Dr. Daniel Hamstra named chair of Department of Radiation Oncology

Dr. Daniel Hamstra is joining Baylor College of Medicine as professor and chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology. He will serve as the Radiation Oncology Lead at the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and Radiation Oncology Service Line Chief for St. Luke’s Health – Texas Division.

Hamstra specializes in prostate cancer and tumors of the brain and spine with a particular focus on understanding patients’ experience both during and after treatment. His work has made a substantial impact on the growing understanding and appreciation of patient reported quality of life after radiation therapy. He has led local and national clinical trials of radiation therapy in prostate cancer and is an active member of several medical professional societies including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and the Radiological Society of North America. 

“We are pleased to welcome Dr. Hamstra to Baylor College of Medicine. He has shown through his work on quality of life after cancer treatment that his focus on patient care is a top priority,” said Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor College of Medicine. “He will be a great leader for the Department of Radiation Oncology and the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center.”

Hamstra completed his undergraduate degree at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Mich., and both his medical degree and doctoral degree in pharmacology, as well as training in radiation oncology, at the University of Michigan Medical School in Ann Arbor, Mich. He completed a fellowship in pediatric radiation oncology at the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Hamstra joins Baylor after spending nine years at the University of Michigan and four years at the William Beaumont Oakland University School of Medicine.

“My family and I very much look forward to moving to Houston. Baylor College of Medicine is an outstanding institution that is recognized nationally for its high-quality care, research excellence and teaching,” Hamstra said. “I’m delighted to take on this role at Baylor and look forward to the exciting opportunities available across Baylor College of Medicine and its partners at Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center, the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Harris Health System.”