Susan A. Higgins

Susan A. Higgins, MD is a Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Vice Chair for Wellness and Engagement in Therapeutic Radiology and as Medical Director for Radiation Oncology at Shoreline Medical Center, Yale New Haven Hospital. Dr. Higgins is affiliated with multiple programs at Yale Cancer Center including the Breast Cancer Radiotherapy Center, DNA Damage and Genome Integrity Program, and Gynecologic Oncology Program.

Dr. Higgins received her MD from the University of Rochester in 1990, completed her internship in internal medicine at St. Mary's Hospital, University of Rochester in 1991, and pursued residency training in therapeutic radiology at Yale University in 1992. She is board certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology, with original certification in 1995 and latest recertification in 2016.

Dr. Higgins specializes in breast cancer radiotherapy and gynecologic oncology, with research focusing on optimizing radiation therapy techniques to maximize tumor targeting while minimizing impact on healthy tissue. Her clinical expertise includes deep inspiration breath hold technique to reduce radiation exposure to the heart and lungs during breast cancer treatment, and high-dose-rate vaginal brachytherapy for gynecologic cancers. She has published extensively on endometrial carcinoma, uterine serous carcinoma, and breast cancer outcomes, with her most recent publication appearing in 2024 on a phase 2 clinical trial for rectal cancer treatment.

Dr. Higgins has been recognized in Yale Medicine's 'Top Doctors' lists for 2023 and 2024. Her collaborative research approach is evident in her work with colleagues across multiple departments and institutions, particularly in multi-institutional studies examining radiation oncology education and clinical outcomes.

• Yale Medicine 'Top Doctors' 2023
• Yale Medicine 'Top Doctors' 2024

As Vice Chair for Wellness and Engagement, Dr. Higgins demonstrates a commitment to faculty well-being and professional development. Her leadership in developing medical student clerkship curricula in radiation oncology highlights her dedication to education and training the next generation of oncology specialists.