Meet Our Medical Team
The Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) is led by renowned radiation oncologists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine who are inspired by patients and driven by a passion for healing. Using a team approach to care, every patient receives an individualized treatment plan. Our physicians are involved in cutting-edge research and clinical trials, and are leading experts who have been formally trained in proton therapy to treat patients with a wide variety of cancers.
The Maryland Proton Treatment Center has treated more patients than anyone in the region, and is home to 5 of the state’s top radiation oncologists, as selected by the Baltimore magazine in 2020.
In addition, MPTC is designed to be a regional resource, and radiation oncologists from other health systems will also treat their patients here alongside our physicians.
MPTC has also partnered with Varian, a global leader in developing and delivering cancer care solutions, to create and deliver a diverse range of training and educational offerings targeted to physicians, medical physicists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists and administrators. To date, more than 200 medical professionals have completed training at MPTC.
Read on to learn more about MPTC’s radiation oncologists, their expertise, and the cancer sites they treat with proton therapy.
Executive Director, Maryland Proton Treatment Center; Isadore and Fannie Schneider Foxman Chair and Professor of Radiation Oncology, Interim President, University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc.,
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Regine is a leader in the field of radiation oncology and a recognized expert in the areas of GI and CNS malignancies. He has served as a principal investigator for multiple NCI-sponsored clinical trials. His research has defined new standards of care for patients. He is co-inventor of the “GammaPod,” the first treatment system dedicated to the stereotactic radiation of early stage breast cancer and is co-editor of “Principles and Practices of Stereotactic Radiosurgery,” the first comprehensive textbook of its kind.3
Special Interests: Base of skull/paranasal sinuses, Central nervous system (brain/spine), Esophagus, GI (anus/rectum/stomach/colon/liver/pancreas), Head and neck (non-paranasal sinuses), sarcoma
Medical Degree: State University of New York Health and Science Center
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Physician Fellowships: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and University of Florida, Radiation Oncology
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Regine, please watch the video below:
Medical Director, Maryland Proton Treatment Center; Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology
Dr. Ferris’ areas of interest at the University of Maryland is focused on optimizing advanced radiation techniques, including proton therapy, to maximize control of malignancies while sparing side effects and improving long-term patient reported outcomes. His research has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and has yielded oral presentations at national and international conferences. He also has keen interest in clinical trial development and enrollment.
Overall, Dr. Ferris strives to work closely with the entire treatment team, including surgeon and medical oncology colleagues, to offer cutting edge and tailored treatment for each patient. He prizes meticulousness and attention to detail throughout each patient’s course of radiation therapy.
Special Interests: Head and neck cancers, thoracic cancers and skin cancers
Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: Emory University
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Ferris, please view the video below.
Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Nichols’s clinical research focuses on breast and gynecologic cancers, but she is experienced in treating patients with a wide variety of cancers. She has helped to pioneer new treatment options for treating breast cancer that minimize damage to healthy tissue, including GammaPod, the first treatment system dedicated to the stereotactic radiation of early stage breast cancer. For her work, she was recognized as a 2020 Physician of the Year by The Daily Record.
Special Interests: Breast cancer, Gynecologic cancers
Medical Degree: University of Maryland Medical Center
Residency: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Nichols, please watch the video below:
Vice Chair of Research, Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. Tran treats patients with cancers of the genitourinary system and uses stereotactic radiation techniques (such as SRS and SBRT/SABR) for the treatment of patients with oligometastatic disease.
His research focuses on the improvement of clinical radiotherapy for the treatment of primarily prostate cancer, but also adrenal, bladder, urethral, testicular and penile cancer as well as patients with oligometastatic disease.
Dr. Tran has published more than 175 scholarly works in peer-reviewed journals, has received numerous awards for his research, and is a primary investigator on a number of clinical trials. He is a member and has held leadership positions in the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), NRG Oncology and the American Society for Radiology Oncology (ASTRO), and is board certified in radiation oncology by the American Board of Radiology.
