Maria Werner-Wasik, MD, FASTRO

American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology), 1994

Dr. Werner-Wasik was educated in her native Poland, earning her medical degree and completing her Internal Medicine internship at Wroclaw Medical Academy. She then completed extensive postgraduate training in the U.S. before completing her Radiation Oncology training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania in 1994. That same year, she joined the Jefferson Medical College (now Sidney Kimmel Medical College) and earned her board certification in Radiation Oncology.

Throughout her tenure at Jefferson, Dr. Werner-Wasik has been a driving force in research, clinical innovation, and faculty and trainee development. She currently serves as Enterprise Vice Chair for Radiation Oncology, a role in which she is responsible for the harmonization and integration efforts of all Radiation Oncology divisions within Jefferson Health.

For 30 years, Dr. Werner-Wasik has been a national, international and institutional leader in lung and brain cancer research focused on radiation toxicity, novel radiotherapeutic technologies, and imaging-guided treatment approaches. She is considered a first-class clinical trialist who has secured over $2.2 million in research funding and served as principal investigator or co-investigator on dozens of clinical trials, including landmark cooperative group studies that helped shape national standards of care.

Dr. Werner-Wasik’s clinical acumen and clinical trial experience led her to major leadership roles within NRG Oncology (formerly RTOG), including Chair of the Protocol Operations Management and Publications Committees. She was instrumental in the development of several practice-changing lung and brain cancer trials. Dr. Werner-Wasik served as the Jefferson Contact PI for NRG Oncology since 2009, coordinating national clinical trial participation across 20+ affiliated institutions.

Her leadership extends into technology implementation as well. Dr. Werner-Wasik spearheaded the launch of Jefferson’s MR-guided Radiation Therapy (MRgRT) program, guiding her team through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to integrate this cutting-edge treatment platform. She has also authored clinical treatment guidelines and championed quality assurance initiatives that continue to elevate patient care standards.

In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Dr. Werner-Wasik is a dedicated teacher and mentor, passionate about educating the next generations of oncologists. She served for a decade as residency program director and has mentored hundreds of medical students, residents, fellows, faculty, and staff. She created innovative educational forums such as the Radiation Oncology Science, Innovation, and Processes Conference, and has been instrumental in embedding evidence-based pathways into clinical care.

Dr. Werner-Wasik’s work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the NRG Oncology Leadership Award, the American Board of Radiology’s Volunteer Service Award, and induction into the 2014 American Society for Radiation Oncology Fellows Class. In tribute to her impact on education and service, the Sidney Kimmel Medical College established the Maria Werner-Wasik, M.D. Award for Excellence in Radiation Oncology, given annually to a graduating medical student who demonstrates promise as a leader in academic radiation oncology.

Dr. Werner-Wasik’s legacy is one of exceptional scholarship, mentorship, and vision. Her work has transformed the field of radiation oncology and will continue to influence patient care and clinical research for years to come. We congratulate her on an incredible career, and thank her for her tireless dedication to Jefferson and to our patients.