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 25 residents and over 80 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 Goal
MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Residency Program provides 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.
Neelofur Ahmad, M.D.
MD Anderson League City Location
Associate Professor,
Department of MD Anderson League City, Division of Radiation
Oncology
Research
Profile
Chidinma Anakwenze, MD
MD Anderson League City Location
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Isidora Y. Arzu, M.D., Ph.D.
MD Anderson Sugar Land Location
Professor, Department of MD Anderson Sugar Land, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Thomas H. Beckham, M.D., Ph.D.
Central
Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Assistant Professor,
Department of Radiation Oncology
Research
Profile
Andrew J. Bishop, M.D.
Melanoma and Sarcoma Service, Central Nervous System Service
Assistant Professor and Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Julianna Bronk, M.D., Ph.D.
Thoracic 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
Seungtaek L. Choi, M.D.
Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Gregory M. Chronowski, M.D.
MD Anderson West Houston Location
Professor, Department of MD Anderson West Houston, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Stephen G. Chun, M.D.
MD Anderson West Houston Location
Assistant Professor, Department of MD Anderson West Houston, Division 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
Lauren E. Colbert, M.D.
Gynecology Service
Assistant Professor, Radiation Oncology Department
Research Profile
Bouthaina S. Dabaja, M.D.
Hematologic Malignancies Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Prajnan Das, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Gastrointestinal Service
Professor and Section Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Brian De, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Marc Delclos, M.D.
MD Anderson The Woodlands Location
Associate Professor,
Department of MD Anderson The Woodlands, Division of Radiation
Oncology
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
Penny Fang, M.D., M.B.A.
Hematologic Malignancies Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Ahsan Farooqi, M.D., Ph.D.
Melanoma and Sarcoma Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Steven J. Frank, M.D.
Genitourinary Service, 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
Saumil Gandhi, M.D., Ph.D.
Thoracic Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Adam S. Garden, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Amol J. Ghia, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Chelain R. Goodman, M.D., Ph.D.
Breast
Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation
Onocology
Research Profile
David R. Grosshans, M.D., Ph.D.
Central Nervous System and Pediatrics Service
Associate Professor, 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
G. Brandon Gunn, M.D.
Head and Neck Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jillian R. Gunther, M.D., Ph.D.
Hematologic Malignancies Service
Assistant Professor and Medical Student Program Director, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Comron Hassanzadeh, M.D.
Breast Cancer Service, Genitourinary Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Karen Elizabeth Hoffman, M.D., M.H.Sc., M.P.H.
Breast Cancer Service, Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Emma B. Holliday, M.D.
Gastrointestinal Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Anuja Jhingran, M.D., F.A.C.R.
Gynecology Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Melissa M. Joyner, M.D., M.B.A.
MD Anderson West Houston Location
Associate Professor, Department of MD Anderwson West Houston, Division 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
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
Deborah A. Kuban, M.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Genitourinary Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Anna Lee, M.D., M.P.H.
Head and Neck Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Percy Lee, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor and Section Chief, 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
Zhongxing Liao, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Lilie L. Lin, M.D.
Gynecology Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Steven H. Lin, M.D., Ph.D.
Thoracic Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Ethan B. Ludmir, M.D.
Gastrointestimnal Service
Assistant Professor, 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
Lauren Mayo, M.D.
MD Anderson League City Location
Associate Professor, Department of MD Anderson League City, Division 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
Sean E. McGuire, M.D., Ph.D.
Genitourinary Service
Associate Professor, 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
Devarati Mitra, M.D., Ph.D.
Sarcoma and Melanoma Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Henry Mok, M.D., Ph.D.
Genitourinary 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
Kevin T. Nead, M.D., M.Phil.
Breast Cancer Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Quynh-Nhu Nguyen, M.D.
Genitourinary Service, 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
Sonal Noticewala, M.D.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Michael S. O'Reilly, M.D.
Thoracic Service
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
George H. Perkins, M.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Subha Perni, M.D.
Central Nervous System Service
Assistant 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
Chelsea C. Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D.
Hematologic Malignancies Service
Associate Professor and Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Jay P. Reddy, M.D, Ph.D.
MD Anderson The Woodlands Location
Assistant Professor, Department of MD Anderson The Woodlands, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Valerie Klairisa Reed, M.D., Ph.D.
