Welcome to the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) at the University of Wisconsin
We provide comprehensive radiation oncology services with dedication to improve the outcome for cancer patients using state-of-the-art treatment techniques combined with highly compassionate care. Our clinical focus is on each individual cancer patient and their families; however, our mission extends more broadly to include cutting-edge research and advanced training for the next generation of MD and PhD students to ensure cancer therapy improvements for the future.
Paul M. Harari, MD, FASTRO
Jack Fowler Professor and Chairman
Department of Human Oncology
NEWS
Dr. Peter Mahler Retires after 32 years as a Cancer Physician/Scientist
Professor Peter Mahler, PhD, MD, Department of Human Oncology, retired on February 28, 2023 after a long association with the University of Wisconsin. His career has taken him from the Midwest to the Eastern Great Lakes to the West Coast and then back to Wisconsin.
DHO Halloween Fun!
Each year, faculty and staff in the UW Health Radiation Oncology Clinic/Department of Human Oncology bring a welcome dose of light-hearted fun to patients and their loved ones by wearing Halloween costumes. Check out the awesome costumes from this year’s celebration!
Dr. Zachary Morris Honored at SMPH Faculty Investiture Celebration
Dr. Zachary Morris, associate professor in the Department of Human Oncology, was honored at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) inaugural Faculty Investiture Celebration for receiving the Human Oncology Professorship in 2021.
DHO Hosts Visiting Professor Dr. Matthew Witek
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) recently hosted Visiting Professor Dr. Matthew Witek, an associate professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and medical director at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center.
New Faculty Member: Abby Besemer, PhD, DABR
Dr. Abby Besemer joined the Department of Human Oncology (DHO) as an assistant professor in August 2022 after serving as an assistant professor in the Radiation Oncology Department at the University of Nebraska Medical Center since 2018. Her joining DHO is a homecoming—she completed her radiation oncology physics residency and PhD in medical physics at the University of Wisconsin.
Find Us in the Community
Wisconsin Head and Neck Cancer SPORE
The Wisconsin Head and Neck SPORE is designed to promote translational laboratory and clinical research to improve overall outcome for patients with Head and Neck Cancer (HNC).

Badger Challenge for Cancer Research: September 24, 2023
Thank you to all riders and supporters for Badger Challenge 2022! We had another record year, bringing us to nearly $2.6 million!
2022 Milestones:
$802,761 raised for cancer research
2,751 registered riders
350 volunteers
