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. Anderson presents at NRG Oncology conference
At the July NRG Oncology conference in Philadelphia, Dr. Anderson provided a “Radiation 101” presentation to over 400 NRG Oncology Clinical Research Associates and Clinical Research Nurses.
DHO Graduating Residents’ Farewell 2023
The Department of Human Oncology recently celebrated three incredibly talented resident graduates at Cooper’s Tavern to honor completion of their training programs in June 2023. Christina Breeze, Emily Merfeld and Lindsay Bodart were lavished with praise and certificates commemorating their milestone achievements.
Dr. Quaovi Sodji completes his Bentson Fellowship
Dr. Quaovi Sodji recently completed his Bentson Translational Research Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin in the Department of Human Oncology. Dr. Sodji has now been recruited to join the faculty of the Department of Human Oncology as a tenure-track assistant professor and he will continue his translational research here.
Dr. Ben Durkee wins Educator of the Year Award
Dr. Benjamin Durkee recently received the 2022 – 2023 Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology (ARRO) Educator of the Year Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates Dr. Durkee’s dedication to teaching and mentoring residents.
Four DHO Undergraduate Researchers Win Awards in Summer 2023
The Department of Human Oncology (DHO) is dedicated to mentoring undergraduate researchers. By working in the department’s labs, students learn from world-class scientists, contribute to the department’s research agenda, and gain experience that can have a lasting impact on their future careers. This year, four undergraduates who work with DHO scientists have recently been recognized for their research.
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