Special Interests: Adrenal Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Image-GuidedRadiation Therapy, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Metastatic Bone Disease, Metastatic Disease, Oligometastatic Disease, Penile Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Radiation Oncology, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, Testicular Cancer, Urethral Cancer
Medical Degree: Oregon Health and Sciences University – School of Medicine
Residency: Radiation Oncology; Stanford University School of Medicine
Certification: American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
To learn more about Dr. Tran, please watch this video below:
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Special Interests: Lymphoma, Sarcoma, Prostate and Lung
Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: University of Cincinnati
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Kunaprayoon, please watch the video below:
Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Medical Degree: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Certification: Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. McAvoy has several years of experience in practice and treats all sites of cancer. She has a special interest in women’s health and treating breast and gynecologic cancers. Dr. McAvoy also specializes in the treatment of brain and spine tumors as well as thoracic tumors. Her research focus has been on glioblastomas, thoracic radiation, reirradiation, and normal tissue toxicity.
Special Interests: Breast, GYN, Thoracic, and CNS
Medical Degree: University of Minnesota Medical School
Residency: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. McAvoy, please view the video below.
Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Mishra is the Director of Radiation Oncology Clinical Research. He specializes in the management of patients with central nervous system, genitourinary, and breast tumors. His research focus at the University of Maryland has centered on comparative and cost-effectiveness studies on new and complex radiation therapy technologies. He has published more than fifty peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He is an active member of ASTRO and the American College of Radiology. He is also a member of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Patient Engagement Advisory Panel.
Special Interests: Central nervous system (brain/spine), genitourinary, and breast tumors
Medical Degree: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Certification: Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Molitoris’ areas of clinical interest include genitourinary (prostate), gastrointestinal, and hemato-lymphoid malignancies. He is focused on utilizing multiple advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy and hyperthermia, both of which are offered at MPTC.
Dr. Molitoris is an active clinician and researcher in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland.
Special Interests: Genitourinary (prostate/bladder/kidney/testicle), GI (anus/rectum/stomach/colon/liver/pancreas), Base of skull/paranasal sinuses, Head and neck (non-paranasal sinuses), hyperthermia
Medical Degree: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Certification: Radiation Oncology
Physician, Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Special Interests: Lung, Breast, Prostate, Head and Neck; Cancer disparities
Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Vyfhuis, please watch this video below:
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. Rana’s clinical focus is on breast, prostate and liver cancers. He recently completed his Radiation Oncology residency training at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, NY where he served as Chief Resident and received several research awards.
Special Interests: Breast, Prostate and Liver
Medical Degree: Howard University College of Medicine
Residency: Northwell Health
Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Rana, please watch this video below:
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Nursing Degree: University of Tampa, School of Nursing – Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner, 2003
Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center – Family Nurse Practitioner, 2004
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Sarah is a nurse practitioner at both MPTC and UMMC. She has over 10 years of adult oncology experience, including clinical research. She has a special interest in improving outcomes for patients with breast and gynecologic cancers, using multi-modal treatment options. At MPTC and UMMC, Sarah cares for patients throughout their radiation therapy and beyond.
Undergraduate Degree: Delaware Technical & Community College- Associate’s Degree in Nursing, 2009;
Drexel University- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2014.
Graduate Degree: University of Maryland School of Nursing- Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2019.
Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Sarah has 15 years of experience in Emergency Medicine and EMS. She led a program for palliative care in community paramedicine and has also published several articles or community paramedicine.
Undergraduate Degree: York College of Pennsylvania, 2007
Graduate Degree: George Mason University: Family Nurse Pracitioner, 2017
Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner; Registered Nurse Maryland; Pediatric Advanced Life Support; Advanced Cardiac Life Support; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certified
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Katarina is a nurse practitioner at MPTC. She has over 16 years of oncology experience with pediatric and adult patients. Katarina has a special interest in pediatric cancer patients and survivors as well. Previously, she collaborated with multiple providers to create the Thriving After Cancer clinic in Washington DC for adult survivors of pediatric cancer. At the University of Maryland Katarina has worked in the Division of pediatric surgery and the Department of Radiation Oncology. At MPTC, Katarina cares for patients during and after their proton radiation treatment.
Undergraduate Degree: Lipscomb University – Biology, 2001; University of Maryland School of Nursing – Nursing, 2002
Nursing Degree: University of Maryland School of Nursing- Master of Science in Nursing, 2008
Certifications: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, NP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner; Oncology Nursing Society, CPON, Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse; American Heart Association, CPR-BLS Certified, PALS Certified
The Maryland Proton Treatment Center (MPTC) is led by renowned radiation oncologists from the University of Maryland School of Medicine who are inspired by patients and driven by a passion for healing. Our physicians are involved in cutting-edge research and clinical trials and are specialized experts who have been formally trained in proton therapy in a variety of disease sites.
