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AROPA Governing Body
President
Marlene Kromchad, C-TAGME
University of Pennsylvania
Marlene serves as the Associate Director of Medical Education at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. In her role, she 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 & Medical Physics
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 and Medical Physics. 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 and Medical Physics through developing strong leadership
AROPA Board of Directors
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.
Denise has worked in education administration since 2009. In her current role, she leads 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 her passion.
Immediate Past President
Denise De La Cruz, EdD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
“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.
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.
Chris has worked at Rush University Medical Center in the department of Radiation Oncology since 2008 as the residency program administrator and the manager of administrative support.
Thalia is 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 her to be more detail-oriented, compassionate, supportive, calm under pressure and being happily successful doing her job.
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.
Director of Medical Physics Member Services
Julie Follman, MBA
Washington University School of Medicine
Melissa oversees one of the largest residency programs in Radiation Oncology with a strong commitment to DEI initiatives.
Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Melissa Dawson, MSOL, MHA, DHA
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Seven years in Radiation Oncology, currently Manager of Academic Programs
Co-Director of Mentoring & Outreach
Patricia Candia, PhD, C-TAGME
UT Health San Antonio MD Anderson
Along with serving as the Program Coordinator with the university and her role with AROPA, DeAnna also serves on the Quality and Patient Safety Subcommittee.
Co-Director of Mentoring & Outreach
DeAnna O'Connell, BS
University of Louisville
Lea is the Associate Director of student services in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. In this role, she supports the Medical Physics Graduate Programs and coordinates their new Fellowship program. She has worked in the Department of Radiation Oncology in several capacities since 2020.
Fellowship Liaison
Lea Della Vecchia, MS
University of Pennsylvania
Kari has been a fellowship and residency program coordinator since 2010, 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.