Christopher J. Tien

Dr. Christopher J. Tien is an Associate Professor and Lead Brachytherapy Physicist in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology at Yale School of Medicine, with an adjunct appointment at Brown University. He completed his PhD in Medical Physics at the University of Florida and holds degrees from the University of Michigan. His clinical expertise and research focus on brachytherapy applications in gynecological, prostate, ocular, and skin cancers, emphasizing radiobiological modeling and dosimetry optimization. He chairs the AAPM Task Group on high-dose-rate brachytherapy (TG59) and holds leadership roles in national AAPM committees. Awards include AAPM Fellowship, ABS Judith Stitt Award, and recognition for outstanding research reviews. His work spans clinical innovations (e.g., 3D-printed applicators, modulated shielding) and translational research addressing vaginal stenosis, dose-response relationships, and radiation source decay effects. He collaborates with institutions to advance brachytherapy education and technology.

Education

• PhD in Medical Physics, University of Florida (2011)
• BS & MS (summa cum laude), Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences, University of Michigan (2007–2008)
• Medical Physics Residency, Brown University/Rhode Island Hospital (2013)

Research Interests

Dr. Tien’s research integrates clinical brachytherapy challenges with advanced techniques such as 3D-printed prototypes, modulated shielding (MOSH), and radiobiological modeling to improve treatment precision and patient outcomes. His work addresses dose distribution optimization, inter-observer variability, and device innovation for cervical and prostate cancers. He explores the impact of intrafractional DNA repair and source decay on treatment efficacy, contributing to evidence-based protocols.

Publications Trends

His articles focus on brachytherapy innovations (e.g., applicator design, shielding), clinical outcomes (vaginal stenosis, dose-response), and policy issues (AMP certification). He emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining engineering (3D printing), physics (Monte Carlo methods), and clinical practice.

Awards & Grants

• 2024 AAPM Fellow
• 2023 Yale Cancer Center/American Cancer Society Pilot Grant
• 2018 Judith Stitt Award (ABS)

Advising & Grants

Dr. Tien mentors trainees in brachytherapy physics and collaborates with researchers like Zhe Chen and Shari Damast on funded studies. His grants support projects like MOSH applicators and simulation-based education for interstitial brachytherapy.

Labs/Teams

He leads AAPM task groups and chairs national committees, driving standards in brachytherapy. His lab focuses on translational research bridging clinical needs and engineering solutions.