Dr. Walter J. Curran Jr.

Dr. Walter J. Curran Jr., MD, is a nationally recognized radiation oncologist specializing in lung cancer and brain tumors. He serves as the Executive Director of the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and holds the Lawrence W. Davis Chair in Radiation Oncology. Dr. Curran earned his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School, completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvania, and is board-certified in Radiation Oncology. He is widely regarded for his leadership in clinical trial development and cooperative group research in oncology.

Dr. Curran has played a central role in shaping national standards of care in lung cancer and glioblastoma through his leadership of pivotal clinical trials. He has served as Group Chair and Principal Investigator of NRG Oncology (formerly RTOG), overseeing landmark studies that established new protocols in radiation and combined-modality therapies. He has authored more than 600 peer-reviewed publications and has been continuously funded by the National Cancer Institute for decades.

In addition to his clinical and research accomplishments, Dr. Curran is a committed leader and educator. He has guided Emory’s Winship Cancer Institute to achieve National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center designation, significantly expanding research and patient care programs. He serves on national advisory committees and has been recognized with awards from ASCO, ASTRO, and the NCI for his contributions to cancer research. Through his commitment to innovation, mentorship, and leadership, Dr. Walter J. Curran Jr. continues to influence the practice of radiation oncology and the advancement of multidisciplinary cancer care.