On December 10, 2024, Penn Radiation Oncology Doylestown celebrated the instillation of a new Varian Hypersight Linear Accelerator with a ribbon cutting, reception, and tour that drew leadership, faculty, and staff from across the health system. Congratulations to everyone involved in this undertaking! A key advantage of the Hypersight Linear Accelerator is that it streamlines the radiotherapy process, making it possible to image and safely treat patients in minimal time – often under 25 minutes . This helps provide a more positive patient experience, ensures dosing precision and accuracy, and improves treatment delivery efficiency.

Night Side Songs

Join us for a special presentation of Night Side Songs on February 5, 2025 at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine! This is a exclusive showing of a new musical production by the Philadelphia Theatre Company. A small reception will take place prior to the performance and there will be a Q&A and discussion with the performers after the play.

Featured in the Media

CBS News Philadelphia

Brook Byrd, PhD was highlighted on CBS News Philadelphia for raising money running for the American Association for Cancer Research by running in the Philadelphia Marathon.

Penn Medicine on Social Media

Did you know that Penn Radiation Oncology and OncoLink are on social media? Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok! Check out some of the recent posts below:

LinkedIn

Instagram - Penn Radiation Oncology

Instagram - Penn Radiation Oncology Residency Programs

Instagram - Penn Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Graduate Program

Instagram - OncoLink

Community Engagement and Inclusivity

We invite you to visit the site regularly, as we continue to update resources, add information on ongoing initiatives, and expand educational materials.

PennCobalt provides mental health resources for Penn staff and faculty.

In Memory of Shalonda Clark

It is with heavy heart we share the news of the passing of Shalonda Clark. Many of you knew Shalonda as the office manager (extraordinaire) at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine. She joined our Department in November 2021, and quickly became the “go-to” person for so many things…from processing visitors and ensuring we always had supplies and coffee, to managing office remodels and space enhancements. Her smile and outgoing personality were infectious, and she took tremendous pride in her work – always willing to jump in and help. She was a loyal friend and colleague, loving mother and doting aunt.

It goes without saying that we will miss Shalonda tremendously – but will also cherish fond memories of her sense of humor, bubbly personality, and fighting spirit. On behalf of the entire Department, our collective condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her children.

Vida Anosike, PA-C, MPH

Vida joins the department as an APP at Chester County Hospital. Previously, Vida worked for 12 years in the Department of Internal Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine. In her spare time, she enjoys movies, travel, cooking, participating in homeless outreach, and singing in the choir. You can contact Vida at Ngozika.Anosike@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

Shanda Kennedy

Shanda joins the department as a Web Content Creator for OncoLink. Previously, she worked as a Software Engineer at Fifth Third Bank. Shanda earned her Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Spelman College. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her nieces and nephews who live in the Philadelphia area, letting her 12-year-old dachshund win debates over more treats, and going on adventures, whether that's traveling somewhere new or going to a sporting event.

Promotions

Allie Mazzitelli

Allie Mazzitelli has been promoted to Manager of Faculty Affairs. Allie joined our department as a part-time temp in support of credentialing work in August 2021. In a short period of time she demonstrated a strong commitment to her work, and took pride in every aspect of her role; we were thrilled when she accepted a full-time permanent role in our Department in 2022 as the Faculty Affairs Coordinator.

In her time as the Faculty Affairs Coordinator, Allie has significantly expanded the scope of the role. Aside from managing faculty appointments/promotions, she also handles credentialing, licensing, privileging and onboarding tasks for all of our physicians, as well as providing credentialing support for APPs. She has taken a lead role in faculty recruitment as well, creating exceptional interviewing experiences for physicians, physicists and research faculty. Her kind, professional, and down-to-earth personality sets our candidates at ease from the moment they arrive – they often comment on how welcomed she makes them feel. Allie is adept at guiding our own faculty through Penn’s complex appointment, reappointment and promotions processes as well, keeping everyone on-task and on-time. Penn’s Office of Academic Affairs has commented on how Allie has done an exceptional job in faculty affairs, and in particular, how much work she handles to support our large department.

Nursing Promotions

We are pleased to share with you the promotions of 6 of our RadOnc Nurses over the past year. These nurses have advanced through the Clinical Advancement and Recognition of Excellent (CARE) program through their entity and decided by each entities committee. Levels range from level 1-4. We are extremely proud to share with you their Bios below.

