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Chaitanya Kalavagunta, PhD

Academic Title:

Assistant Professor

Primary Appointment:

Radiation Oncology

Additional Title:

DABR

Email:

ckalavagunta@umm.edu

Location:

University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Phone (Primary):

410 553 8102

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Education and Training

Education

Post Graduate Education and Training

Certifications

  • 2014:  American Association of Physicists in Medicine – Certificate in Magnetic Resonance Guided Radiation Therapy
  • 2016:  American Association of Physicists in Medicine – Certificate in Application of Risk Analysis Methods to Radiotherapy Quality Management
  • 2019:  American Board of Radiology – Certificate in Therapeutic Medical Physics

Biosketch

Dr. Kalavagunta received his Ph.D. in Medical Physics from the Department of Radiology at the  University of Minnesota  in Minneapolis, MN. He also holds two Master of Science degrees: one in Physics from the  University of Kansas, and another in Medical Physics from the  University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. Prior to that, he earned a B.Sc. Physics (Honors) and an M.Sc. in Physics from the  Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in India.

In 2016, Dr. Kalavagunta completed a two-year residency in Therapeutic Medical Physics at the  University of Maryland School of Medicine. He currently serves as an  Assistant Professor  in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Research/Clinical Keywords

Radiation oncology physics, medical physics education, quality assurance, linear accelerator QA, AAPM compliance, TotalQA, workflow automation, treatment planning QA, e-learning, clinical optimization, safety systems, data-driven tools, multidisciplinary training, professional culture.

Highlighted Publications

Additional Publication Citations

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  • Xu J, Zhang B, Guerrero M, Kalavagunta C, Chen S, Xu H. An automated document verification tool in radiation oncology EMR: Application for LDR prostate brachytherapy. J Appl Clin Med Phys. 2024; e14466. doi:10.1002/acm2.14466
  • Diwanji T, Mohindra P, Vyfhuis M, Snider J, Kalavagunta C, Mossahebi S, Yu J, Feigenberg S, Badiyan S. Advances in radiotherapy techniques and delivery for non-small cell lung cancer: benefits of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, proton therapy, and stereotactic body radiation therapy. Transl Lung Cancer Res. 2017; 6(2):131. doi:10.21037/tlcr.2017.03.11
  • Yukihara EG, Ruan C, Gasparian PBR, Clouse WJ, Kalavagunta C, Ahmad S. An optically stimulated luminescence system to measure dose profiles in x-ray computed tomography. Phys Med Biol. 2009; 54:6337. doi:10.1088/0031-9155/54/20/014
  • Yukihara EG, Gasparian PBR, Sawakuchi GO, Ruan C, Ahmad S, Kalavagunta C, Clouse WJ, Sahoo N, Titt U. Medical applications of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs). Radiat Meas. 2010; 45:658–662. doi:10.1016/j.radmeas.2010.01.012
  • Gasparian PBR, Ruan C, Ahmad S, Kalavagunta C, Cheng CY, Yukihara EG. Demonstrating the use of optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) for measurement of staff radiation exposure in interventional fluoroscopy and helmet output factors in radiosurgery. Radiat Meas. 2010; 45:677–680. doi:10.1016/j.radmeas.2010.01.018

Non Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

  • Mossahebi S, Kalavagunta C, Chung H,” Current technological state of radiation therapy for the treatment of lung cancer”, Internal Medicine Review 2 2016.

