Brien Washington, M.D., joined the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology as an assistant professor in August 2025.

Washington completed his undergraduate degree at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he majored in physics and double-minored in mathematics and chemistry. He was also a member of their football team. He completed his graduate studies at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, where he received both his master’s and Ph.D. in radiation and radiological sciences.

Washington shares more about his background and goals for this new role.

Can you share your professional background and experiences prior to joining our institution?

Washington: Prior to UAB, I completed a two-year clinical residency in therapeutic medical physics at the University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) in Dallas, Texas. As a senior resident at UTSW, I was honored as the 2024-2025 Resident of the Year. Prior to residency, I was a medical physics assistant for two years at the University of Kentucky while completing my Ph.D.

What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Washington: One of my undergraduate physics professors introduced me to the field. I thought it was interesting that the fundamental physics I was learning in class could be used to treat cancer. That inspired me to pursue a career in medical physics because it combined my love of physics with my passion for helping people.

What aspects of your new role here are you most excited about?

Washington: This is going to sound very generic, but it is the truth, I am ready to come in, help, and just be a part of the team. I am still early on in my career so I am excited to get involved wherever I can, be the best I can, and continue learning.

What is your primary area of expertise within your field, and what sparked your passion for it?

Washington: I have published research in adaptive radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and clinical outcome modeling. My interest in adaptive radiation therapy comes from my time at UTSW, which is a major adaptive radiation therapy center in the United States.  My interest in brachytherapy and outcome modeling stems from my Ph.D. thesis in which I investigated treatment delivery uncertainties in HDR GYN brachytherapy and their corresponding effects on clinical outcomes.

What are your goals for making an impact through both your teaching and patient care in this role?

Washington: To learn the ways of UAB that makes us so special in-patient care and scholarly endeavors, to add value to the department however I can, to help mentor the future of our field via our medical physics and radiation oncology residency programs, and to be a team player in our continued pursuit of excellence.

Anything else you’d like to add?

Washington: Fun fact, Dr. Rodney Sullivan and I both went to Presbyterian College, both played football there, both obtained medical physics degrees from the University of Kentucky, and now we work together here at UAB. We never overlapped at any of those places until now. What are the odds of that?!