The CARE Program is an evidence-based advancement program. Through this program, patient safety and quality care are recognized as key tenets, leading to improved patient outcomes. The CARE Program is designed to elevate and promote our nursing practice, through enhancement of nurse accountability and autonomy, and an emphasis on increasing degrees of scope and responsibility at successive levels. The program also supports the advancement of the nursing profession at Penn Medicine while supporting a Magnet® Culture of Excellence.

Gina Wierzbowski BSN RN

With mentorship and experience across all facets of oncology nursing including inpatient, outpatient infusion and Radiation oncology I have developed the skills to lead teams and balance patient care, research, operations, and innovation. As a result, my contributions include participation in key committees and projects such as Radiation Oncology Unit Council, Radiation Therapy/RN Task force, the RN Transfer workgroup, Prostate Improvement project, and leading the Radiation Oncology Prostate Nudge initiative, which leverages technology to better prepare the prostate cancer patient population for their radiation planning sessions. As a level 3 RN, I continue to be deeply committed to advancing my role through research, evidence-based practice, and developing standard workflows to improve patient outcomes.

Cathy Albert BSN RN OCN

Serving as a leader on both the Quest and Apex quality improvement committees has attributed to my advancement of becoming a Clinical Level 3 Nurse. As the lead nurse on our internal QUEST team, I strive to improve nursing quality, safety and excellence across our network sites in collaboration with our multidisciplinary team. As a member of the National Apex accreditation committee, my responsibilities are to make sure that we are following clinical practice guidelines and fulfilling the charting documentation requirements needed, in order to obtain Reaccreditation through the American Society for Radiation Oncology. I enjoy leadership opportunities and having the ability to implement positive change.

Tammi Fisher BSN RN OCN

I am a career long oncology nurse, with 30 years' experience with national certifications in both oncology and radiation oncology. For the last 18 years, I have been caring for patients in radiation oncology within Penn Medicine. Through the years I have been a consistent contributor to our department's quality improvement process. In just the last year I have led the department’s clinical emergency preparedness committee, have been active contributor to the nursing handoff and transfer committee and I am a mentor for the new nursing hires within the department.

Toni Wallace BSN, RN, OCN

As a Clinical Nurse III with over 5 years of oncology specific experience, I am both radiation oncology and oncology certified on a national level. As a member of the Clinical Emergency Preparedness Committee, Radiation Oncology Unit Council, and the Sunshine Council, I continue to partner with my colleagues to improve departmental nursing practice and comradery. Furthermore, I serve as a mentor for new nurses in radiation oncology for the Mentorship Committee.

Erin Conway MSN, RN

Throughout my career so far, I have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in patient care, professional growth, and advancing nursing practice. Earning my Master of Science in Nursing Education at Drexel University has empowered me to enhance patient education, foster collaborative initiatives, and lead innovative efforts like developing the first ever Radiation Oncology Nursing Symposium and organizing continuing education programs. These experiences reflect my passion for advancing nursing practice, my dedication to lifelong learning, and my readiness to contribute at the Clinical Nurse III level.

Mary Thomas BSN, RN

I was advanced to a Level 3 nurse based on my extensive oncology experience, leadership, comprehensive patient care skills, and contributions to improving patient safety and departmental processes within the oncology setting.

Clinical Research Unit PI Awards 2024

Since 2023, the Radiation Oncology Clinical Research Unit (CRU) acknowledges exceptional Principal Investigators (PIs) every year for leading and supporting our department’s research efforts. For 2024, we considered six award categories: Best PI; Rising Star PI; Most Funded; Highest Referrals; Most Consented; and Best Audits.

After reviewing our internal metrics, Dr. Alexander Lin is our Most Funded PI in 2024 across our clinical research portfolio.

Dr. Steven Feigenberg referred the highest number of patients to studies across our clinical research portfolio, with a total of 76 referrals in 2024. This includes referrals to studies led by other investigators.

Dr. Michelle Alonso-Basanta consented the highest number of patients to studies across our clinical research portfolio, with a total of 25 consents in 2024. This includes consenting patients to studies led by other investigators.

Dr. Steven Feigenberg had the Best Audits in 2024 across our active investigators. Our general criteria included having consistent minor or no findings for audits of studies.

