Radiation oncology is an effective cancer treatment and is used in over half of all cancer cases. Yet, access to this lifesaving therapy is not universal. In many low- and middle-income countries, especially across sub-Saharan Africa, fewer than 1 in 10 people have access to radiation treatment. Dartmouth is working to change that.
To help close this global gap in cancer care, Dartmouth’s Department of Radiation Oncology and Applied Sciences has launched a Division of Global Radiation Oncology.
Core principles
Our mission is to improve access to radiological health around the world through a focused approach built on five core principles:
Implementation science
We help build and improve radiation therapy programs where they are needed most.
- Helped launch Malawi’s first radiotherapy program
- Designed shielding plans for a new cancer center in Kenya
Clinical training
We provide hands-on training for doctors, physicists, and technologists.
- Delivered courses in advanced treatment planning in Nigeria
- Conducted in-person educational visits and long-term collaborations in Mongolia
Virtual education
We make high-quality medical physics education available to everyone, everywhere.
- Monthly lecture series viewed by people in over 60 countries
- Practical online workshops with hundreds of participants from around the globe
- Full academic courses delivered virtually to medical professionals in Kenya, Tanzania, Guyana, and Türkiye
Community engagement
We connect the worlds of global health and radiological science.
- Leadership roles within NGOs involved on increasing and improving access to care
- Work closely with global international organizations like the IAEA and WHO
Understanding the determinants of global radiological health
We study why gaps in access exist and what can be done about them.
- Explore how historical, political, and economic factors shape today’s radiology and cancer care landscapes
- Highlight the ongoing impact of colonial legacies on health infrastructure
Together, we are working to bring quality cancer care to communities everywhere.
Related publications
Weygand J, Fajemisin J, Svolos P, Branco D, Keiper TD, Suliman E, Bryant JM, Rubinstein AE, Einstein SA, White A, Mollura DJ. Towards mitigating radiological health disparities using virtual strategies in global medical physics education: A RAD-AID International example. Advances in Medical Physics and Applied Sciences. 2025; 1(2): 53-65.
Tazeh S, Mbackwa R, Tambe J, Ali I, Titi J, Betfiang M, Weygand J. A roadmap for expanding access to affordable diagnostic imaging services in West and Central Africa: Lessons from Cameroon. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. 2025; 56: 101977.
Kumwembe M, Tembo E, Sakwiya L, Nyirenda R, Chaphuka C, Weygand J. Building radiation therapy technologist capacity in Malawi: Overcoming challenges and expanding roles. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. 2025; 56: 101905.
Munkhtuvshin T, Shagdarsuren B, Bold B, Khurelsukh K, Myagmarsuren D, Bryant JM, Salzillo TC, Mohammed S, Einstein SA, Musall BC, Mollura DJ, Weygand J. Cultivating expertise in MRI physics in Mongolia through international collaboration. Journal of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences. 2025; 56: 101897.
Weygand J, Hao Y, Awol M, Joseph AO, Kibudde S, Mallum A, Ngoma TA, Adeneye SO, Awusi K, Kisukari JD, Mkhize T, Tendwa MB, Ainsworth V, Ajose A, Swanson W, Avery S, Bhatia R, Chinegwundoh F, Deville C, Huq MS, Li H, Lehmann J, Njeh CF, Wijesooriya K, Ngwa W, Graef K, Simons J, Balogun O, Incrocci L. Evaluating the readiness for ultra-hypofractionated prostate and breast radiotherapy in sub-Saharan Africa: A strategic needs-assessment of six leading African institutions. Ecancermedicalscience. 2025; 19: 1853.
Parker SA, Weygand J, Bernat BG, Jackson AM, Mawlawi O, Barreto I, Hao Y, Khan R, Yorke AA, Swanson W, Huq MS, Lief E, Della Biancia C, Njeh CF, Al-Basheer A, Chau OW, Avery S, Ngwa W, Sandwall PA. Assessing radiology and radiotherapy needs for cancer care in low-and-middle-income countries: Insights from a global survey of departmental and institutional leaders. Advances in Radiation Oncology. 2024; 9: 101615.