Susan A. Higgins

Susan A. Higgins is a Professor of Therapeutic Radiology and Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences at Yale School of Medicine. She serves as Vice Chair for Wellness and Engagement in Therapeutic Radiology and Medical Director for Radiation Oncology at Shoreline Medical Center, Yale New Haven Hospital. Her research focuses on breast cancer radiotherapy, gynecologic oncology, and radiation therapy techniques.

• MD from University of Rochester (1990)
• Intern at St. Mary’s Hospital, University of Rochester (1991)
• Residency in Therapeutic Radiology at Yale University (1992)

Dr. Higgins specializes in breast cancer radiotherapy, emphasizing tailored radiation regimens to maximize tumor targeting while minimizing organ exposure. Her work includes deep inspiration breath hold technique, stereotactic radiation for metastases, and clinical trials for rectal and endometrial cancers. She has contributed to radiation oncology education through multi-institutional curriculum development.

Her research trends span clinical trials (YIV-906 + chemo-radiation for rectal cancer), gynecologic cancer treatment (endometrial and uterine serous carcinoma), and breast cancer recurrence analysis. She investigates predictors of vaginal stenosis post-brachytherapy and adjuvant therapies for advanced endometrial cancers.

Scientific contributions include:

• 2024 ‘Top Doctors’ recognition
• 2023 ‘Top Doctors’ recognition

Dr. Higgins' clinical practice is based at Shoreline Medical Center, Guilford, CT, and Yale Therapeutic Radiology. She is part of the Smilow Cancer Center and Breast Cancer Radiotherapy program at Yale.