Division strengths include stereotactic body radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and brachytherapy treatment programs; a comprehensive physics quality assurance program; and established research programs in imaging, image analysis, treatment optimization and 3D dosimetry.
A dedicated clinical research team assists with IRB protocols, clinical trials and research grant submission and administration. In addition, the division is committed to safety, with a robust safety and incident learning program and a focus on process automation and optimization.
Major physics research directions include novel radiotherapy techniques; 3D dosimetry and optical bio-imaging; 4D radiotherapy and motion management; hyperthermia; quality assurance and safety; novel brachytherapy techniques; knowledge-based planning and decision support; radiosurgery; SBRT; image guidance; novel CBCT image acquisition and reconstruction; cardiac RT; medical imaging science; AI; adaptive therapy; and radiomic analysis.
Deshan Yang, PhD, was recruited as the physics research director in December 2021 to continue building the physics research portfolio, manage physics research efforts and mentor faculty members on research projects and grant preparation.
Duke University Medical Physics Graduate Program
The Duke University Medical Physics Graduate Program (MPGP) was established in 2004 as a unique program that represented all four areas of medical physics: diagnostic imaging, medical health physics, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy. Mark Oldham, PhD, professor of radiation oncology, is the current program director. Over the past two decades, the program has graduated almost 400 students in both MS and PhD pathways.
Click to read more about the Duke MPGP.
Duke University Radiation Therapy Physics Residency Program
The Duke University Radiation Therapy Physics Residency Program has been continuously CAMPEP accredited for 15 years. Anna Rodrigues, PhD, and Yongbok Kim, PhD, serve as program co-directors. While the two-year residency program is clinically-oriented, research is encouraged. Program faculty have consistently demonstrated their commitment to mentorship and scholarly activities. In the past five years, residents have produced 45 presentations at national meetings such as AAPM and ASTRO and 31 peer-reviewed publications.