Duke University School of Medicine is set to welcome a new leader at the helm of its Department of Radiation Oncology, with Dr. Erik Sulman appointed as chair starting August 1, 2025. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for Duke’s radiation oncology community, where innovation and patient-centered care have long been the pillars of excellence. Dr. Sulman’s appointment is not merely a change in leadership but a testament to his remarkable contributions and visionary approach to cancer treatment, setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in the management of brain tumors and beyond.
Dr. Sulman comes to Duke with a distinguished career at NYU Langone Health, where he has built a formidable reputation as a clinician, researcher, and educator. At NYU Grossman School of Medicine’s Department of Radiation Oncology, he served as the vice chair for research, demonstrating his commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in radiation oncology. Moreover, as co-director of the Brain and Spine Tumor Center at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center, Dr. Sulman has been at the forefront of tackling some of the most challenging cancers affecting the central nervous system. Beyond his clinical and administrative roles, he has contributed significantly to academic medicine as assistant dean of physician scientist education and director of the MD/PhD Program at NYU, nurturing the next generation of physician-scientists who will continue to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes.
The journey that led Dr. Sulman to this pivotal role is marked by a strong foundation in medical education and clinical training. He earned both his medical degree and PhD from Temple University School of Medicine, where rigorous scientific inquiry and clinical excellence go hand in hand. Following medical school, he completed his clinical internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center, further honing his practical skills and patient care expertise. His residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, a world-renowned institution for cancer care and research, equipped him with specialized knowledge and experience in radiation oncology, particularly the complex and nuanced treatment of brain tumors. This trajectory highlights a blend of academic rigor, clinical excellence, and a deep commitment to research—a combination that perfectly aligns with Duke’s mission and values.
Central to Dr. Sulman’s research is an innovative focus on understanding and overcoming radiation resistance in glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat brain tumors. His work on the molecular mechanisms driving this resistance has opened new pathways toward developing targeted therapies aimed at improving responses to radiation. This is crucial because glioblastoma often exhibits resistance that limits the effectiveness of conventional treatments, leading to challenging clinical outcomes. By identifying molecular predictors of treatment response, Dr. Sulman’s research holds promise not only for enhancing the efficacy of radiation therapy but also for personalizing treatment strategies to maximize benefits for individual patients. His approach reflects a broader trend in oncology toward precision medicine, where treatments are increasingly tailored based on the unique genetic and molecular profiles of each tumor.
As Dr. Sulman prepares to take on this influential role, leaders at Duke University express profound enthusiasm about the potential impact of his leadership. Mary E. Klotman, MD, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the School of Medicine, along with Craig Albanese, CEO of Duke University Health System, have both emphasized his “exceptional” qualifications and commitment to advancing cancer care. At the same time, the institution honors the legacy of Dr. Christopher Willett, who has served as chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology for more than 20 years. Dr. Willett’s decades of dedication have profoundly shaped the department, and he will continue to contribute as the Mark W. Dewhirst Distinguished Professor of Radiation Oncology, ensuring that his expertise and mentorship remain integral to Duke’s ongoing success. This seamless continuum of leadership not only safeguards the department’s strong foundation but also paves the way for exciting growth under Dr. Sulman’s visionary guidance.
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