Conference Presentations

  • Ding J, Kalavagunta C, Lasio G, Gopal A. Evaluation of Robust-Optimization Techniques in Deep Inspiration Breath Hold Breast Radiotherapy for Enhanced Cardiac Dose Sparing. AAPM 66th Annual Meeting; 2024; Los Angeles, CA.
  • Ding J, Gopal A, Guerrero M, Cammin J, Kalavagunta C, Zhang B, Chen S, Zhou J, Xu H. Decoding Mysteries: How Electron Density Phantom Choice Impacts CT and CBCT HU Measurements. AAPM 66th Annual Meeting; 2024; Los Angeles, CA.
  • MacFarlane M, Kalavagunta C, Gopal A, Xu H, Tehrani J, Zhou J, Chen S. Clinical Robustness of Multi-Isocentric VMAT Craniospinal Irradiation. AAPM 65th Annual Meeting; 2023; Houston, TX.
  • Kalavagunta C, Vaish I, Cammin J, Guerrero M, McAvoy S, Vyfhuis M, Slyke A, Mashayekhi M, Ding J, Gopal A. Assessing the Prevalence of DEI Information in CAMPEP Medical Physics Residency Webpages. AAPM 65th Annual Meeting; 2023; Houston, TX.
  • Kalavagunta C, Gopal A. Chatting with ChatGPT about the Future of Medical Physics. AAPM 65th Annual Meeting; 2023; Houston, TX.
  • Xu J, Xu J, Kalavagunta C. Auto Analysis Commissioning on EPID-Based Winston Lutz Tests. AAPM Spring Clinical Meeting; 2022.
  • Tehrani JN, Kalavagunta C, Lasio G, Chen S, Yi B. Motion of Electronic Portal Imaging Devices and Clinical Implications for Multi-Leaf Collimator Quality Assurance. Joint AAPM & COMP Meeting; 2020.
  • Kalavagunta C, Becker S, Gopal A, Prado K. A Lean TrueBeam Commissioning Beam Dataset for Multi-Linac Facilities. AAPM 59th Annual Meeting; 2017.
  • Kalavagunta C, Lasio G. Using Robust Optimization in RayStation to Achieve Flash in Breast VMAT Plans. AAPM 59th Annual Meeting; 2017.
  • Chen S, Zhang B, Yi B, Langen K, Nichols E, Langner U, Gopal A, Kalavagunta C, Prado K, D'Souza W. Post-Upgrade Quality Assurance of the Radiation Oncology Information System. AAPM 59th Annual Meeting; 2017.
  • Gopal A, Xu H, Kalavagunta C, Chen S. Accuracy of Step-Function Based CBCT-Density Calibration and Dose Calculation in a RayStation Treatment Planning System. AAPM 59th Annual Meeting; 2017.
  • Mossahebi S, Langen K, Guerrero M, Yi B, Lu W, Kalavagunta C, Prado K, Chen S. Calculation-Based Patient Specific IMRT QA Detects Potential Errors That Measurement-Based QA Does Not. AAPM 58th Annual Meeting; 2016.
  • Snider JW, Kalavagunta C, Xu H, Schrum A, Vadnais P, Marter K, Lin MH, Suntharalingam M. Bolus effect of immobilization masks in head and neck radiotherapy mitigated by mask alteration and dosimetric optimization for skin avoidance. ASTRO 57th Annual Meeting; 2015.
  • Snider JW, Kalavagunta C, Xu H, Schrum A, Vadnais P, Marter K, Lin MH, Suntharalingam M. Improved Skin Sparing with Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) in Head and Neck Irradiation Utilizing Skin-Avoidance Optimization. ASTRO 57th Annual Meeting; 2015.
  • Kalavagunta C, Lasio G, Yi B, Zhou J, Lin MH. Characterization of Pacemaker/ICD Dose in SAVI HDR Brachytherapy. AAPM 57th Annual Meeting; 2015.
  • Kalavagunta C, Lin MH, Snider J, Xu H, Schrum A, Vadnais P, Marter K, Suntharalingam M. A Radiochromic Film Based Quantitative Assessment of Thermoplastic Mask Bolus Effect in Head and Neck IMRT/VMAT. AAPM 57th Annual Meeting; 2015.
  • Metzger GJ, Kalavagunta C, Schmechel S, Bolan PJ, Konety B, Spilseth B, Warlick CA, Koopmeiners JS. Development of Quantitative Multi-Parametric MRI Models for Prostate Cancer Assessment Using Registered Correlative Pathology. ISMRM 23rd Annual Meeting; 2015.
  • Metzger GJ, Fossen B, Bolan PJ, Warlick CA, Konety B, Schmechel S, Kalavagunta C, Tkac I. Detection and Grading of Prostate Cancer Using Model-Based Spectral Fitting. ISMRM 22nd Annual Meeting; 2014.
  • Kalavagunta C, Zhou X, Schmechel S, Koopmeiners JS, Warlick CA, Konety B, Metzger GJ. Pixel-Wise Multi-Parametric Assessment of Prostate Cancer from Co-registered Regions of Pathologically Defined Disease. ISMRM 22nd Annual Meeting; 2014.
  • Kalavagunta C, Zhou X, Henriksen J, Schmechel S, Metzger GJ. Image Registration of Histopathology and MR in Prostate Cancer using LATIS. Fourth Annual Masonic Cancer Research Symposium; 2013; Minneapolis, MN.
  • Kalavagunta C, Warlick CA, Zhou X, Li X, Koopmeiners JS, Henriksen JC, Johnson AD, Schmechel S, Metzger GJ. Improved Post-Prostatectomy Pathology Co-Registration with In-Vivo MRI by a Novel Deformable Registration Strategy. Donald Gleason Conference on Prostate Cancer; 2013.
  • Nam JW, Kalavagunta C, Dankbar SC, Henriksen J, Schmechel S, Metzger GJ. JPStitch 2.0: a Software for Volumetric Reconstruction and Analysis of Digitized Pathology. Donald Gleason Conference on Prostate Cancer; 2013.
  • Kalavagunta C, Warlick CA, Zhou X, Li X, Koopmeiners JS, Henriksen JC, Johnson AD, Schmechel S, Metzger GJ. Analysis of Quantitative MRI and Pathology Based on Co-Registered Regions of Prostate Cancer. ISMRM 20th Annual Meeting; 2012.
  • Kalavagunta C, Zhou X, Henriksen JC, Schmechel S, Metzger GJ. Registration of In-Vivo Prostate MRI and Pseudo Whole Mount Histology using Local Affine Transformation with Internal Structures (LATIS). ISMRM 20th Annual Meeting; 2012.
  • Mangia S, Chamberlain R, De Martino F, Moeller S, Corum C, Kim T, Kalavagunta C, Michaeli S, Garwood M, Kim S, Ugurbil K. Functional MRI with SWIFT. ISMRM 20th Annual Meeting; 2012.
  • Li X, Kalavagunta C, Nelson MT, Metzger GJ. Arterial Spin Labeling Perfusion Studies of the Prostate with an ERC. ISMRM 19th Annual Meeting; 2011.
  • Li X, Kalavagunta C, Metzger GJ. Prostate Perfusion Using Arterial Spin Labeling: Initial Experience. ISMRM 19th Annual Meeting; 2011.
  • Kalavagunta C, Metzger GJ. A Field Comparison of R1 and R2 Relaxivities of Gd-DTPA in Aqueous Solution and Whole Blood: 3T vs. 7T.* ISMRM 18th Annual Meeting; 2010.
  • Gasparian PBR, Yukihara EG, Ruan C, Ahmad S, Kalavagunta C, Cheng CY. Preliminary Results on the Application of Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) to Dosimetry in Diagnostic Radiology and Radiosurgery. 14th Brazilian Congress on Medical Physics; 2009.
  • Ruan C, Kalavagunta C, Yukihara EG, Gasparian PBR, Salahuddin A. Estimation of Radiation Dose from Multi-Slice CT Using Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dosimeters: A Preliminary Study. RSNA Annual Meeting; 2008.