MD Anderson The Woodlands Location
Professor, Department of MD Anderson The Woodlands, Division 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
Pamela J. Schlemback, M.D.
MD Anderson The Woodlands Location
Associate Professor, Department of MD Anderson The Woodlands, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Shalin J. Shah, M.D.
MD Anderson Sugar Land Location
Professor, Department of MD Anderson Sugar Land, Division 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
Grace Li Smith, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H.
Gastrointestinal Service
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Michael T. Spiotto, M.D., Ph.D.
Head and Neck Service
Associate Professor, Radiation Oncology Department
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
Nicolette Taku, M.D., MPhil., M.P.H.
MD Andersson UTMB Location
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Chad Tang, M.D.
Genitourinary Service
Assistant 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
Cullen M. Taniguchi, M.D., Ph.D.
Gastrointestinal Service
Assistant 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
James W. Welsh, M.D.
Thoracic Service
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Lee Wiederhold, M.D., Ph.D.
MD Anderson League City Location
Associate Professor, Department of MD Anderson League City, Division of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Wendy A. Woodward, M.D., Ph.D.
Breast Cancer Service
Professor and Service Chief, Department of Radiation Oncology
Research Profile
Susan Y. Wu, M.D.
Hematologic Malignancies 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
Program Leadership
Chelsea C. Pinnix, M.D., Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency
Emma B. Holliday, M.D.
Associate Professor
Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency
Jillian R. Gunther, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiation Oncology Medical Student Program Director
Comron Hassanzadeh, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Associate Program Director, Radiation Oncology Residency
Devarati Mitra, M.D., Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Radiation Oncology Medical Student Associate Program Director
Seungtaek L. Choi, M.D.
Chair Ad Interim, Genitourinary Radiation Oncology Department
Program Director, Advanced Radiation Oncology Fellowship
Prajnan Das, M.D., M.S., M.P.H., F.A.C.R.
Chair Ad Interim, Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology Department
Deputy Division Head for Education
Albert C. Koong, M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.R., F.A.S.T.R.O.
Professor
Division Head, Department of Radiation Oncology
Denise De La Cruz, Ed.D.
Director, Education & Training
Email: ddlcruz@mdanderson.org
Annette L. Eakes Ponnie, M.S.W.
Training Program Coordinator, Education & Training
Email: aeakesponnie@mdanderson.org
Janice Mathew, B.B.A.
Program Coordinator, Education & Training
Email: jmathew14@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 MD Anderson 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
Global Cancer Care Track
The Global Cancer Care (GCC) Track at MD Anderson Cancer Center will offer a robust curriculum to prepare our trainees to be leaders in global oncology, which ASCO defines as "collaboratively addressing disparities and differences in cancer prevention, care, research, education, and the disease's social and human impact around the world."
Life at MD Anderson
- Compensation: GME Stipend Levels
- Vacation: 4 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 ($2500 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 Friday and closed on Saturday/Sunday. Free group classes are available to MD Anderson employees. Free health coaching available as needed.
- 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 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.
Faculty Diversity, Equity & 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, Queer or Questioning+ (LGBTQ+) Network: The LGBTQ+ 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
Chike O. Abana, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY5 Resident
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. - PGY5 Resident
Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI
"I enjoy spending time with my family, including my husband, our son, and our pup Aurora. We love to travel and do all things active and outdoors. Specifically, we love hiking, camping, skiing, dirt-biking, stand-up paddle boarding and more! Professionally, I am interested in patient reported outcomes, sexual health after cancer treatment, improved survivorship, integrative medicine, and healthcare quality improvement. Furthermore, I am a proceduralist at heart and have a significant interest in the practice of brachytherapy. I am privileged to train at MD Anderson Cancer Center, to learn from and form mentorships with some of the leading radiation oncologists in the field and to have the opportunity to care for our amazing patients. MD Anderson provides a supportive learning environment and family-like culture. Our favorite things to do in Houston include exploring the unmatched food scene, going to parks with my co-residents, and going boating on Lake Houston!"
Kelsey Corrigan, M.D., M.P.H. - PGY5 Resident
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. - PGY5 Resident
Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Rochester, MN
"Outside of medicine, I am an award-winning writer, and I enjoy playing ukulele + guitar, writing poetry, sewing, drawing, cooking, and playing board games. My research interests and training have revolved around the interplay of cellular therapies, regenerative medicine, immunology, and oncology, particularly NK cells and their immunotherapeutic potential. 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!), incredible halal food, weekly trips to HEB, boating with my coresidents in beautiful Texas lakes, and having Olive Garden in my backyard."
