History

Our History: A Legacy of Innovation and Academic Excellence

For decades, the University of Louisville School of Medicine and the Department of Radiation Oncology have shared a unified mission: to advance the frontiers of cancer care, train the next generation of oncologists, and deliver world-class treatment to the people of Kentucky and beyond.

The Foundation of Academic Cancer Care

The modern era of oncology at UofL was forged in 1981 with the opening of the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. Built on the UofL Health Sciences Center campus through a landmark $12 million gift from the James Graham Brown Foundation and the citizens of Louisville, the center was designed to bridge laboratory discovery with clinical practice. In 1987, the center was officially donated to the University of Louisville, structurally cementing the bond between the School of Medicine's academic faculty and patient care.

Within this framework, the Department of Radiation Oncology emerged as a vital pillar of the School of Medicine. Operating at the intersection of medicine, physics, and biology, the department transformed from a localized clinical service into a premier academic department, fueled by the university's research engine and a commitment to evidence-based medicine.

Pioneers in Technology and Clinical Care

As a core component of UofL’s academic medical center, the Department of Radiation Oncology has consistently led the region in technological firsts. By leveraging the research capabilities of the School of Medicine, the department became the first in Kentucky to introduce the TrueBeam STx system and the first in Louisville to offer CyberKnife robotic radiosurgery.

This commitment to excellence was recognized nationally in 2011, when the department earned full accreditation from the American College of Radiology (ACR)—a distinction proudly maintained through rigorous subsequent renewals. In 2002, the integration of clinical care and academic research deepened with the dedication of the Molecular Imaging Research Center, which brought Kentucky its very first PET/CT scanner.

Educating the Future and Expanding Our Reach

At its core, the partnership between the School of Medicine and Radiation Oncology is defined by education. The department's residency programs draw top-tier medical graduates and medical physics residents from across the nation. Learning alongside faculty who are actively reshaping cancer protocols, these trainees benefit from a robust academic curriculum and diverse clinical environments.

Today, that footprint is larger than ever. From a modest team of seven oncologists in the 1980s, the wider oncology faculty has grown to nearly 80 specialists. In 2023, the department extended its academic and clinical excellence beyond the downtown medical campus, opening a state-of-the-art radiation therapy center at UofL Health – Medical Center Northeast.

By combining the historic educational legacy of the University of Louisville School of Medicine with cutting-edge clinical execution, the Department of Radiation Oncology continues to honor its past while defining the future of cancer care.