Dr. Neil Taunk has been voted as the Rising Star PI of 2024 by the CRU. Our general criteria included: Compliance; Enrollment; Responsiveness; and Expertise.

And finally, Dr. Neha Vapiwala has been voted as the Best PI of 2024 by the CRU! Our general criteria included: Compliance; Enrollment; Responsiveness; and Expertise.

Congratulations to this year’s winners and thank you to all the PIs in our department for the important work you do and support you provide to our CRU!

OncoLink in the Community

RadOnc CRU White Elephant

January 8, 2025

The RadOnc CRU had a white elephant gift exchange after the holidays!

ACES Holiday Basket Raffle

The Beam of Life Team

https://www.ms-stride.org/breakthroughbikechallenge

The Breakthrough Challenge bike ride was on Sunday, September 15. The Radiation Oncology Beam of Life team is lead by co-captains Bill Barbour, Chris Laskey, and Christina McCrohan. The Breakthrough Challenge donates 100% of participant-raised funds to support breakthrough cancer research at the Abramson Cancer Center. This year $300,000 was raised, bringing the total fundraising to more than $2,850,000 over the past eleven-years.

Save the Date: Next year's Breakthrough Challenge will be on Sunday, September 14, 2025

Join the team here: https://www.ms-stride.org/breakthroughchallenge/profiles/team/91

Follow our team Facebook page or go to the ISOCENTER for more details on upcoming Beam of Life team social rides and 3rd Annual Happy Hour Fundraiser at a local Philadelphia Restaurant!

Five Questions With...

Cathy Albert, RN, BSN, OCN

Nurse at Doylestown

1. What is a typical work day like for you?

My typical day at Doylestown starts by checking any incoming messages that need to be addressed and preparing for our daily huddle. We do our huddle on Teams as a group to discuss our current and future patients and then go about our day. My daily clinic flow consists of assessing patients, providing patient education on what to expect during treatment and helping to manage any side effects they may be experiencing. I collaborate with our providers throughout the day to ensure that our patients are receiving comprehensive and well-rounded care. We treat such a wide range of disease sites here that it keeps things interesting and every day is unique. My favorite part of the day is celebrating with our patients when they ring the bell at the end of their treatment.

2. What led you to work at Penn Radiation Oncology?

I wasn’t looking to work as an Oncology nurse when I landed this job. I thoroughly enjoyed my career as an Inpatient Cardiac Nurse and was not looking for change at the time. I only discovered the world of radiation oncology due to a per diem position that I took on as a secondary job. I fell in love with this specialty and the rest is history.

3. What is your go-to self-care tip?

Most of my self-care activities are in the warmer months as I find spending time outside very therapeutic. Going for long walks is enjoyable, and I like sitting on my deck reading or listening to music. I am passionate about going on vacations, especially to destinations that involve a nice cocktail on the beach. The beach is my true happy place. In the winter months I enjoy watching TV while relaxing on my cozy couch with the fireplace roaring.

4. What are your hobbies?

I really enjoy spending time with my family and my 2 golden retrievers Sully and Remy. I even started doing TikTok videos featuring my fur babies just for fun and am slowly getting better at it. I’m a little obsessed, but they bring me great joy. We try to get the dogs out and about frequently and socialized them well so it’s not uncommon to find them at Peddlers Village, orchards, festivals and breweries.

5. What are you currently streaming?

I am currently watching the Virgin River series on Netflix. It’s about a Nurse Practitioner that leaves her hometown of LA after experiencing personal tragic events and wants to rebuild her career and life. She took on a Nurse Practitioner position at a clinic in a small town called Virgin River. The physician is more “old school” in his ways and the dynamic between her and the doctor is very interesting. It’s a great series with twists and drama in a town where everyone knows everyone’s business, both good and bad. I love it!

Katie Bamford, BSN, RN

Nurse at Radnor

1. What is a typical work day like for you?

At Radnor we start our day with a morning huddle to discuss the plan of action for the day - this helps us keep organized! Nursing works on two different floors at Radnor so we go up and down the stairs frequently to be in the clinic and see our consults/follow ups. (Dr. Green can quite literally run up and down the 2 full flights of stairs WAY faster than me and not even be out of breath, haha.) Each day is set up a bit differently - we get to work with new consults, follow ups from previous treatments, and of course our patients that are currently on treatment. Nursing is also actively managing MyPennMedicine for both of our physicians to make sure messages are responded to appropriately and timely. Each day I continue to learn - whether it be about treatment planning, side effects, or learning the stories and resiliencies of our patients.

