Dr. William Neil Duggar named chief medical physicist for radiation oncology
Dr. William Neil Duggar is the new chief medical physicist of radiation oncology, marking a significant milestone in his career. With a strong background in advancing medical technologies and enhancing patient care, Duggar brings a wealth of experience to his new role.
Throughout his tenure at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, Duggar has spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at improving patient care and advancing the field of Radiation Oncology through innovative research. His expertise ranges from the implementation of advanced medical technologies to the development of cutting-edge treatment protocols.
"Ultimately, my interest is in improving both efficiency and effectiveness of our processes and technology," said Duggar. “My Ph.D. dissertation focused on the comprehensive analysis of the Gamma Knife Icon, enabling us to significantly enhance its functionality for radiosurgery and improve treatment outcomes for our patients. My research enabled us to make optimal use of its new features compared to previous Gamma Knife versions.”
In recent years, Duggar has expanded his focus to include clinically-applied software and technology that enhances treatment capabilities. His contributions include the implementation of SmartClinic, a patient management system that has streamlined treatment processes for head and neck cancer patients, reducing the time from diagnosis to the completion of treatment by more than 20 days on average.
“Through collaboration, I also enjoy pioneering technologies similar to SmartClinic. For instance, I have been working with a collaborator at Mississippi State University in Starkville to develop our own AI algorithm which recognizes certain aspects of head and neck cancer within diagnostic CT scans prior to surgery and pathology,” said Duggar. “This feature will help to improve our decision-making and perhaps even reduce overall treatment toxicity.”
As the chief medical physicist and associate professor of Radiation Oncology, Duggar will be responsible for ensuring the cancer institute’s quality assurance strategy is effective, robust, and results in optimal clinical outcomes.
“This (ensuring efficient quality assurance) includes not only making sure we are following all professional guidelines and tolerances but also providing vision and guidance on how our Radiation Oncology department can not only provide the standard of care but also become a beacon in Mississippi, setting new standards for what high-quality radiation oncology looks like,” said Duggar.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Duggar expressed gratitude for the mentorship he received and the opportunity to build upon the foundation laid by his predecessors.
"It's a bittersweet moment as I step into this role," he remarked. "I am honored to continue the legacy of excellence in Radiation Oncology at UMMC and excited about the future possibilities."
Dr. Duggar holds a Ph.D. in clinical health sciences from Trident University International and a Master’s Degree in medical physics from Georgia Institute of Technology, underscoring his dedication to academic excellence and professional growth. His promotion to associate professor of Radiation Oncology reflects his leadership and commitment to advancing the field.
As a native of Mississippi and the first resident in physics at the University of Mississippi, Duggar's position symbolizes a new era of innovation and patient-centered care in Radiation Oncology at UMMC, promising a brighter future for cancer treatment in Mississippi.
"I have learned many lessons along the way, both in humility and in knowledge, and now, I have an incredible opportunity to build upon the foundation that was laid for me,” said Duggar. “I envision a future where patients no longer feel compelled to seek care outside Mississippi. Our goal is to pioneer advancements in radiation therapy that set new standards for quality and innovation in our state."