dabaja, M.D.
Lymphoma Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Penny Fang, M.D., M.B.A.
Lymphoma Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jillian R. Gunther, M.D., Ph.D.
Lymphoma Service
Assistant Professor and Medical Student Program Director, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Chelsea C. Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D.
Lymphoma Service
Associate Professor and Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Andrew J. Bishop, M.D.
Melanoma and Sarcoma Service
Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
B. Ashleigh Guadagnolo, M.D., M.P.H.
Sarcoma and Melanoma Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Devarati Mitra, M.D., Ph.D.
Sarcoma and Melanoma Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Joe Y. Chang, M.D., Ph.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor (Tenure), Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Aileen Chen, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Saumil Gandhi, M.D., Ph.D.
Thoracic Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Melenda D. Jeter, M.D., M.P.H., C.M.Q.
Thoracic Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Percy Lee, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Zhongxing Liao, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Associate Professor, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Matthew S. Ning, M.D., M.P.H.
Thoracic Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Michael S. O'Reilly, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
James W. Welsh, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Program Leadership
Chelsea C. Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency
Andrew J. Bishop, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency
Emma B. Holliday, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency
Jillian R. Gunther, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiation Oncology Medical Student Program Director
Seungtaek L. Choi, M.D.
Associate Professor
Program Director, Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship
Prajnan Das, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., F.A.C.R.
Professor
Deputy Division Head for Education
Albert C. Koong, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Professor
Chair, and Division Head, Department of Radiation Oncology
Denise De La Cruz, M.Ed.
Program Administrator, Education & Training
Email: ddlcruz@mdanderson.org
Annette L. Eakes Ponnie, M.S.W.
Training Program Coordinator, Education & Training
Email: aeakesponnie@mdanderson.org
Program Structure and Curriculum
Rotation Schedule
Residents complete 8-9 week specialty-specific clinical rotations with 1:1 or 1:2 attending coverage. Institutional call is completed early in training (PGY2 year) and is taken in one week blocks. Clinics are generously suppported by patient service coordinators, medical assistants, nurses and mid-level providers.
Example Rotation Schedule
| Block 1 | Block 2 | Block 3 | Block 4 | Block 5 | Block 6 | |
| PGY-2 | Breast (1) | Genitourinary (1) | Gynecology (1) | Head & Neck (1) | Thoracic (1) | CNS/Peds (1) |
| PGY-3 | Breast (2) | Melanoma/Sarcoma | Gastrointestinal | Head & Neck (2) | Lymphoma | CNS/Peds (2) |
| PGY-4 | Research | Research | Research | Research | Research | Research |
| PGY-5 | Selective* | Genitourinary (2) | Gynecology (2) | Selective* | Thoracic (2) | Elective |
* Selective rotation: Head & Neck #3, Gastrointestinal #2, or Houston Area Location Center
** Holman Pathway is supported, resulting in 18-21 months total protected research time
Radiation Biology and Physics
Yearly week-long protected Radiation Physics Course and yearly week-long protected Radiation Biology Course during PGY2, PGY3 and PGY4 years. Access provided to commercially available study banks for board review.
Planning Clinic and Noon Lecture Series
One hour sessions 3-5 times per week that are disease site focused. These didactics incorporate hands on contouring sessions with faculty feedback as well as lectures from MD Anderson radiation oncology faculty and MD Anderson faculty from other specialties (surgery, medical oncology, radiology, etc).
Grand Rounds and Visiting Professors
Residents have the opportunity to attend weekly Grand Rounds presentations hosted by various MD Anderson Departments as well as Radiation Oncology Grand Rounds presentations (12-15 per year) where international experts present on emerging topics in the field. Annually, the department hosts 2 Visiting Professors that are chosen by the residents. During Visiting Professor visits, protected time is provided for the trainees to spend half a day with the invited expert.
Electives
During the last year of training residents participate in an elective clinical rotation of their choice as well as 2 selective rotations.
Annual Mock Orals
Faculty led site specific oral examinations are conducted annually for PGY3, PGY4 and PGY5 level trainees.
Research Opportunities & Career Development
There are numerous opportunities for clinical, translational, basic science and health services research. During the PGY4 year, residents are offered a year of protected research time free of clinical responsibilities and call.
Research experiences: Our goal is develop future leaders in oncology.
We support participation in the American Board of Radiology Holman Research Pathway.