Julius Weng, M.D. - PGY5 Resident
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. - PGY5 Resident
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
"I enjoy hanging out with my family traveling, cooking, eating, playing soccer, wakeboarding, and fostering dogs. I have professional interests in quality of life research, large database analyses, and sarcomas. My favorite part about being at MD Anderson is the people. My co-residents are wonderful, and the faculty are so supportive. In addition, there are amazing research opportunities in almost every aspect of oncology that you can imagine. I really enjoy living in Houston. The food here is amazing, and 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. While in residency I’ve learned how to wakeboard, which has been a really fun activity outside of work!"
3rd Year Residents
Vincent Bernard Pagan, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY4 Resident
University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR
Kathryn Marqueen, M.D. - PGY4 Resident
Icahn School of Medcine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
"Outside of medicine, I enjoy baking (especially cakes, and more recently mooncakes!), cooking/sharing meals with friends, playing piano & harp, playing tennis, ice skating, and attempting to not take last place in my fantasy football league. My professional research interests have focused on economic analyses exploring value of care, and I am honored to have the opportunity to train at MD Anderson and learn from expert clinical faculty in a multidisciplinary patient-centered setting. So far in Houston, I have enjoyed exploring the food scene and spending time with amazing co-residents."
Michael Rooney, M.D. - PGY4 Resident
University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL
"I have really enjoyed being in Houston and exploring the excellent food and bar scene. I also love spending time in the various parks with my dog. Professionally, MD Anderson is the perfect place for trainees not only due to the phenomenal clinical training but also endless opportunity to learn from experts conducting cutting edge research. I personally have developed an interest in patient reported outcomes metrics, clinical trial analysis and design, and mathematical modelling of cancer biology and treatment response. I look forward to continuing to grow these skillsets as a resident at MD Anderson."
Benjamin Schrank, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY4 Resident
Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY
"Outside of medicine, I enjoy running, playing the cello, and exploring new countries and cultures with my family. As a basic scientist, I focus on developing next-generation immunotherapies that harness the innate immune system against cancer. Clinically, I focus on expanding oncologic care for sexual and gender minority patients. Personally, I was drawn to Houston and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center because of the superb training and opportunities to grow as a clinician and scientist. The nurturing environment for trainees, the focus on excellence in patient care and safety, and the benefit of learning alongside some of the kindest and brightest residents in the country, made my decision to come to MD Anderson an easy choice and the biggest blessing of my career."
Aaron Seo, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY4 Resident
University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
"Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending quality time with my wife, newborn son, and our original fur baby. We love to cook, check out new restaurants, hike/camp, and travel. My professional interests lie in studying translational correlatives and exploratory biomarker analysis in clinical trials focusing on genetics and genomics approaches as well as leveraging big data analytics to understand and inform patient care. MD Anderson has been the ideal training environment. The patients are amazing, the faculty and staff are friendly and love to teach, the residents have great camaraderie, and the research opportunities are limited only by your imagination. I am originally from Houston and have loved moving back. Houston is a world-class and amazingly diverse city, and we love checking out the phenomenal dining, wonderful arts/music, and great parks."
Alexander Sherry, M.D. - PGY4 Resident
Vanderbilt Univeristy School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
“I enjoy spending time outdoors with my wife and our son. We like to explore Houston’s diverse parks, fantastic restaurants, and emerging craft brewery scene alongside my co-residents. My professional interests include the immunogenicity of radiation, ablative radiation in metastatic disease, and functional stereotactic radiosurgery. I am grateful to be immersed in the rich educational environment at MD Anderson and supported by our wonderful faculty as we strive to provide high-quality, innovative, and personalized care to our great patients.”
2nd Year Residents
Elaine Cha, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL
"Outside of medicine, I enjoy thrifting, attempting home DIY projects, checking out local cafes, taking any/every opportunity to go stargazing, and spending quality time with friends/family. My professional interests thus far have included clinical implementation science, database analysis, and health services research (and I look forward to further exploring the countless opportunities available here at MD Anderson). I feel privileged to have the chance to learn from world-class faculty, work alongside my amazingly accomplished and supportive co-residents, and be involved in the care of such a diverse group of patients. As a Chicago native, I’m slowly yet surely adjusting to the Texas climate (and coming to terms with the fact that I won’t be needing my snow gear come winter), and am overall thoroughly enjoying exploring the city with my classmates!"