MPTC is a regional resource whose team has an average of 20 years of clinical experience and a combined 40+ years of proton therapy experience.
Read on to learn more about MPTC’s radiation oncologists, their expertise, and the cancer sites they treat with proton therapy.
Executive Director, Maryland Proton Treatment Center; Isadore and Fannie Schneider Foxman Chair and Professor of Radiation Oncology, Interim President, University of Maryland Faculty Physicians, Inc.,
Dr. Regine is a leader in the field of radiation oncology and a recognized expert in the areas of GI and CNS malignancies. He has served as a principal investigator for multiple NCI-sponsored clinical trials. His research has defined new standards of care for patients. He is co-inventor of the “GammaPod,” the first treatment system dedicated to the stereotactic radiation of early stage breast cancer and is co-editor of “Principles and Practices of Stereotactic Radiosurgery,” the first comprehensive textbook of its kind.
- Special Interests: Base of skull/paranasal sinuses, Central nervous system (brain / spine), Esophagus, GI (anus / rectum / stomach / colon / liver / pancreas), Head and neck (non-paranasal sinuses), sarcoma
- Medical Degree: State University of New York Health and Science Center
- Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Physician Fellowships: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and University of Florida, Radiation Oncology
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Regine, please watch the video below:
Medical Director, Maryland Proton Treatment Center; Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology
Dr. Ferris’ areas of interest at the University of Maryland is focused on optimizing advanced radiation techniques, including proton therapy, to maximize control of malignancies while sparing side effects and improving long-term patient reported outcomes. His research has resulted in numerous peer-reviewed publications and has yielded oral presentations at national and international conferences. He also has keen interest in clinical trial development and enrollment.
Overall, Dr. Ferris strives to work closely with the entire treatment team, including surgeon and medical oncology colleagues, to offer cutting edge and tailored treatment for each patient. He prizes meticulousness and attention to detail throughout each patient’s course of radiation therapy.
- Special Interests: Head and neck cancers, thoracic cancers and skin cancers
- Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Residency: Emory University
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs, Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Nichols’s clinical research focuses on breast and gynecologic cancers, but she is experienced in treating patients with a wide variety of cancers. She has helped to pioneer new treatment options for treating breast cancer that minimize damage to healthy tissue, including GammaPod, the first treatment system dedicated to the stereotactic radiation of early stage breast cancer. For her work, she was recognized as a 2020 Physician of the Year by The Daily Record.
- Special Interests: Breast cancer, Gynecologic cancers
- Medical Degree: University of Maryland Medical Center
- Residency: University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Nichols, please watch the video below:
Vice Chair of Research, Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. Tran treats patients with cancers of the genitourinary system and uses stereotactic radiation techniques (such as SRS and SBRT/SABR) for the treatment of patients with oligometastatic disease.
His research focuses on the improvement of clinical radiotherapy for the treatment of primarily prostate cancer, but also adrenal, bladder, urethral, testicular and penile cancer as well as patients with oligometastatic disease.
Dr. Tran has published more than 175 scholarly works in peer-reviewed journals, has received numerous awards for his research, and is a primary investigator on a number of clinical trials. He is a member and has held leadership positions in the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), NRG Oncology and the American Society for Radiology Oncology (ASTRO), and is board certified in radiation oncology by the American Board of Radiology.
- Special Interests: Adrenal Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Image-GuidedRadiation Therapy, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Metastatic Bone Disease, Metastatic Disease, Oligometastatic Disease, Penile Cancer, Prostate Cancer, Radiation Oncology, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy, Testicular Cancer, Urethral Cancer
- Medical Degree: Oregon Health and Sciences University – School of Medicine
- Residency: Radiation Oncology; Stanford University School of Medicine
- Certification: American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology)
To learn more about Dr. Tran, please watch this video below:
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Special Interests: Lymphoma, Sarcoma, Prostate and Lung
- Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Residency: University of Cincinnati
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Kunaprayoon, please watch this video below:
Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. Kwok specializes in using proton therapy to treat pediatric patients. His clinical specialties include brain tumors, skull base tumors, and genitourinary tumors, including prostate and bladder cancers. He is an active researcher who serves as the principal investigator on several clinical trials.
- Special Interests: Pediatric patients (with and without central nervous system cancers), Central nervous system (brain/spine)
- Medical Degree: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. McAvoy has several years of experience in practice and treats all sites of cancer. She has a special interest in women’s health and treating breast and gynecologic cancers. Dr. McAvoy also specializes in the treatment of brain and spine tumors as well as thoracic tumors. Her research focus has been on glioblastomas, thoracic radiation, reirradiation, and normal tissue toxicity.