Conference Support: Our residents present their research at international and national conferences through generous financial support provided by the program coupled with days allocated for clinic absence due to conference travel.
Scholarly Activity of MDACC Residents - Over the past 5 years our residents have:
- Competed successfully for RSNA Resident Research Grants (n=9), ASTRO Resident Seed grants (n=1) and ASCO Foundation Young Investigator Awards (n=4)
- Participated in the Annual AACR/ASCO educational workshop in Clinical Cancer Research (n=5)
- Developed multiple prospective clinical protocols as co-primary investigators
- Published as first author in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Cancer Research, JAMA Oncology, JAMA Network Open, Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Nature Reviews Clinical Oncology, Lancet Oncology, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, European Journal of Cancer, Cancer, International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, Radiotherapy and Oncology
Life at MD Anderson
- Compensation: GME Stipend Levels for Fiscal Year 2020-2021
- Vacation: 3 weeks per year with flexibility on choice of vacation time.
- Book and Travel Funds: Residents are awarded $3,000 over the four year program divided into two funds, books/educational material ($1000) and travel/conferences/workshop ($2000). In addition, residents are sponsored by the program for 1-2 conferences annually ($2000 per conference).
- Fitness Facilities: Free access to the 16,000 square foot institutional fitness center with strength-training cardiovascular equipment, yoga, spin and group exercise rooms. The center is open Monday thru Saturday and closed on Sunday. Free group classes are available to MD Anderson employees. Personal trainers are available for a fee.
- Benefits: Complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and disability insurance, a parking subsidy, institutional cell phone and laptop. Please see Graduate Medical Education Trainee Manual 2020-2021 for full details.
Why Houston
- World’s best restaurants from dives to high end. You can dine around the world without leaving town.
- Numerous parks, including Hermann Park which has an outdoor theater and large zoo.
- An academic and cultural arena that includes Baylor College of Medicine, Rice, University of Houston, and St. Thomas Universities, the Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Contemporary Arts, and Menil Collection.
- Close proximity to Houston's noted symphony orchestra, opera, theater and ballet.
- Great sports teams: Rockets, Astros, Dash, Dynamos, and Texans.
- Other sites of various activities available within a few minutes' drive include Moody Gardens, Sam Houston Race Park, Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, SplashTown Waterpark, Downtown Aquarium, Space Center Houston, Lone Star Flight Museum, San Jacinto Battlefield, NRG Stadium, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center.
- The cost of living is moderate and housing is very reasonable.
- View the MD Anderson About Houston page and Why Houston Guide.
- For entertainment, restaurants and things to do, visit Houston Culture Map.
Diversity and Inclusion
Much like the city of Houston, MD Anderson’s workforce is a melting pot of diverse experience, diverse thought and diverse backgrounds that promotes creativity and innovation. The MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Residency Program is committed to fostering an environment and culture where all diverse points of view are valued.
Women and Minority Faculty Inclusion works diligently to attract, retain and advance diverse faculty and strives to be the model for cancer centers across the nation.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Network: The LGBT Network partners with the Diversity Council to help MD Anderson in its goal of becoming an employer of choice in the health care industry. In doing so, MD Anderson will become a model of excellence for a talent-based, research-driven, care-intensive medical center in a multicultural environment, whose best practices can be exported to other institutions.
MD Anderson Cancer Network
The MD Anderson Cancer Network® advances our mission to eliminate cancer by collaborating with local hospitals and health systems in Texas, the nation and the world to improve quality and accessibility of cancer care and research. Many of our graduates pursue oncology careers at these member sites.
Our Residents
4th Year Residents
Alexander Augustyn, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, TX
"I enjoy working on cars, traveling to warm places, and eating spicy food. I have professional interests in translational research in particular liquid biopsies and bench-to-bedside approaches. MD Anderson has opportunities at MDACC are limitless. It is a one-of-a-kind training environment where residents can find their “niche” while working with experts in every oncologic field. The location has food scene rivals that of NYC, housing costs are reasonable, and winters are short."
Alexander Bagley, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Medical School: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
“I enjoy basketball, running, piano, and exploring Houston with my family (museums, Astros and Rockets games, restaurants, etc.). I have professional interests in helping develop clinical trials and conduct translational research involving nanomedicine and radiation therapy. I have enjoyed being on a dedicated team at MD Anderson that provides excellent care for patients receiving radiation therapy. Houston is a diverse, dynamic, and fun city with great pro sports, museums, live music, restaurants, and outdoors activities.”