Enoch Chang, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
"I enjoy fostering friendships over home-cooked meals, sharing live music, playing tennis and pickleball, rooting for the Dodgers, Lakers, and Rams, meeting fellow Formula 1 fans, exploring the human condition via narrative, and investigating all things BBQ. I have professional interests in artificial intelligence, quantitative imaging biomarkers, and informatics. It is a privilege to train at MD Anderson with its wonderful people, exciting opportunities, and spirit of collaboration. I love the vibrant community, food and art scene, and ice house culture in Houston."
Stephanie Dudzinski, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY3 Resident
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
"I am grateful to have couples matched at MD Anderson for Radiation Oncology, where the faculty are world experts that are incredibly kind, excellent teachers, and relatable. My professional interests include using
clinical trials and translational research to help in understanding modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment with radiation and immunotherapy, particularly the role of macrophages in this setting, as well as the effects of obesity and the microbiome on tumor responses. Outside of medicine, I enjoy visiting all the great Houston playgrounds with my son, playing on competitive tennis teams, exploring the Latin dance scenes, and trying all the amazing food in Houston with my husband (we keep a list!)."
Adam Grippin, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY3 Resident
University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
"I am an aspiring physician-scientist with research interests, including pediatric and adult CNS tumors, immunotherapy, translational research, and clinical trial design. I was drawn to MD Anderson by the unmatched expertise of the clinical faculty, the limitless opportunities to participate in practice-changing research, and the truly amazing group of residents I have been so fortunate to join. Outside the hospital, I enjoy running, swimming, chasing my kids around, and exploring the incredible parks and food scene Houston has to offer."
Ramez Kouzy, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
"Outside medicine, I enjoy spending time with my fiancé and dog, reading or listening to podcasts, brewing craft coffee, hammocking, and enjoying Houston's great food. I have a professional and personal interest in quality-of-life metrics, outcomes among the adolescent and young adults (AYA) population, clinical trial design, health disparities and survivorship. Being at MD Anderson is a privilege, we get first-class clinical experience while providing empathetic and patient-centric care to patients with cancer. Houston is a great city to live in, it’s a very diverse metro with a top culinary scene and a lot to see on a night out."
Kamaria Lee, M.D. - PGY3 Resident
Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
"I am originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan and lived in Boston and St. Louis for college and medical school, respectively. Now in Houston, I am adapting to the warm weather and enjoy soaking up the sun (with sunscreen!) on frequent walks through the city’s parks. I also try to immerse myself in music as much as possible and liken the nuances of radiation oncology treatment planning and patient care to how a musician carefully crafts their interpretation of a piece of music into something comforting and healing. Professionally, I am interested in using dissemination and implementation sciences to best adapt our field to lower resource settings in the United States and abroad. Relatedly, I care about providing equitable care for those of disadvantaged backgrounds, such as related to socioeconomics, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, immigration status, English-speaking abilities, disabilities, etc. Here at MD Anderson, I am thankful to have met truly beautiful patients and families and to have the support of a special team of nurses, physician assistants, radiation therapists, physicists, dosimetrists, administrative staff, faculty, and co-residents."
1st Year Residents
Patrick Carriere, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY2 Resident
Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
"Before I knew anything about the biology of cancer, I vividly understood the impact this disease had on patients and their families after losing many of my own loved ones. I am therefore humbled and honored to train at MD Anderson Cancer Center, which has a rich history of providing unmatched care to cancer patients from across the globe. I also appreciate the numerous resources available to residents to maximize their potential for success. I have professional interests in artificial intelligence, patient-centered outcomes research, health disparities and mentoring aspiring physicians from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants, husband to my beautiful wife, and father to our bundle of joy. I enjoy photography, playing basketball, boxing, and exploring the endless attractions throughout the city of Houston."