Research Interests

Dr. Kalavagunta’s research centers on advancing quality, safety, and education in radiation oncology physics through innovation, technology integration, and collaborative learning. His work focuses on developing and optimizing quality assurance (QA) processes for linear accelerators, imaging systems, and treatment planning platforms, with a particular emphasis on automation, workflow efficiency, and compliance with  AAPM guidelines.

He is passionate about leveraging data-driven tools such as  TotalQA  and designing user-friendly interfaces to enhance operational safety and clarity in clinical environments. His research also explores educational innovation, supporting learning and multidisciplinary training in radiation oncology.

Dr. Kalavagunta’s interests extend to novel treatment techniques and the cross-disciplinary application of physics principles to improve radiotherapy outcomes. As a member of the Radiation Oncology  Together We Thrive Committee, he is committed to fostering a culture of belonging and professional growth within the department through structured training programs and inclusive educational initiatives.

Clinical Specialty Details

Clinical Expertise

  • Radiation Oncology Physics
    • Board-certified in Therapeutic Medical Physics with clinical expertise in radiation therapy physics.
  • Disease Site Focus
    • Hematologic malignancies: Lymphoma, Leukemia, and Multiple Myeloma
    • Central Nervous System (CNS) cancers
  • Technical Expertise
    • Quality assurance for linear accelerators and imaging systems
    • Implementation and optimization of QA platforms (e.g., ImageOwl TotalQA)
    • Treatment planning system commissioning and validation
    • Safety and compliance with AAPM guidelines (e.g., TG-142, TG-198)

Awards and Affiliations

Awards

  • Oral Presentation Award, AAPM Mid-Atlantic Chapter Meeting – Young Investigators Symposium (2015)
    • Recognized among 10 postdoctoral researchers, residents, and graduate students. 
  • Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship, University of Minnesota (2013)
    • Awarded to the university’s most accomplished Ph.D. candidates. Included a $25,000 stipend, full tuition coverage (up to 14 credits/semester), subsidized health insurance, and a $1,000 conference grant. 
  • Oral Presentation Award, AAPM North-Central Chapter Meeting – Young Investigators Symposium (2013)
    • Selected from a competitive pool of 6 postdoctoral researchers, residents, and graduate students.
  • Poster Presentation Award, Donald Gleason Conference on Prostate & Urologic Cancers (2013)
    • Honored for exceptional research presentation and significant contribution in a competitive field of 8 students. 

Professional Society Memberships

  • Full Member, American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) (2006–present)

Grants and Contracts

Grants 

  • Travel Grant, ISMRM 20th Annual Meeting & Exhibition – Educational Trainee Stipend. (2012)
    Selected from over 500 applications to receive a monetary award and waived registration to the annual meeting. 
  • Travel Grant, University of Minnesota Otto Schmitt Biomimetic Foundation. (2012)
    One of 8 students awarded $2,000 to attend the ISMRM conference in Melbourne, Australia. 

Professional Activity

Institutional Service 

  • 2015–2016:  Member, UMMC QA Committee
  • 2016–present:  Interviewer, Medical Physics Residency Candidates, University of Maryland School of Medicine
  • 2016–present:  Interviewer, Faculty Candidates, University of Maryland School of Medicine
  • 2017–2019:  Member, Siemens Committee, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
  • 2020:  Invited Faculty Reviewer, Varian Medical Systems AI Segmentation Usability Study
  • 2020–present:  Member, Together We Thrive Committee, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine
  • 2020–present:  Member, Lymphoma/Leukemia/Myeloma Clinical Practice Guidelines Review Committee, Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Maryland School of Medicine

National Service 

Links of Interest

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