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Together We Thrive Committee

Together We Thrive
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Together We Thrive Committee

Together We Thrive is comprised of clinical and research faculty, residents, and staff. The first official meeting of the committee was held in September 2020.

Mission Statement

Together We Thrive is committed to cultivating an environment where all are valued, respected, and heard. Through engagement, education, and opportunity, we empower growth, collaboration, and exceptional patient care.


Goals

  • Provide Engaging Learning Opportunities:
    Offer asynchronous and live training that fosters engagement and provides valuable knowledge in areas of resilience, respect, and professional development.
  • Facilitate Thoughtful Discussions:
    Organize book and documentary discussions that encourage varied perspectives and the open exchange of ideas.
  • Ensure Empowerment Through Feedback:
    Create anonymous feedback channels where employees can voice their thoughts and suggestions, empowering them to contribute to the department's growth.
  • Invite Experts for Learning and Growth:
    Host subject-matter experts to speak on topics that provide opportunities for deeper learning and collaboration.
  • Strengthen Networks Across the Organization:
    Build relationships with similar committees throughout the hospital system to share best practices and collaborate on mutual goals.
  • Evaluate Progress and Opportunities:
    Conduct regular assessments to monitor the impact of initiatives and identify new opportunities to enhance engagement and empowerment within the department.
  • Ensure Recognition & Retention:
    Develop initiatives that make faculty and staff feel valued and supported through structured appreciation programs, peer recognition, and retention strategies.
  • Provide Professional Growth & Mentorship:
    Create opportunities for career development, leadership pathways, and workforce engagement to foster individual and team success.
  • Promote Workplace Well-Being:
    Implement strategies to address burnout, strengthen collaboration, and promote a thriving work environment that prioritizes both personal and professional fulfillment.

Culture and Environment

The Department of Radiation Oncology values all faculty, trainees, staff, and patients. We aim to recruit department members from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. The department stives to provide an engaging, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all. Our leadership welcomes open communication and conversations. 

Members of the Department of Radiation Oncology are leaders in addressing healthcare disparities and the cancer care needs of underserved populations. Under-resourced patients represent over half of those enrolled in UMMC/UMGCCC clinical trials, which is more than three times the national average.

Our active Together we Thrive Committee comprised of members across a variety of work groups in the department offers professional trainings and expert-led seminars, facilitates an environment of continuous learning, and supports wellness in the workplace.


Committee Members

Chaitanya Kalavagunta

Chaitanya Kalavagunta, PhD
Committee Chair
Assistant Professor and Medical Physicist

Melissa Vyfhuis

Melissa Ana Liriano Vyfhuis, MD, PhD
Committee Founder & Former Chair
Associate Professor and Physician
Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at UM-CRMC

Dominic Bulkley

Dominic Bulkley
Committee Treasurer
Senior Project Specialist

 

Sara Dudley

Sara A. Dudley, MD
Assistant Professor and Physician

Rivka Leichter

Rivka Leichter, CRNP, FNPC
Nurse Practitioner 

 

Acara Carter

Acara Carter
Clinical Research Coordinator

 

David Alicia

David Alicia, CMD
Senior Dosimetrist

Reza Zarinshenas headshot 250 x 300 pix

Reza Zarinshenas, MD
Medical Resident Physician

 

Michael MacFarlane Committee Pic

Michael J. MacFarlane, PhD
Assistant Professor and Medical Physicist

 

Nicole Helie 250 pix

Nicole Helie
Lead Clinical Research Specialist

 

Austin Thompson resized

Austin Thompson, MD
Committee Medical Resident Liaison 

 

Paul Armstrong 200 x 350 pix

Paul Armstrong, MD
Medical Resident Physician

Jessica White

Jessica White
Committee Communications Manager
Sr. Program Coordinator

Cameron Chason

Cameron Chason
Committee Secretary

Human Resources Manager

Kim Marter

Kim Marter
Senior Dosimetrist

Yasmeen Ghazala

Ghazala Yasmeen, (DMG)
IS & T Corporate Liaison Officer, Rad Onc

Erika Davies 250 pix

Erika Davies, PhD
Assistant Professor and Director of Medical Countermeasures for DTRS

Tommy Stasko headshot 250 x 300 pix

Tommy Stasko, PhD
Committee Medical Physics Resident Liaison

Juan Chen headshot 250 pix

Juan Chen, PhD
Medical Physics Resident

Banghao Zhou headshot 250 x 300 pix

Banghao Zhou, PhD
Medical Physics Resident

Marah McLaurin 2026 headshot 250 x 300 pix

Marah McLaurin, CMD, RT(T)
Medical Dosimetrist

 

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