Roles
Assistant Professor of Clinical
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Biography
Olga M. Dona Lemus, PhD, DABR, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Radiation Oncology at the University of Miami, where she brings a wealth of experience in medical physics and radiation oncology. With a career spanning academic, research, and clinical roles, she specializes in advanced radiation treatment techniques, particularly online adaptive radiotherapy.
Dr. Dona Lemus earned her BSc in Nuclear Physics from the University of Havana, Cuba, and continued her studies at McMaster University, Canada, where she obtained an MSc in Medical Physics and Applied Radiation Sciences and a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Her postgraduate training included a Medical Physics Residency at Columbia University, completed in 2021. She is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology (DABR) and licensed to practice in New York and Florida.
Her clinical and research interests focus on the development and refinement of innovative radiotherapy techniques. A significant portion of her work investigates the effects of intrafractional organ motion, particularly in prostate cancer treatments, an area in which she has contributed to enhancing the precision of online adaptive radiotherapy. Her expertise extends to linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery, the dosimetric impact of metal implants during radiation treatments, and the development of synthetic CT for stereotactic procedures and adaptive treatments.
Before joining the University of Miami, Dr. Dona Lemus was an Assistant Professor at the University of Rochester, where she also served as Associate Program Director for the Medical Physics Residency Program. During her time there, she played a pivotal role in mentoring medical physics residents while advancing research in adaptive radiotherapy.
Dr. Dona Lemus has published extensively, authoring numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and a book chapter. Her research appears in leading journals such as Cancers, Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics, and Practical Radiation Oncology. Her scholarly contributions cover topics such as the challenges of dose calculation in the presence of anatomical changes during treatment, the impact of gas pockets in abdominal and pelvic cancer radiotherapy, and advancements in adaptive techniques for prostate cancer.
Beyond her academic and clinical roles, she is actively engaged in professional organizations, including the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). She has also served as a guest editor for special issues of Cancers and is a peer reviewer for various medical physics journals.
Dr. Dona Lemus’s research has received funding from prestigious organizations such as the National Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Varian Medical Systems. Her work on adaptive radiotherapy continues to shape treatment protocols and improve outcomes for cancer patients.
As part of her ongoing efforts, Dr. Dona Lemus remains dedicated to improving the precision of radiation therapy through her research and clinical practice, helping to push the boundaries of cancer treatment technologies and mentor the next generation of medical physicists. -
Education & Training
Education
Post Graduate Training
Licensures and Certifications
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Teaching Interests
Dr. Olga M. Dona Lemus has a strong commitment to education and mentoring in the field of medical physics and radiation oncology. Her teaching interests encompass a wide range of topics, including medical physics principles, radiation therapy techniques, and the integration of technology in clinical practice. She is dedicated to fostering a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts of medical physics among her students, ensuring they are well-prepared for their careers in healthcare.
In her teaching, Dr. Dona Lemus also prioritizes the integration of emerging technologies and advancements in medical physics. She aims to prepare her students for the evolving landscape of healthcare by introducing them to cutting-edge techniques such as image-guided radiotherapy, online adaptive radiotherapy, and artificial intelligence applications in radiation oncology. Her goal is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern treatment modalities and contribute to the advancement of patient care.
Moreover, Dr. Dona Lemus is passionate about mentorship and is committed to supporting her students' professional development. She has been an active mentor for the AAPM Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program since 2022.
Through her teaching and mentorship, Dr. Dona Lemus strives to instill a sense of curiosity, innovation, and ethical responsibility in her students, preparing them to be leaders in medical physics and radiation oncology. -
Research Interests
Dr. Olga M. Dona Lemus's research interests lie at the intersection of medical physics and radiation oncology, with a primary focus on optimizing radiation therapy techniques for cancer treatment. Her work centers on addressing critical challenges in online adaptive radiotherapy, particularly in managing intrafractional organ motion, with the goal of improving the accuracy and effectiveness of abdominopelvic cancer treatments. By refining online treatment adaptation, she aims to reduce the impact of organ motion, which can significantly affect the precision of radiation dose delivery.
Dr. Dona Lemus is also involved in research aimed at advancing imaging technologies for radiation oncology. Her work in image-guided radiotherapy (IGRT) focuses on improving the integration of various imaging modalities, such as MRI and CT, to enhance tumor targeting and minimize radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. This includes developing techniques for real-time image analysis and adaptive treatment planning.
Another key area of interest for Dr. Dona Lemus is radiomics, which involves the extraction of quantitative data from medical images to improve clinical decision-making. She explores the potential of radiomic biomarkers to predict treatment outcomes and guide personalized therapy for cancer patients. By incorporating machine learning and data analysis techniques, she aims to translate imaging data into actionable insights that can improve patient outcomes.
In addition to her work on technical and clinical aspects of radiation therapy, Dr. Dona Lemus is committed to exploring the broader implications of medical physics in healthcare. She is particularly interested in the role of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) in improving workflow efficiency and patient safety in radiation oncology departments.
Through her research, Dr. Dona Lemus strives to contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment by developing innovative solutions that enhance precision, personalization, and the overall quality of care in radiation therapy. -
Professional Activities
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