David Shepard

About

David Shepard is a leading medical physicist whose research has significantly advanced the precision and safety of radiation therapy, particularly in stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). His work bridges the gap between surgical and radiological oncology, focusing on optimizing treatment planning to maximize tumor control while sparing healthy tissue. Shepard’s influential 2003 paper on SRS treatment planning (21 citations) established foundational dosimetric principles for photon beam techniques, including Gamma Knife and Linac-based systems, shaping modern clinical practice. He is also a vocal advocate for noncoplanar beam arrangements in extracranial IMRT, as highlighted in his 2015 debate article (16 citations), demonstrating that such configurations improve dosimetry quality and should be more widely adopted. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin’s tomotherapy research group, Shepard joined the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 1999 before moving to his current position in 2006. His work has directly impacted how clinicians approach complex treatments, earning him recognition as a key figure in the evolution of stereotactic and IMRT technologies.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

Top Papers

1. 1
   Treatment Planning for Stereotactic Radiosurgery with Photon Beams

   21 citations · 2003
2. 2
   Noncoplanar beams improve dosimetry quality for extracranial intensity modulated radiotherapy and should be used more extensively

   16 citations · 2015

Key Collaborators

Contact & Links