Stephen Avery

Stephen Avery is a Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and is affiliated with the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. He is actively engaged in global health initiatives, particularly focused on strengthening radiation oncology infrastructure in Africa, with ongoing projects in Tanzania, Ghana, and Bangladesh.

His research interests lie at the intersection of Radiation Oncology, Medical Physics, Artificial Intelligence, and Quality Improvement. He is dedicated to advancing cancer care in low-resource settings through education, technology, and international collaboration. His work emphasizes developing sustainable training programs, such as a proposed MSc in Medical Physics at MUHAS, and implementing quality assurance systems using information and communication technology (ICT).

The recent publications highlight a strong trend toward addressing global disparities in cancer care through innovative, scalable solutions. Themes include the implementation of hypofractionated radiotherapy in Africa, leveraging ICT for radiation oncology, and building local capacity through education and research partnerships. His work bridges clinical innovation with public health impact.

Scientific Awards and Recognition:

• Finalist, Penn Global GEF Grant 2024 (PI) - Global Medical Physics Program in Ghana

Dr. Avery is actively involved in mentoring and global health education, leading initiatives like the Global Health Catalyst Summit (Co-Director, 2023) and the development of training programs in East Africa. He has secured pilot funding from Penn Global GEF to deliver quality assurance courses, demonstrating success in obtaining research support for global oncology projects.

He is leading efforts to establish a USA/Africa Radiation Oncology Core (ROC) to serve as a hub for research, education, and quality assurance in East Africa. This includes partnerships with institutions like the Ocean Road Cancer Institute and MUHAS, aiming to create sustainable infrastructure for cancer control.