Vinita Takiar, MD, PhD, named chair of Radiation Oncology

Vinita Takiar, MD, PhD, a nationally recognized physician-scientist, educator and clinical leader, has been named chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Penn State College of Medicine and vice president of Radiation Oncology for Penn State Health. Her appointment is effective Aug. 25.

Dr. Takiar joins Penn State from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, where she serves as the Bernard S. Aron Endowed Professor of Radiation Oncology and vice chair of Radiation Oncology Research, with secondary appointments in Cancer Biology and Internal Medicine.

Originally from Maryland, Dr. Takiar earned her MD and PhD from Yale University and completed her residency in radiation oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She joined the University of Cincinnati Hospital and Cincinnati VA Medical Center in 2015.

An expert in the treatment of head and neck cancer, Dr. Takiar’s research is focused on understanding radioresistance and developing translational strategies to improve clinical outcomes. She has published more than 90 peer-reviewed articles, authored multiple academic books and led several clinical trials, with support from the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Takiar is an active leader in national professional organizations, including the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), NRG Oncology, the American Board of Radiation Oncology and the American Radium Society. In 2024, she received ASTRO’s prestigious Mentorship Award in recognition of her commitment to developing future leaders in the field.

In her new role, Dr. Takiar will also serve as associate director of Radiation Sciences and Molecular Imaging Research for the Penn State Cancer Institute. She will collaborate across Penn State University’s scientific programs to enhance integration and innovation in radiation oncology research. Clinically, she will lead efforts to expand the department’s regional impact, strengthen clinical trial offerings and support the continued growth of faculty and learners.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Takiar to Penn State,” said Karen Kim, MD, dean of Penn State College of Medicine. “She brings extraordinary expertise and vision that will elevate our clinical, educational and research missions.”

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