Erik Sulman Appointed Dynamic Chair of Radiation Oncology at Duke
Duke University School of Medicine is pleased to announce the appointment of Erik Sulman, MD, PhD, as the new Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, effective August 1, 2025.
Dr. Erik Sulman: A Journey of Passion, Science, and Service
From a young age, Dr. Sulman was drawn to the sciences, seeking a career that allowed him to make a difference. As the first doctor in his family, his passion for patient care and scientific discovery shaped his path toward medicine. Thanks to an early mentorship experience after college, he found radiation oncology—a specialty that perfectly blends technical precision with deep human connection.
“I love the personal interaction with my patients,” Dr. Sulman says. “I approach each patient uniquely and personalize my care, guided by their needs rather than a formula.”
A Record of Leadership and Excellence: Dr. Erik Sulman’s Career Highlights
Before joining Duke, Dr. Sulman served at NYU Langone Health, where he held several distinguished leadership roles, including:
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Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Radiation Oncology
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Co-Director of the Brain and Spine Tumor Center at the Perlmutter Cancer Center
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Assistant Dean of Physician Scientist Education
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Director of the MD/PhD Program at NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Clinically, Dr. Sulman is a recognized expert in treating brain and spinal cord tumors, utilizing advanced radiation technologies like Gamma Knife® radiosurgery and external beam radiation therapy. His research focuses on overcoming radiation resistance in glioblastoma, developing targeted therapies, and identifying molecular predictors of treatment response.
On the national stage, Dr. Sulman serves as Translational Science Chair for many major brain tumor clinical trials and is a Board Member of the Society for Neuro-Oncology.
Dr. Erik Sulman’s Philosophy: Science Meets Compassion
Throughout his career, Dr. Sulman has remained committed to providing compassionate, personalized care. His approach emphasizes understanding each patient’s journey and offering tailored treatments that align with their specific challenges and hopes.
“Radiation oncology is a very rewarding field—it is technical and data driven but also involves a lot of patient interaction,” Dr. Sulman reflects.
Photo from duke.edu
A New Era for Duke Radiation Oncology Under Dr. Erik Sulman’s Leadership
With Dr. Sulman at the helm, Duke’s Department of Radiation Oncology is poised for a future defined by innovation, collaboration, and a deep commitment to advancing cancer care. Under his leadership, the department will continue to push the boundaries of research and patient care to ensure that every patient receives the most effective, personalized treatments available.
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By: Md Foorquan Hashmi, MD, Sr. Editor, OncoDaily: India Bureau
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