Steven J. Chmura, M.D., Ph.D.
Department of Breast Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology
About Dr. Steven Chmura
Dr. Steven J. Chmura is Professor and Chair of the Department of Breast Radiation Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center. He is nationally recognized for his leadership in clinical trials and research focused on oligometastatic cancer, advancing novel radiation therapies to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Dr. Chmura co-leads national trials and translational research programs that integrate cutting-edge radiation oncology with systemic therapies. His work aims to optimize treatment for patients with limited metastatic disease, emphasizing both survival and quality of life.
With a strong commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Chmura’s research also explores the impact of cancer treatment on patients’ well-being and daily functioning. He has published extensively on these topics and is a leader in shaping future standards of care in radiation oncology.
Dr. Chmura completed his medical training and PhD at the University of Chicago and has held academic appointments there before joining MD Anderson in 2026.
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor and Chairman, Department of Breast Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1997 | University of Chicago Department of Pathology, Ph.D |
| 1999 | University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, M.D |
| 1992 | University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois, US, Biology and Psychology, B.S |
Postgraduate Training
| 2000-2004 | Residency, University of Chicago Hospital, University of Chicago School of Medicine |
| 1999-2000 | Internship, Weiss/University of Chicago Program B, Weiss Hospital |
Licenses & Certifications
| 2026 | Texas Medical License |
| 2004 | Illinois Medical License (IDPR) |
Experience & Service
Faculty Academic Appointments
Professor, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2023 - 2026
Professor, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2021 - 2026
Professor, Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2020 - 2026
Associate Professor, Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2012 - 2020
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2006 - 2012
Instructor, Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2004 - 2006
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Scientific Director, Cancer Clinical Trials Office, University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, 2019 - 2022
Director of Clinical and Translational Research, Radiation and Cellular Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2008 - 2026
Member, University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois, 2004 - 2026
Other Professional Positions
Member, Clinical Research Advisory Committee (CRAC), 2016 - 2019
Vice Chairman, SAM (Safety and Monitoring) Committee for Clinical Trials, University of Chicago), 2010 - 2019
Program Director for Radiation Oncology Residency Training (GME), University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 2010 - 2018
Co-Director, University of Chicago Breast Cancer Spore Program #5, 2009 - 2010
Member, RADRAC (Radioisotopes & Radioactive Drug Research Advisory Committee), 2009 - 2019
Intramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Clinical Research Advisory Committee (CRAC), University of Chicago, 2016 - 2019
Vice Chairman, Safety and Monitoring Committee for Clinical Trials, University of Chicago, 2010 - 2019
Co-director, University of Chicago Breast Cancer Spore Program #5, University of Chicago, 2009 - 2010
Extramural Institutional Committee Activities
Member, Committee on Academic Promotion (CAP), Pritzker School of Medicine, 2019 - 2026
Member, Radioisotopes & Radioactive Drug Research Advisory Committee (RADRAC), University of Chicago, 2009 - 2019
Honors & Awards
| 2026 | University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center Excellence in Leadership award |
| 2022 - 2024 | ARRO Teacher of the year award |
| 2016 | Samuel Hellman Teacher of the Year award |
| 2012 - 2014 | Association of Residents in Radiation Oncology: Residence Teaching Award |
| 2011 | University of Chicago Faculty Role Model Nomination |
| 2008 | ARRO (American Association Radiation Oncology Residents) Teacher of the Year Award |
| 2007 | ARRO Teacher of the Year Award |
| 2006 | ARRO Teacher of the Year Award |
| 2005 | Cancer Research Foundation New Faculty award |
| 2005 | ASTRO 2005 Young Scientist Award |
| 2004 | ASTRO 2004 Outstanding Abstract Award (Top 1%) |
| 1999 | Basic science research award for outstanding work in Radiation Oncology |
| 1998 | Clinical Pathophysiology selected instructor for the Pritzker School of Medicine |
| 1996 | Clinical Pathology selected instructor for the Pritzker School of Medicine |
| 1994 | NIH Training grant in Growth and Development, University of Chicago |
| 1992 | University Honors, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana |
| 1992 | Summa cum laude, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana |
| 1992 | Phi Beta Kappa, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified October 26, 2026