FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015
Contact: Leah C. Payne, Director of Public Affairs, Schools of Medicine & Pharmacy, 304-691-1713

Marshall University School of Medicine announces new administrative chair of radiation oncology
Marshall alumnus to provide leadership to new department

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.—Sanjeev S. Sharma, M.D., a 1993 graduate of the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicineand board-certified radiation oncologist, has been named administrative chairman of the newly formed department of radiation oncology at the School of Medicine, Joseph I. Shapiro, M.D., dean of the school, announced today.

“Dr. Sharma is a perfect match for this position,” Shapiro said.  “He understands the mission of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, and he understands the importance of providing outstanding medical education in all areas to our students.  Dr. Sharma is a dynamic, forward-thinking addition to our team as we work to expand medical education and corresponding cancer research and treatments. “

Sharma was born in Ireland, but spent most of his youth in Huntington and graduated from Huntington High School in 1986.   He enrolled in Marshall University, completing the prerequisites for medical school in just three years before beginning medical school in 1993.After completing a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Kentucky, Sharma went through additional education including Cyberknife® clinical training at Oklahoma City, Okla., and Cyberknife® technical training in California.

“I’m very happy to return to my alma mater and become part of the education team,” Sharma said.  “Short-term academic goals include laying the groundwork to begin a fellowship in radiation oncology in the subspecialties of stereotactic radiosurgery and gynecologic oncology.  An additional goal is to recruit physicians for the Edwards Comprehensive Cancer Center to be able to expand our services to the surrounding communities.”

In addition to his clinical practice, Sharma has authored several research publications including a recent article on lung cancers that appeared in the Journal of Radiation Oncology, an international interdisciplinary journal that publishes original research, clinical investigations, review articles, editorial commentsand other scientific articles relating to radiation oncology.    He also is principal investigator on several clinical trials underway involving prostate and lung cancers.

Sharma will continue seeing patients at his current practice, Premier Radiation OncologyInc., at St. Mary’s Medical Center.  He officially joins the School of Medicine Monday, March 2. 

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Date Posted: Friday, February 27, 2015