A Research Hub of the Radiation Oncology Residency Program
Welcome to HIGHER, the principal research center devoted to addressing disparities in cancer care outcomes. Our mission is to advance health implementation strategies and promote global health equity through robust data analysis, strategic community engagement, and clinical innovation.
Mission Statement
HIGHER functions as a collaborative platform where medical students, undergraduates, and residents work closely with experienced faculty to confront systemic challenges in radiation oncology. The organization is dedicated to transitioning from identifying inequalities to realizing durable and scalable solutions.
Core Research Pillars
- Implementation Science: Concentrated on assessing the integration and effectiveness of evidence-based interventions across diverse clinical settings.
- Global Oncology: Committed to enhancing access to radiotherapy and quality oncological care, particularly in resource-limited environments.
- Social Determinants of Health: Investigating the effects of geography, race, and socioeconomic status on treatment adherence and patient survival.
Featured Faculty & Mentors
HIGHER benefits from the guidance of leading experts who are dedicated to mentoring future physicians and researchers with a focus on equity.
HIGHER Collaboration Team
Divya Yerramilli, MD
Assistant Attending Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Divya Yerramilli is an academic contributor to the MSK Ethics Committee and works on health services outcomes from models of palliative care delivery as the Director of Inpatient Radiation Oncology.
Publications
- Palliative Radiation Therapy for Oncologic Emergencies in the Setting of COVID-19: Approaches to Balancing Risks and Benefits
- Novel Inpatient Radiation Oncology Consult Service Model Reduces Hospital Length of Stay
- Radiation Therapy at the End of-Life: Quality of Life and Financial Toxicity Considerations
- A Qualitative Exploration of Sacred Moments in Radiation Oncology
- A Worksheet to Facilitate Discussions of Values for Patients With Metastatic Cancer: A Pilot Study
Edward Dee, MD
Chief Resident
Dr. Edward Christopher “Chris” Dee specializes in global oncology and cancer health equity, with research focused on comparative health systems, cancer policy, and social determinants of health that influence cancer outcomes worldwide.
Publications
- Cancer incidence and mortality estimates in 2022 in southeast Asia: a comparative analysis
- National Cancer System Characteristics and Global Pan-Cancer Outcomes
- Machine learning reveals country-specific drivers of global cancer outcomes
- Race, Ethnicity, and Nasopharyngeal Cancer Subtypes in the US
- Disparities in receipt of palliative-intent treatment among disaggregated Hispanic populations with breast, lung, and prostate cancer in the United States
Kaitlyn Lapen, MD
Chief Resident
Dr. Kaitlyn Lapen specializes in the implementation and analysis of patient-reported outcomes in both clinical trial protocols and routine care, with a focus on how the patient voice can inform clinical workflows and optimize care delivery.
Publications
- Fear and Medical Misinformation Regarding Risk of Progression or Recurrence Among Patients with Breast Cancer
- A Virtual Mind-Body Exercise Program During Breast Radiation: Results From a Randomized Controlled Basket Trial
- Assessing the Implementation of Electronic Patient-Reported Outcomes (ePRO) to Reduce Follow-up Visits for Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Breast Cancer
- Screening for Financial Toxicity and Health-Related Social Risks in Patients With GI Cancer: Results From a Large Cancer Center
- Key Strategies to Promote Professional Wellness and Reduce Burnout in Oncology Clinicians
Department Commitment
Within the Department of Radiation Oncology, “HIGHER” embodies both our commitment to excellence and our objective to raise the standard of care for all patients. By emphasizing implementation science and global health equity, we endeavor to make the life-saving benefits of radiation therapy universally accessible, irrespective of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
Contact for Collaboration
For more information on collaborating with the HIGHER team or to inquire about current research opportunities, please contact:
Melissa Dawson
Education Program Manager
Email: [email protected]