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AROPA Governing Body
President
Marlene Kromchad, C-TAGME
University of Pennsylvania
Associate Director of Medical Education at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. In her role, Marlene oversees the Radiation Oncology Medical and Medical Physics Residency Programs. Marlene also directs resident and fellow rotation operations and the medical student elective clerkship. Marlene joined the University of Pennsylvania in 2019.
Radiation Oncology etc. etc.
The AROPA is a registered National Organization 501(c)(3). Our Board of Directors are passionate about creating excellence in the field of Radiation Oncology. The AROPA Board is made up of volunteer governance positions.
As an organization we place emphasis on:
Creating community
Providing quality education and mentorship opportunities
Advancing the field of Radiation Oncology through developing strong leadership
AROPA Board of Directors
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Melissa Dawson, MSOL, MHA, DHA
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Melissa oversees one of the largest residency programs in Radiation Oncology with a strong commitment to DEI initiatives.
Co-Director of Mentoring & Outreach
DeAnna O'Connell, BS
University of Louisville
Along with serving as the Program Coordinator with the university and my role with AROPA I also serve on the Quality &Patient Safety Subcommittee
As the Residency Program Coordinator at Montefiore Medical Center since June 2013, Uduakobong Luke Mark is both diligent in his practice and committed to his profession. He joined the center 12 years ago after many years of serving in different capacities as Research Specialist, Research Analyst, Legislative Advocate Ambassador, and Business Manager with large and well-respected corporate firms.
Immediate Past President
Denise De La Cruz, EdD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
I have worked in education administration since 2009. In my current role, I lead MD Anderson's Radiation Oncology Education and Training enterprise in research training, undergraduate and graduate medical education, continuing medical education, and faculty development. Facilitating programming to train the next generation of radiation oncologists and (physician) scientists and setting the stage for lifelong learning is my passion.
“Cordy”, has worked at UPenn for over 35 years and has graduated over 300 prominent radiation oncologists who are currently practicing in both academic and
private practice settings. She has served under four departmental Chairmen, five Designated Institutional
Officials and five University Deans. Beyond mastering the increasingly complex role of program administrator, Cordy has been instrumental in pioneering several innovative education programs including, the joint Radiation Oncology Nuclear Medicine Initiative.
A career in graduate medical education and specifically Radiation Oncology has been as unexpected as it has been rewarding. After 15 years as Program Coordinator here at NYU, words cannot adequately express how thankful I am for the guidance and support that I've received from both my home institution and the AROPA.
I've worked at Rush University Medical Center in the department of Radiation Oncology since 2008. I'm the residency program administrator and the manager of administrative support.
I am a Training Program Administrator with over 10 years’ experience working with residents. Being a member of AROPA is a wonderful sharing of experience and knowledge that has enhanced my leadership in management abilities, communication, interpersonal, administrative and organizational skills, leading me to be more detail-oriented, compassionate, supportive, calm under pressure and being happily successful doing my job.
Director of Medical Physics Member Services
Julie Follman, MBA
Washington University School of Medicine
Julie is the Program Coordinator for the Residency, Ph.D., MS, Postdoctoral Certificate, and undergraduate Purdy Fellowship programs in medical physics at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. She has worked at the university since 2002 and has several years of experience developing and managing a variety of graduate medical and educational programming.
Kari has been a fellowship and residency program coordinator for the past 15 years, serving Hematology/Oncology, Pulmonary/Critical Care, Rheumatology, and now Radiation Oncology. She has a continued and dedicated passion for development and learning, serving as a mentor for other administrators across campus, building innovative programs for sharing of knowledge, and providing educational opportunities that support the careers of her peers and colleagues.
Co-Director of Mentoring & Outreach
Patricia Candia, PhD, C-TAGME
UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson
Seven years in Radiation Oncology, currently Manager of Academic Programs