The University of Wisconsin Department of Human Oncology radiation oncology and radiation oncology physics residency programs are off to a great start for the 2025/2026 school year. With five new residents active in the clinic and research labs, and several new faces taking on program leadership roles, we are very excited for this year.
Radiation Oncology Residency Program – New Director
Mike Bassetti, MD, PhD is the new Director of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program. Dr. Bassetti was chosen for this role because of his proven track record as an excellent mentor for trainees during their rotations. He consistently spends extra time providing clinical and research mentorship and has also been the recipient of the Educator of the Year award in the past, which is selected by residents.
The top priorities of the program will continue to be supporting resident clinical and research growth and independence, and a focus on new ideas for collaboration such as bundled lectures and in-person journal clubs will be discussed.
Dr. Jessica Schuster, Associate Director of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program look forward to working with Dr. Bassetti and the two said, “A big thank you to Dr. Kristin Bradley who has served as the Director for the past ten years. The department is so grateful for her contributions to the program leading by example and navigating the ebb and flow of interest in Radiation Oncology residents. No greater compliment can be paid than having mentees call back for advice long after he/she has been a resident and Kristin remains on almost all of our trainees speed dial.”
Radiation Oncology Physics Residency Program – New Associate Director
Alison Arnold, MS, DABR has been named the new Associate Director for the radiation oncology physics residency program. She will be joining Abby Besemer, PhD, DABR, Director of the program for another year of exciting education and training opportunities. Dr. Besemer said, “Alison has consistently gone above and beyond a typical rotation mentor – contributing across multiple rotations and dedicating substantial effort to enhancing the structure and content of those rotations. Her hard work was also recognized and celebrated by residents last year by winning the Physics Educator of the Year award.”
One of the top priorities in the coming years will be increasing resident independent clinical engagement as part of an updated rotation framework. Thus, given Dr. Arnold’s in-depth knowledge of our clinical workflows and her valuable perspective from her work at other institutions, we believe she is uniquely positioned to help lead these efforts.
Dr. Besemer has led the Physics Residency Program alongside Dr. Jordan Slagowski, PhD, DABR serving as the Associate Director, the past three years and thanks him for all the hard work, time, and dedication he put into the program. “I am so grateful for all his contributions to the program including the creation and mentorship of the LEADER rotation, management of the multi-institutional journal club, service on the oversight and recruitment committees, serving as mentor to the linac QA, commissioning, and brachytherapy rotations, and also mentoring several residents on research and clinical projects over the course of the past three years,” said Dr. Besemer.
“I’ve appreciated Jordan’s thoughtful perspectives, valuable feedback, and willingness to serve as a sounding board for all ideas. He has been a great resource for the residents by offering clinical shadowing opportunities and connecting them with valuable learning opportunities through our resident group teams chat on a near weekly basis. The residents have benefited immensely from his guidance, passion, and strong commitment to their success.”