News

Radiation therapy has been a cornerstone of cancer treatment for decades, but advances in technology now allow care teams to tailor treatment more closely to each individual patient. One of the most advanced approaches is adaptive radiation therapy, a technique that allows radiation treatment to adjust as a patient’s body changes.

UAB recently recognized 22 individuals for their years of service in the Department of Radiation Oncology, ranging from five to 35 years. The UAB and UAB Medicine Service Awards honor employees who have made a significant career commitment to UAB with recognition happening at every five-year milestone.

Over the past 15 years, Radiation Oncology Accelerated Research (ROAR) has become a powerful force in the fight against cancer, bringing together Birmingham-area physicians and volunteers with one shared goal: advancing cancer research and honoring those whose lives have been affected by cancer.

The Department of Radiation Oncology is thrilled to announce the results of our 2026 medical physics residency match!

The UAB Department of Radiation Oncology is thrilled to announce the results of our 2026 residency match!

Physicians from the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology are bringing advanced cancer care closer to home for patients in east Alabama through their ongoing partnership with Russell Medical Center (RMC).

The UAB Department of Radiation Oncology has launched a new one-day HyperArc Trainee Observation Course designed to introduce Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics residents to the principles and clinical workflow of advanced stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and stereotactic body radiation therapy.

For nearly 20 years, the Varian Clinac iX linear accelerator has been a vital part of patient care in the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology. Now, the department is in the process of retiring the iX and installing a new Varian TrueBeam.

The UAB Department of Radiation Oncology recently launched a unique osteoarthritis program that uses low-dose radiation therapy as an additional treatment option for patients with debilitating joint pain.

The department continues to make meaningful progress on quality initiatives focused on improving efficiency, consistency, and patient care. Recent enhancements include updates to treatment planning, patient scheduling, and dosimetry workflows.

Suman Gautam, M.D., PGY2, joined the Department of Radiation Oncology residency program in July 2025. Originally from Nepal, he completed his undergraduate education at Tribhuvan University in Nepal and earned his Ph.D. from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia.

Matthew Trotta, M.D., PGY2, joined the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology in July 2025. He is originally from Pittsburgh. He earned his undergraduate degree in microbiology from Ohio State University and completed medical school at West Virginia University.

Technology and treatment planning have made shorter-course radiation a safe, effective and patient-centered option for breast cancer care.

On Thursday, Nov. 20., the Heersink School of Medicine honored 20 faculty members at the Fall 2025 Endowed Chairs and Professorships Reception. This event recognizes Heersink faculty who have made major contributions to research, education, and clinical care.

Twelve providers in the Department of Radiation Oncology were recently recognized by the UAB Office of Patient Experience and Engagement for the exceptional care they delivered to patients during fiscal year 2025. These providers achieved a rating of 95 percent or higher in care satisfaction, based on patient feedback in Medallia.

Corey Speers, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair, Merle M. Salter Endowed Professor and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, has been named an Investigator with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). This honor recognizes his leadership and innovative work to improve treatments for aggressive and treatment-resistant forms of breast cancer.

UAB Medicine’s Leadership Development Office (LDO) celebrated ten distinguished faculty members from the seventh cohort of the LEading, Advancing, Developing (LEAD) at a graduation ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 23.

Two ambulatory clinics in the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology have achieved outstanding results in patient experience.

In recent years, radiation oncology has seen remarkable progress in making cancer treatment more precise, efficient, and patient-centered. One of the most meaningful advances for breast cancer patients is the move toward shorter-course radiation therapy, reducing the number of treatments without compromising outcomes.

UAB physicians say this type of cancer treatment is often associated with higher cure rates, longer life spans, better outcomes and fewer side effects.

Brien Washington, Ph.D., joined the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology as an assistant professor in August 2025. 

The American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) 67th Annual Meeting will be held from Sept. 27 to Oct. 1, 2025, in San Francisco, California, at the Moscone Center.

The Department of Radiation Oncology is proud to announce the promotion of Michael Soike, M.D., to associate professor of Radiation Oncology.

Krishmita Siwakoti, M.D., PGY2, joined the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology in July 2025. A native of Kathmandu, Nepal, she completed both her undergraduate education and medical school there. Get to know Dr. Siwakoti better with three quick questions!

Tumor therapy with immune checkpoint blockers may be improved by fine-tuning Gfi1 in CD8+ T cells.

Lewis Zhichang Shi, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, has been named the latest recipient of the school’s Featured Discovery award. This recognition celebrates notable research contributions made by faculty and highlights the impact of their scientific advancements.

The UAB Department of Radiation Oncology hosted its 2025 Residency Graduation Dinner on June 6 at the Sage event venue. Then, on June 7, the department held the inaugural Robert Y. Kim Alumni Society Retreat, welcoming all alumni.

Benefits of the cryoablation program include a shorter wait time for treatment, no overnight stays in the hospital, no sedation, lower costs, less scarring and shorter recovery time.

The UAB Heersink School of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Corey Speers, M.D., Ph.D., as the second holder of the prestigious Merle M. Salter, M.D. Endowed Chair of Radiation Oncology. This appointment was formally approved by the Board of Trustees of The University of Alabama System in June 2025.

Corey Speers, M.D., Ph.D., joined the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology as professor and chair in May 2025. Speers reflects on his first month in his new role and what he looks forward to as he helps shape the future of UAB Radiation Oncology.