Samantha Buszek, M.D. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
"I enjoy weight lifting, fishing, dancing, and yoga. I have professional interests in functional neuroimaging, patient satisfaction and quality of life, medical device design and innovation, cancer survivorship, palliative care, and patient quality and safety. MD Anderson has the most amazing mentors for both career and life, as well as amazing opportunities for research and education. In Houston, I love the warm weather, palm trees, and great restaurants!"
Bhavana Chapman, M.D. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: University of Florida, Gainsville, FL
Medical School: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
"I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new recipes, and traveling. I have professional interests in genetic biomarkers of radiation responsiveness, bioinformatics, patient quality and safety, and cancer survivorship. At MD Anderson, I am fortunate to learn from a diverse patient population, be mentored by world-renowned faculty, participate in groundbreaking research, and work with amazing co-residents. My favorite things about Houston include great restaurants, kid-friendly locales, and the Heights neighborhood."
Stephen Grant, M.D. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University, Provo, UT
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
"I enjoy long-distance running, acoustic guitar, and my kids’ little-league baseball, basketball, and soccer teams. I have research interests in health services, racial disparities, and big data, and work closely with our department informatics team. I love MD Anderson for its phenomenal mentorship, diverse research opportunities, and strong clinical training. While I miss the mountains of Utah, I have found Houston to be an amazing place to live and to raise a family. We love watching the Houston Astros, going to the Houston Zoo, exploring the amazing and unique restaurants, and relaxing at Galveston beach."
Shane Mesko, M.D., M.B.A. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine, CA
Medical School: University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine, Irvine, CA
"I had never lived outside Southern California prior to residency but Houston has actually been a fun place to live (no cold winters, great sports teams and music scene, cheap rent/housing) and has a surprisingly amazing food scene (plus they just opened an In N Out here!). Outside of work I enjoy traveling to exotic locations, working on cars, photography, and sports. Being a resident here is awesome, there are practically unlimited resources and support for whatever pathway you choose and my co-residents are amazing. My research interests have been in advanced technologies (HN SABR, brachytherapy, etc) and leveraging my MBA experience to do more financial/operations projects. I currently serve on the ASTRO Finance Board, the MDA Clinical Operations and Clinical Research Councils, and for part of my research year I am doing a fellowship with the Institute of Cancer Care Innovation (ICCI) which has been fantastic. "
Dario Pasalic, M.D. - PGY5 Resident
Undergraduate: University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Medical School: Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN
"I enjoy hiking, biking, traveling, writing, photography, all things football, and training/spending time with our dog. My training has always emphasized that the needs of the patient come first, and that philosophy has guided my research and career interests. This includes a focus is on clinical outcomes, valued based care, advancing and applying novel radiation techniques, and finding ways to improve clinical operations. MD Anderson has been everything I hoped to gain from a training program and more. Some of the highlights include multidisciplinary discussions that foster thought-provoking debate and collaborations, institutional resources in the form of grants and support staff, and the prioritization of teaching/education both in and out of clinic. Houston has been a welcome surprise in terms of cuisine, culture, and activities. We often find ourselves exploring and enjoying new experiences that the city has to offer, from Texas barbeque to a night at the theatre. Our favorite outings are Sunday Texans games, Alley Theatre productions, Hermann Park outdoor concerts, and movie nights at IPIC."
3rd Year Residents
Chidinma Anakwenze, M.D., M.P.H. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
Medical School: University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL
"I enjoy international and domestic travel, and spending time with family, learning about financial literacy, real estate, and investing. I have professional interests in global radiation oncology and health disparities. MD Anderson has almost any treatment modality you can imagine, as well as abundant research opportunities that span from epidemiology to basic science, with a large number of faculty mentorship and grant writing support. The location is rich in culture and has a very affordable housing market. You can find almost any ethnic food you desire, including tons of Nigerian food. I also love my neighborhood, the historic yet transitioning Third Ward—home of the new Emancipation Park & Beyoncé’s childhood home."
David Boyce, M.D. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: York University, Tornoto, ON
Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
"I grew up north of the wall in the great white north. I am a former collegiate basketball player. I enjoy most sports particularly football, basketball and MMA/boxing. I love food, cooking, many outdoor activities (hiking, climbing, kayaking) and traveling with my wife. I am currently completing a masters in health management part time at McMaster University. My research interests include; advanced radiation techniques, health policy and public health, end of life care, and occupational medicine. I have enjoyed my time in Houston thus far, it is a large city and has pretty much everything to offer."