- Special Interests: Breast, GYN, Thoracic, and CNS
- Medical Degree: University of Minnesota Medical School
- Residency: University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Mishra is the Director of Radiation Oncology Clinical Research. He specializes in the management of patients with central nervous system, genitourinary, and breast tumors. His research focus at the University of Maryland has centered on comparative and cost-effectiveness studies on new and complex radiation therapy technologies. He has published more than fifty peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters. He is an active member of ASTRO and the American College of Radiology. He is also a member of the Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Patient Engagement Advisory Panel.
- Special Interests: Central nervous system (brain/spine), genitourinary, and breast tumors
- Medical Degree: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Named a Top Radiation Oncologist by Baltimore Magazine
Dr. Molitoris’ areas of clinical interest include genitourinary (prostate), gastrointestinal, and hemato-lymphoid malignancies. He is focused on utilizing multiple advanced treatment technologies, including proton therapy and hyperthermia, both of which are offered at MPTC.
Dr. Molitoris is an active clinician and researcher in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland.
- Special Interests: Genitourinary (prostate / bladder / kidney / testicle), GI (anus / rectum / stomach / colon / liver / pancreas), Base of skull / paranasal sinuses, Head and neck (non-paranasal sinuses), hyperthermia
- Medical Degree: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
- Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
Physician, Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Special Interests: Lung, Breast, Prostate, Head and Neck; Cancer disparities
- Medical Degree: University of Maryland School of Medicine
- Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Vyfhuis, please watch this video below:
Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
Dr. Rana’s clinical focus is on breast, prostate and liver cancers. He recently completed his Radiation Oncology residency training at Northwell Health in New Hyde Park, NY where he served as Chief Resident and received several research awards.
- Special Interests: Breast, Prostate and Liver
- Medical Degree: Howard University College of Medicine
- Residency: Northwell Health
- Certification: Radiation Oncology
To learn more about Dr. Rana, please watch this video below:
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
- Nursing Degree: University of Tampa, School of Nursing – Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner, 2003
- Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center – Family Nurse Practitioner, 2004
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
- Undergraduate Degree: Georgetown University School of Nursing – Nurse, Registered, 1994
- Nursing Degree: University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, 2000
- Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center – Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, 2015
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Sarah is a nurse practitioner at both MPTC and UMMC. She has over 10 years of adult oncology experience, including clinical research. She has a special interest in improving outcomes for patients with breast and gynecologic cancers, using multi-modal treatment options. At MPTC and UMMC, Sarah cares for patients throughout their radiation therapy and beyond.
- Undergraduate Degree: Delaware Technical & Community College- Associate’s Degree in Nursing, 2009;
Drexel University- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, 2014. - Graduate Degree: University of Maryland School of Nursing- Doctor of Nursing Practice, 2019.
- Certification: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners- Adult/Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner.
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Sarah has 15 years of experience in Emergency Medicine and EMS. She led a program for palliative care in community paramedicine and has also published several articles or community paramedicine.
Undergraduate Degree: York College of Pennsylvania, 2007
Graduate Degree: George Mason University: Family Nurse Pracitioner, 2017
Certification: American Nurses Credentialing Center, FNP-BC, Family Nurse Practitioner; Registered Nurse Maryland; Pediatric Advanced Life Support; Advanced Cardiac Life Support; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certified
Nurse Practitioner, University of Maryland Medical Center
Katarina is a nurse practitioner at MPTC. She has over 16 years of oncology experience with pediatric and adult patients. Katarina has a special interest in pediatric cancer patients and survivors as well. Previously, she collaborated with multiple providers to create the Thriving After Cancer clinic in Washington DC for adult survivors of pediatric cancer. At the University of Maryland Katarina has worked in the Division of pediatric surgery and the Department of Radiation Oncology. At MPTC, Katarina cares for patients during and after their proton radiation treatment.
- Undergraduate Degree: Lipscomb University – Biology, 2001; University of Maryland School of Nursing – Nursing, 2002
- Nursing Degree: University of Maryland School of Nursing- Master of Science in Nursing, 2008
- Certifications: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, NP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner; Oncology Nursing Society, CPON, Certified Pediatric Oncology Nurse; American Heart Association, CPR-BLS Certified, PALS Certified
