Smith “Jim” Apisarnthanarax Named to Lead Radiation Oncology at OU Health and the University of Oklahoma

Published: Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Smith “Jim” Apisarnthanarax, MD, FASTRO, has been named chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and clinical service chief of radiation oncology at OU Health. He will begin in February 2027, pending approval by the University of Oklahoma Board of Regents.

In this dual role, Apisarnthanarax will lead the department’s clinical, research and educational missions and deepen the integration of academic discovery and patient care at OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center. His leadership will focus on expanding access to advanced radiation therapies, growing innovative research and clinical trials, recruiting and developing outstanding faculty and strengthening radiation oncology services throughout Oklahoma.

Apisarnthanarax joins OU Health and the University of Oklahoma from the University of Washington School of Medicine and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and one of the nation’s leading institutions for cancer research and treatment. He is currently professor of radiation oncology at the University of Washington, where he also serves as vice chair of faculty affairs, and medical director of radiation oncology at Fred Hutch’s South Lake Union campus.

Internationally recognized for his work in gastrointestinal radiation oncology, Apisarnthanarax has made significant contributions to the treatment of primary liver cancers and the advancement of precision radiation therapy. His clinical and research expertise spans proton beam therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and novel functional imaging techniques that improve treatment precision by maximizing tumor control while preserving healthy organ function. He served as vice chair and lead author of the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s (ASTRO) first clinical practice guideline on radiation therapy for primary liver cancers, which helped shape global recommendations for treating hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

“Dr. Apisarnthanarax brings a clear vision for how clinical care, research and education can strengthen one another,” said Ian F. Dunn, MD, FACS, FAANS, professor and executive dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and chief physician executive at OU Health. “His experience developing faculty and building nationally recognized treatment programs will help us turn scientific advances into better care for patients while preparing the next generation of radiation oncologists.”

“I am honored to join OU Health and the University of Oklahoma at such an exciting time for cancer care and academic medicine,” said Apisarnthanarax. “Stephenson Cancer Center has a strong foundation of clinical excellence, research and innovation, and I look forward to working alongside its talented faculty and staff to build on these strengths. Together, we have a real opportunity to do something special: bring the most advanced radiation treatments close to home, develop innovative programs and improve cancer outcomes that will hopefully make a lasting difference in the lives of Oklahomans and their families.”

Throughout his career, Apisarnthanarax has focused on building clinical programs, fostering multidisciplinary collaboration and expanding patient access to specialized cancer care. At the University of Washington and Fred Hutch, he helped build a specialized liver radiation oncology program and grew its annual patient volume more than eightfold. As medical director at the South Lake Union campus, he has helped lead clinical growth, improve operations and introduce new technologies.

“Patients and families in Oklahoma should have access to advanced cancer care close to home,” said Jonathan W. Curtright, MBA, MHA, president and CEO of OU Health. “Dr. Apisarnthanarax has demonstrated that he can develop specialized programs and expand the number of patients they serve. His leadership will support our work to make Oklahoma a destination for research-driven cancer care.”

Apisarnthanarax has also contributed to the field through national leadership, professional service and education. He has held national roles developing clinical practice guidelines, professional standards and quality initiatives. Deeply committed to training the next generation of radiation oncologists, he has served as associate residency program director at both the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Washington. Earlier this year, he was named a Fellow of ASTRO (FASTRO), a distinction that recognizes sustained and impactful contributions to the specialty.

He earned his undergraduate and medical degrees from Brown University, completed a research fellowship in experimental radiation oncology at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and completed his radiation oncology residency at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He began his faculty career at the University of Pennsylvania before joining the University of Washington in 2013.

Christina Henson, MD, professor of radiation oncology, has served as interim chair of the department throughout the national search and leadership transition. Dunn thanked her for her dedication, steady leadership and continued service to the department.

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