Olsi Gjyshi, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL
Medical School: Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, Chicago, IL
"I enjoy both playing and watching soccer, and particularly enjoy watching ManU and Real Madrid losing. I am interested in discovering mechanisms of utilizing viruses in the fight against cancer cancer, either as vectors for gene editing or as unique targets of immune activaation in virus-associated cancers such as cervical, head & neck, and anal cancers. Additionally, I am activelly working on defining, improving, and expanding the role of stereotactic radiation body therapy (SBRT) in various oncologic and non-oncologic settings. All of this work is highly dependent on a highly collaborative and supportive role that is quite unique to MD Anderson, and more importantly, on our brave patients that regularly volunteer themselves in our clinical studies."
Todd Pezzi, M.D., M.B.A. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Business School: Rice Jones Graduate School of Business, Houston, TX
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
"I have a family of 4 including my wife & dogs (Pavlo & Shiloh), and enjoy watching the Philadelphia Eagles, cooking, live music, horror movies, golf, traveling, board & video games, poker, and time with friends and family. I have professional interests including clinical operations, education, health policy & health services research, disparities in care, and radiation for metastatic disease. MD Anderson has unlimited opportunities – the challenge is deciding how to best spend your time. I love Killan’s BBQ, exploring our diverse & unique neighborhoods, good food & drinks, local parks, and crabbing in Galveston."
Moaaz Soliman, M.D. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM
Medical School: University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI
"I enjoy sports, gaming, and eating. I have professional interests in engineering solutions in medicine. At MD Anderson I have enjoyed taking care of patients from all over the world. Houston has great food and is big yet accessible."
Sonal Noticewala, M.D., M.S. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: Columbia University, New York City, NY
Medical School: University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, San Diego, CA
"I enjoy cooking, going to Trader Joes, reading, trivia, hiking, and "yoga. My professional interests include clinical trial designs in oncology, clinical outcomes, and patient reported outcomes. As a member of the MD Anderson community, I feel very fortunate to be part of a multidisciplinary team that provides excellent medical care to our wonderful patients. Also, I am grateful to learn from our dedicated faculty, spend time with my amazing co-residents, and to not only witness, but also participate in the cutting edge of research and technology at MD Anderson. In Houston, I love the deliciously diverse food scene and enjoy hanging out in the Museum District.
Nicolette Taku, M.D., M.Phil., M.P.H. - PGY4 Resident
Undergraduate: Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Medical School: Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
2nd Year Residents
Julianna Bronk, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
"I enjoy exploring new parks and playgrounds with my two children, thrifting, volunteering with local animal rescues, and binge watching streaming television. My research interests include the development of targeted therapy platforms, understanding and subverting mechanisms of radioresistance, and charged particle therapy including protons and heavy ions. I was drawn to MD Anderson by the people. This is a place of unparalleled diversity, excellence, and collaborative spirit. I grew up in Houston and have always loved the city. It’s the most diverse city in the country, has all the amenities of cosmopolitan living, lots of space, great schools- an overall wonderful place to raise a family."
Brian De, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: Yale University, New Haven, CT
Medical School: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
"I was drawn to MD Anderson for its incredible clinical training with world-class faculty and limitless research opportunities, but I've quickly found out that my awesome coresidents are every bit as important in contributing to my experience here so far. My research interests include CNS tumors in adults and children, novel applications and late sequelae of radiation, database analysis, health economics and policy, and clinical trials. I enjoy food & wine, travel, NY Times Crossword Puzzles, NJ Devils Ice Hockey, podcasts, audiobooks, and fumbling about with my Nikon D750 camera. When not at work, I enjoy exploring Houston's excellent restaurants and cocktail bars, biking along the Bayou, and following Houston sports teams."
Kevin Diao, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Medical School: Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
"I grew up in North Carolina and am an avid college basketball fan (go Heels!). I love spending time with my wife, traveling, and photography. My areas of research interest include stereotactic radiotherapy combined with novel immunotherapy, patient-reported outcomes, and global health. I’m thankful to have wonderful co-residents and approachable faculty as mentors at MD Anderson. We’ve lived all over the country but Houston stands apart for its big city amenities combined with small city affordability."
