Michael Altman

Michael Altman, PhD, DABR, serves as Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology and Director of Education in Medical Physics at Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. He is also affiliated faculty in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and is part of the Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences (ICTS) and Siteman Cancer Center.

Dr. Altman earned his BA in Physics from the University of Chicago in 2002 and completed his PhD in Medical Physics from the same institution in 2010. He then completed a Medical Physics Residency at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, MI in 2012, and became certified by the American Board of Radiology in Therapeutic Medical Physics in 2013.

His research focuses on enhancing the efficiency and safety of radiation therapy treatment plans, particularly in brachytherapy applications. Dr. Altman serves as the lead clinical physicist for the MR/HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) program, with additional clinical responsibilities in physics support for brachytherapy, external beam radiation therapy, and satellite offices. His work spans multiple areas including quality clinical implementation of hyperthermia for MR/HIFU systems, quality assurance of MR/HIFU systems, and automated quality assurance of contours for radiation therapy treatment planning.

Analysis of Dr. Altman's recent publications reveals a strong focus on dosimetric evaluation, treatment planning optimization, and clinical implementation of advanced radiation therapy techniques. His research spans brachytherapy applications, prostate cancer treatment, and innovative approaches to radiation therapy quality assurance. The work demonstrates a consistent thread of improving precision and safety in radiation oncology through physics-based solutions.

• Mentor of the Year Award: Medical Physics Residency Program, Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University (2014)
• Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award, Graduate Student Senate, Washington University (2020)

As Director of Education in Medical Physics, Dr. Altman leads the training program for medical physics residents and students. His clinical leadership extends to the MR/HIFU program where he oversees the physics implementation of this advanced technology. His work bridges clinical practice with research innovation, particularly in the areas of brachytherapy quality assurance and treatment planning optimization for prostate and breast cancers.