2. What led you to work at Penn Radiation Oncology?

I started as a nurse at HUP in 2018 - I worked on a head and neck/urology surgery floor and then moved to the surgical ICU. Working on these two units, we took care of many surgeries related to cancer care. I wanted to learn more about their cancer care as a whole. I was interested in learning about the experiences patients may have before or after these surgeries. I officially joined the Radiation Oncology nursing team in February 2023 and have been learning a ton since then!

3. What is your go-to self-care tip or trick?

Exercise! Whether it is taking a long walk, going on a hike, or taking a workout class. I always feel more like myself after movement.

4. What are you hobbies?

I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I love spending time at my parent's beach house in Cape May, NJ. My fiancé and I are currently planning our wedding in Cape May as well!

5. What are you currently streaming?

Lincoln Lawyer

Gabrielle Peters, MD

Physician at PCAM

1. What is a typical work day like for you?

My typical workday varies but is generally a mix of inpatient and outpatient consultations for palliative radiation or spine radiosurgery, treatment planning, and on-treatment visits with patients currently receiving radiation. It is so rewarding to see patients in follow-up who have benefited from these treatments. In addition to clinical responsibilities, I attend meetings with our multidisciplinary spine team (SOAR2) to optimize oncologic care of spinal tumors, and provide peer review for quality assurance across all network sites.

2. What led you to work at Penn Radiation Oncology?

My family and I moved to Philadelphia for my husband to pursue surgical oncology fellowship. While we prepared for the move, I interviewed with multiple health systems in the area. Penn stood out for multiple reasons with it's state of the art equipment, world renowned experts with whom to collaborate, and patient-centered atmosphere. Everyone I met with throughout the interview and onboarding process has been welcoming and supportive.

3. What is your go-to self-care tip?

My go-to self-care tip is to give yourself a break! We push ourselves every day to give all of ourselves both at work and at home, often comparing ourselves to other peoples' highlight reel we see on various social media platforms. The best thing I have found is to embrace the phase of life you are in and give yourself a break.

4. What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include cooking, baking, and Peloton!

5. What are you currently streaming?

Two of my go-to shows are the Great British Baking Show and The Diplomat (both on Netflix).

Rad Recommendations

Michele's Menu Musings by Michele Kim, PhD

L'Amina - 1001 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA

Nothing makes me happier than a cute little neighborhood spot that is reliably delicious and is easy to walk into without a reservation. Cherry on top is the fact that it’s BYOB. L’Anima, on the corner of 17th and Christian Street, is not necessarily hidden, but it kind of appears out of nowhere in a very residential neighborhood like a beautiful well-lit desert oasis.

L'Anima is a modern restaurant with big open windows surrounding the front and lovely patio seating for when the weather is nicer. Chef Gianluca Demontis and Rosemarie Tran operate this spot along with two others, Melograno in Center City and Fraschetta in Bryn Mawr. When you step inside, you’ll be greeted by friendly staff and the bustling sounds of the open kitchen. The Roman-style Italian menu with an emphasis on seafood is not extensive, but they carefully curate their dishes to be high quality with a lot of substance. The squid ink tonnarelli tuna is a fun and hearty dish, and their cacio e pepe is one of my favorites in Philadelphia (for context: I have a dedicated note in my notes app and a photo album where I have been trying cacio e pepe around the city, ranking them in my search for the best version without flying to Rome). Their house-made pastas are fresh, and their meat and fish entrees are full of flavor as well. While their main menu hasn’t changed for a while, they usually have some fun specials that rotate frequently

If you’re in the Graduate Hospital neighborhood and looking for a place to stop by, try L’Anima! If it’s a weekday, I might be there.

Do you have any recommendations you'd like to share with the Spotlight? Email your reviews for movies, TV shows, books, and podcasts to RadOncSpotlight@uphs.upenn.edu

On Monday, December 9, the Medical Physics Graduate Programs students, alumni, faculty and staff celebrated the end of the Fall semester with appetizers, drinks and games at the Landmark Americana. The event also served as an unofficial farewell party for outgoing program director, Dr. Shannon O’Reilly.