Richard Blake Ross

Richard Blake Ross, MD is Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and treats patients at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central & North in Colorado Springs. He completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University (2019), internship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (2020), and served as Chief Resident in Radiation Oncology at the University of Colorado (2024).

Education & Training:

• MD – Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2019
• BS – University of Tennessee, 2013
• Internship – Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 2020
• Residency – University of Colorado (Chief Resident), Radiation Oncology, 2024

Research Focus: Dr Ross leads translational projects exploring how dietary fatty acids and immune modulators (PPAR-α agonists, IL-7, CGRP signalling) interact with radiotherapy in head-and-neck, pancreatic, breast and brain tumors. His work employs stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiotherapy and novel immunotherapy combinations to improve tumor control while limiting toxicity.

Across 20 peer-reviewed articles (2016-2024) he has identified dietary oleic acid as a potential counteractor of radiation-induced immunity, demonstrated that sensory-nerve-derived CGRP suppresses tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in HNSCC, and contributed to multi-institutional radiosurgery outcomes for breast-cancer brain metastases.

Professional Memberships:

• American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) – Member
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) – Member

Clinical Practice: He specializes in radiation management of brain tumors, head-and-neck, genitourinary and gastrointestinal malignancies, emphasizing patient education and shared decision-making. He practices at UCHealth sites in Colorado Springs and holds hospital privileges at Memorial Hospital Central & North.