Yufei Liu, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
"I enjoy hiking, traveling, food in general, podcasts, good books, sports teams from New England (I know...), wacky weather, gazing into the depths of space, and classical music. My professional interests are in tumor immunology, clinical trials, and anything translational. MD Anderson is the epicenter of the cancer universe! There are unparalleled patient care, research, and learning opportunities here. Houston has amazing food, tons of cultural attractions, and fabulous weather (in winter)!"
Sean Maroongroge, M.D., M.B.A. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: Brown University, Providence, RI
Medical School: Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
"I enjoy competitive gaming and rooting for the Lakers. I have professional interests in health services research, non-clinical factors affecting patient care, and the intersection of business and medicine. At MD Anderson, I enjoy helping patients through their treatment course and constantly being surprised that my attending wrote the textbook or led a key trial that I’m reading about. In Houston, I have enjoyed exploring local restaurants and enjoying the company of my classmates!"
Wendy McGinnis, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: Duke University, Durham, NC
Medical School: Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine, Portland, OR
"I enjoy riding my bike, backpacking, hiking, rock climbing, and board games. I have professional interests in global oncology, theranostics, tumor immunology, and cancer survivorship. MD Anderson has world class faculty, great coresidents, and a patient diversity that is phenomenal. In Houston, I enjoy exploring Montrose by bicycle, culinary adventures in Chinatown, going to trivia with friends, and roller derby."
Alan Sosa, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
Undergraduate: Rice University, Houston, TX
Medical School:
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Southwestern Medical
School, Dallas, TX
"I’m a native Texan that enjoys
weight-lifting, jogging, and billiards. My research interests include
head and neck malignancies, novel stereotactic radiotherapy
applications, and improving patient engagement in healthcare. The
faculty at MDACC have diverse training backgrounds and are highly
invested in resident education. In addition, the volume of patients
and the breadth of cases we see makes this a unique place to train.
Houston is a large city with great food, low cost of living, and a
vibrant nightlife! It’s been a blast getting to explore Houston with
my co-residents."
1st Year Residents
Chike O. Abana, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY2 Resident
Undergradate/Graduate: Lee University, Cleveland, TN and Vanderbilt University
Graduate School, Nashville, TN
Medical School: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
"I enjoy spending time with my family, playing and watching
basketball, watching Formula 1, playing and watching soccer, photography with
my Cannon Rebel SL3, and cooking Nigerian foods. I am interested in the combination of radiation therapy and immunotherapy in boosting tumor-specific T cell responses, bioinformatics, and education for underrepresented groups. I love the culture of commitment to the one goal of treating cancer in everything at MD Anderson from patient care and research to the staff and to the tools used to achieve that goal. The main highlight of Houston for me is living with my family. It also provides easy access to international food stores and restaurants."
Lauren Andring, M.D. - PGY2 Resident
Undergradate/Graduate: Michigan State University, Lyman Briggs College of Science, East Lansing, MI
Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI
“My personal interests are international and domestic travel as well as anything that includes being outdoors, including hiking, camping, skiing, dirt biking, and playing with my two pups. My research interests are integrative medicine, clinical outcomes, patient satisfaction and quality of life. MD Anderson has a supportive, community centered environment focused on education and providing innovative radiotherapy for our patients. Additionally, the ability to learn from and form mentorships with some of the leading radiation oncologists in the field. The Houston highlights are the restaurants and food scene, parks throughout the city and having the ability to afford and own a home during residency.”
Kelsey Corrigan, M.D., M.P.H. - PGY2 Resident
Undergradate/Graduate: University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI and University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Medical School: Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
"I enjoy hiking, traveling, visiting national parks, brewing, DIY projects, and Wisconsin sports teams. I have professional interests in gynecological malignancies, global oncology, clinical trials, and health services research. MD Anderson is wonderful in every way; amazing patients, caring faculty, great residents, and world-class facilities. In Houston, I am excited to explore the diverse culinary scene, parks and bayous, craft breweries, and, of course, the rodeo."
