Ryan Thomas Hughes

Ryan Thomas Hughes, MD is an Assistant Professor in the Radiation Oncology (Winston-Salem) department at Wake Forest University Health Sciences. He is affiliated with the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center and actively engaged in both clinical practice and research.

• MD from Wake Forest University School of Medicine (2015)
• Radiation Oncology Internship (2016) and Residency (2020) at Wake Forest School of Medicine
• Board Certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology
• Member of Radiation Research Society and American Society for Radiation Oncology

Research Focus: Dr. Hughes investigates radiation-induced normal tissue injury mechanisms to develop interventions that reduce treatment toxicity. His work specifically targets head and neck cancer survivors' cardiovascular risks, cutaneous radiation injury prevention, and palliative radiation therapy optimization. Current projects include keratin-based topical treatments for dermatitis and histology-driven hypofractionated protocols for lung cancer.

Publication Trends: Recent articles emphasize image-guided radiation therapy, hematologic neoplasms, and symptom management strategies. His research spans clinical trials, preclinical pain studies, and cardiovascular risk assessment in cancer survivors.

Clinical Specialties: Dr. Hughes treats head and neck cancers, hematologic malignancies (lymphoma, leukemia), and specializes in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric arc therapy (VMAT). He provides patient-centered palliative care for symptom management near end-of-life.

Practice Location: Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157. Accepts new patients through Atrium Health network with full insurance coverage.