Warren Floyd, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY2 Resident
Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
"Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my wife and dog, exploring Houston with my co-residents, playing video games, reading, listening to podcasts and discovering all the amazing food and culture Houston has to offer! I was drawn to MD Anderson by the top clinical training, awesome group of residents and unmatched facilities. My professional interests include clinical trials, translational research in genomic and bioinformatics and leveraging artificial intelligence to improve clinical outcomes in radiation oncology."
Troy Kleber, M.S., M.D. - PGY2 Resident
Emory University, Atlanta, GA
"Outside of the hospital, I enjoy hiking, biking, traveling, and exploring this wonderful city, with all its great parks and restaurants. I am lucky to be a part of a close-knit resident class, and I look forward to hanging out with everybody during our years together. I am also excited about my training at MD Anderson and learning from world-renowned faculty. I am particularly interested in clinical research and gaining skills in data informatics, statistics, and clinical trial design."
Cesar Marquez, M.D., Ph.D. - PGY2 Resident
Stanford University, Stanford, CA
"My life's journey has taken me from México, where I was born, to Chicago, where I grew up, and then to Boston, where I pursued my studies. For the past 15 years, I have called the dynamic San Francisco and its surrounding Bay Area my home. During this time, I served as a teacher, a student, and most recently, an internal medicine intern. Now, I am embarking on a new chapter in Houston, and I am brimming with excitement for all the wonders this city has to offer. Houston's renowned gastronomy and diverse community make it the most vibrant city in the United States; I am eager to immerse myself in its cultural richness. Urban hiking, exploring eclectic tchotchke shops, and admiring modern art are among my greatest passions. During my downtime, I indulge in historical fiction and lose myself in the rhythmic beats of bachata, cumbia, merengue, and reggaeton, all while I plan my next travel adventure. My unwavering belief in the language's power to unlock cognitive gateways, explore diverse cultures, and foster connections with others stirs my spirit. Understanding others' stories serves as a constant source of inspiration. Presently, I am diligently learning ASL to further expand my horizons. As an aspiring physician-scientist, my interests lie at the convergence of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, targeted biologics in solid tumors, and the integration of artificial intelligence and informatics to revolutionize treatment delivery. Equally important to me is the drive to ensure increased representation in oncologic clinical trials and to provide equitable care to our diverse population. MD Anderson stands as an exemplar of innovation and compassion, offering unparalleled research and clinical opportunities. The faculty's expertise is unparalleled, and the potential to contribute to practice-changing research knows no bounds. I feel incredibly fortunate to join a group of dedicated residents who are already making a positive impact in the field of oncology. Thrilled to commence this new chapter in Houston, I am eager to bring my skills and passion to MD Anderson's mission. The prospect of advancing medical knowledge and delivering compassionate care to patients from all walks of life fills me with immense enthusiasm and a profound sense of purpose. Above all, we are in the service of our patients."
Jordan McDonald, M.D. - PGY2 Resident
University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
"Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, working out including running and lifting, playing volleyball (or sports in general), watching college sports, and playing board/card games. Professionally, my interests include quality of life, medical education, imaging biomarkers, innovative techniques such as adaptive radiotherapy, and clinical trials, and I am excited to pursue a variety of interests here at MD Anderson. I am grateful to have the opportunity to train here - there are abundant research, educational, and mentorship opportunities available coupled with a high volume and diversity of patients that we have the privilege of caring for. Additionally, the kind, supportive atmosphere among each member of the team and a wonderful group of co-residents has made my experience even more enjoyable."
Remeha Thomas, M.D. - PGY2 Resident
George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC
"Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, traveling, going to concerts, watching reality tv shows, and trying new restaurants! My professional interests include health disparities work and women’s health - particularly breast and gynecologic malignancies. I am grateful to have matched here at MD Anderson where there are such exciting opportunities and the privilege to learn from leaders in the field."