Gohar Manzar, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY2 Resident
Undergradate/Graduate: The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX and The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Medical School: Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, MN
“Outside of medicine, I am an award-winning writer, and I enjoy playing ukulele, writing poetry, sewing, drawing, cooking, and playing board games. My research interests include tissue engineering to reverse post-radiation damage, the
interplay of immunotherapy with radiation, financial toxicity, and proton therapy. My other professional interests include cancer survivorship, as well as the intersection of oncology with narrative medicine and integrative medicine. I am privileged to be training at MD Anderson Cancer Center, which has world class opportunities and global leaders but a charming, small-town warmth and fun, family vibe. I’ve enjoyed finding Mexican fusion (Kimchi empanadas!), weekly trips to HEB, and having Olive Garden in my backyard.”
Julius Weng, M.D. - PGY2 Resident
Undergradate/Graduate: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
“I like spending quality time with my fiancé and dogs, making a mess in the kitchen while cooking/baking, capturing memories via photography, and clearing my mind with meditation and the great outdoors. I have professional interests in immunotherapy, health services research. The wealth of resources for patient care and research. An amazing group of faculty who are kind, inspiring, and willing to mentor residents to be the best they can be. The food, diversity, cost of living, and traffic (compared to Los Angeles!)”
Alison Yoder, M.D., M.P.H. - PGY2 Resident
Undergradate/Graduate: Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO and University of Texas Health
Science Center at Houston, School of Public Health, Houston, TX
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
“I enjoy traveling, cooking, eating, playing soccer, fostering dogs. I have professional interests in gynecologic cancers, database analysis, health disparities. There are amazing research opportunities in almost every aspect of oncology that you can imagine. In addition, the faculty are wonderfully supportive. The food here is amazing in Houston. There are a ton of great parks and bike trails, especially along the bayous. I also love the warm weather, you can be outside almost the entire year.”
Alumni
Class of 2020
- Eric D. Brooks, M.D., M.H.S., UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Florida
- Kaitlin Marie Christopherson, M.D., Orlando Health UF Health Care Center, Florida
- Adnan Mousa Elhammali, M.D., Ph.D., Northeast Georgia Health System, Georgia
- Ahsan Farooqi, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Melanoma and Sarcoma Service, Texas
- Ethan Bernard Ludmir, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gastrointestinal Service, Texas
- Shalini Moningi, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Massachusetts
- Matthew S. Ning, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Thoracic Service, Texas
Class of 2019
- Lauren E. Colbert, M.D. M.S.C.R., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gynecology Service, Texas
- Penny Fang, M.D., M.B.A., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Lymphoma Service, Texas
- Jennifer Logan, M.D., Orlando Health UF Health Care Center, Florida
- Amy Moreno, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Head and Neck Service, Texas
- Courtney Pollard, III, M.D., Ph.D., Peachtree Radiation Oncology Services, Georgia
- Tommy Sheu, M.D., M.P.H., University of Southern California, California
- Shane Stecklein, M.D., Ph.D., University of Kansas, Kansas
Class of 2018
- Brian John Deegan, M.D., Ph.D., Cancer Specialists of North Florida, Florida
- Aaron J. Grossberg, M.D., Ph.D., Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon
- Jennifer Chen Ho, M.D., University of Southern California, California
- Wen Jiang, M.D., Ph.D., UT Southwestern, Texas
- Geoffrey Vincent Martin, M.D., Southern Ohio Medical Center, Ohio
- Hubert Young Pan, M.D., Sutter Health, California
Class of 2017
- William Warren Chance, M.D., Salem Health Cancer Institute, Oregon
- Jillian Rebecca Gunther, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Lymphoma Service, Texas
- Eleanor Marshall Osborne, M.D., M.S., Tennessee Oncology, Tennessee
- Jay Paul Reddy, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Head & Neck and Breast Services, Texas
- Cameron Williams Swanick, M.D., Orlando Health UF Health Care Center, Florida
- Chad Tang, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Genitourinary Service, Texas
Class of 2016
- Andrew Bishop, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Melanoma & Sarcoma Services, Texas
- Nicholas Boehling, M.D., St. Charles Cancer Center, Oregon
- Mark Edson, M.D., Ph.D., Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Colorado
- Emma Holliday, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gastrointestinal Service, Texas
- Randa Tao, M.D., Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute, Utah
- Nikhil Thaker, M.D., Arizona Oncology, The US Oncology Network, Arizona
Division of Radiation Oncology - Unit 1422
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
1400 Pressler St., FCT6.5000
Houston, TX 77030
Phone: 713-792-2534
Fax: 713-563-8645
Email: ddlcruz@mdanderson.org