Get to Know: New Jersey CyberKnife Medical Director Dr. David D’Ambrosio

Our medical director, Dr. David D’Ambrosio, has a longstanding commitment to clinical research and stereotactic radiosurgery for cancer treatment. He has given a number of national and international presentations at meetings of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) and the American Radium Society (ARS). He has also published several peer-reviewed research papers on prostate cancer and lung cancer.

Learn more about his experience since joining New Jersey CyberKnife.

What first drew you to radiation oncology?
I was drawn to radiation oncology because I wanted to be in a specialty dealing with people who required the highest level of care. I also like technology and hands-on medicine. Radiation oncology has a nice combination of technology and procedures, which makes every day very interesting professionally.

What do you like best about your job?
The patients and their families are the best part of my job. I meet so many different people from different backgrounds, all with different stories that I enjoy sharing with them. Treating someone for cancer creates a very powerful and personal connection. It’s a remarkable thing to be able to experience that with people, whether it’s sharing the struggles or the successes.

Describe one of your most memorable experiences since you began working at New Jersey CyberKnife.
One of the most memorable experiences would have to be seeing the pain relief that our first trigeminal neuralgia patient experienced. Someone whose pain was so severe she could neither eat nor smile for years was rendered completely pain-free.

What do you feel is the most important thing that New Jersey CyberKnife offers?
Convenience without compromise. It’s not easy for patients to go to daily radiation therapy treatments for weeks upon weeks. Offering an alternative that is safe and effective is a wonderful thing, especially for the elderly population we service in our community.

How do you stay abreast of the latest medical developments?
I read oncology journals every month, and I participate in local education events. I also try to attend at least one national meeting per year.