Alumni
Class of 2023
- Julianna Bronk, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Cancer Center Thoracic Service, Houston, TX
- Brian De, M.D., MD Anderson Cancer Center Central Nervous System Service, Houston, TX
- Kevin Diao, M.D., PIH Health, Los Angeles, CA
- Yufei Liu, M.D., Ph.D., City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
- Sean Maroongroge, M.D., M.B.A., City of Hope Cancer Center, Duarte, CA
- Gwendolyn “Wendy” McGinnis, M.D., Oregon Clinic, Radiation Oncology, Portland, OR
- Alan Sosa, M.D., Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN
Class of 2022
- Chidinma Pamela Anakwenze, M.D., MPH, MD Anderson League City HAL, League
City, TX - David Boyce-Fappiano, M.D., MHM, Claxton-Hepburn Medical
Center, Ogdensburg, NY - Olsi Gjyshi, M.D., Ph.D., Saint Elizabeth Cancer Center, Edgewood, KY
- Sonal Noticewala, M.D., MAS, MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gastrointestinal Service,
Houston, TX - Todd Pezzi, M.D., M.B.A., Advocate Radiation Oncology, Naples, FL
- Moaaz Soliman, M.D., Texas Oncology, El Paso, TX
- Nicolette Taku, M.D., M.Phil., MPH, MD Anderson, Gynecology Service, Galveston,
TX
Class of 2021
- Alexander Augustyn, M.D., Ph.D., Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN
- Alexander Francis Bagley, M.D., Ph.D., Samaritan Health Services, Corvallis, OR
- Samantha Marie Buszek, M.D., Community Health Network, Indianapolis, IN
- Bhavana Sree Vangara Chapman, M.D., Cancer Specialists of North Florida,
Jacksonville, FL - Stephen Richard Grant, M.D., Intermountain Healthcare, St. George, UT
- Shane Mesko, M.D., M.B.A., Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, San Diego, CA
- Dario Pasalic, M.D., Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, Boulder, CO
Class of 2020
- Eric D. Brooks, M.D., M.H.S., UF Health Proton Therapy Institute, Jacksonville,
Florida - Kaitlin Marie Christopherson, M.D., Orlando Health UF Health Care Center, Orlando,
Florida - Adnan Mousa Elhammali, M.D., Ph.D., Northeast Georgia Health System,
Gainesville, Georgia - Ahsan Farooqi, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Melanoma and Sarcoma
Service, Houston, TX - Ethan Bernard Ludmir, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gastrointestinal
Service, Houston, TX - Shalini Moningi, M.D., Dana-Farber Cancer Center, Boston, Massachusetts
- Matthew S. Ning, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Thoracic
Service, Houston, TX
Class of 2019
- Lauren E. Colbert, M.D. M.S.C.R., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gynecology
Service, Houston, TX - Penny Fang, M.D., M.B.A., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Lymphoma
Service, Houston, TX - Jennifer Logan, M.D., Orlando Health UF Health Care Center, Orlando, Florida
- Amy Moreno, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Head and Neck
Service, Houston, Texas - Courtney Pollard, III, M.D., Ph.D., Peachtree Radiation Oncology Services, Atlanta,
Georgia - Tommy Sheu, M.D., M.P.H., University of Southern California, Los
Angeles, California - Shane Stecklein, M.D., Ph.D., University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas
Class of 2018
- Brian John Deegan, M.D., Ph.D., Cancer Specialists of North Florida, Jacksville,
Florida - Aaron J. Grossberg, M.D., Ph.D., Oregon Health and Science University, Portland,
Oregon - Jennifer Chen Ho, M.D., University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
- Wen Jiang, M.D., Ph.D., UT Southwestern, Dallas, Texas
- Geoffrey Vincent Martin, M.D., Southern Ohio Medical Center, Portsmouth, Ohio
- Hubert Young Pan, M.D., Sutter Health, Sacramento, California
Class of 2017
- William Warren Chance, M.D., Salem Health Cancer Institute, Salem, Oregon
- Jillian Rebecca Gunther, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Lymphoma
Service, Houston, Texas - Eleanor Marshall Osborne, M.D., M.S., Tennessee Oncology, Nashville, Tennessee
- Jay Paul Reddy, M.D., Ph.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Head & Neck
and Breast Services, Houston, Texas - Cameron Williams Swanick, M.D., Orlando Health UF Health Care Center, Orlando,
Florida - Chad Tang, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Genitourinary
Service, Houston, Texas
Class of 2016
- Andrew Bishop, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Melanoma & Sarcoma
Services, Houston, Texas - Nicholas Boehling, M.D., St. Charles Cancer Center, Bend, Oregon
- Mark Edson, M.D., Ph.D., Colorado Permanente Medical Group, Denver, Colorado
- Emma Holliday, M.D., MD Anderson Radiation Oncology Gastrointestinal
Service, Houston, Texas - Randa Tao, M.D., Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, 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