Dr. Steve Braunstein is a distinguished radiation oncologist specializing in the treatment of complex malignancies with expertise that spans both adult and pediatric care. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Vice Chair in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he has established himself as a leading clinician-scientist in his field. Dr. Braunstein completed his medical and doctoral training at New York University School of Medicine, earning both his MD and PhD with research focused on key molecular pathways by which cancer cells mediate response to radiation therapy. His academic journey has positioned him at the forefront of modern radiation oncology, with clinical expertise that bridges the gap between sophisticated technical approaches and patient-centered care.
Dr. Braunstein's research focuses on the strategic integration of modern multidisciplinary therapies to optimize cancer treatment outcomes while minimizing both acute and long-term toxicity for patients. He has developed specialized expertise in advanced radiation therapy techniques including stereotactic radiotherapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and intraoperative radiotherapy approaches that have transformed the management of central nervous system tumors and metastatic disease. His work extends to significant contributions in clinical trial design and implementation through his leadership roles on NRG and Children's Oncology Group core committees, where he has helped shape national standards for radiation treatment protocols. Dr. Braunstein's scholarly contributions include publications in high-impact journals such as Nature Communications and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, reflecting his commitment to advancing the evidence base for precision radiation therapy.
Beyond his clinical and research achievements, Dr. Braunstein serves as Residency Training Program Director at UCSF, where he is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of radiation oncology leaders through innovative educational approaches and mentorship. His influence extends to the national level through his service as ADROP Director-at-Large for the American Society for Radiation Oncology, where he shapes policy and educational initiatives for the specialty. Dr. Braunstein has developed important educational resources including the Residents-as-Teachers Tip Deck, demonstrating his commitment to elevating the quality of medical education across the field. Currently, he is leading clinical trials investigating novel combinations of stereotactic radiosurgery with immunotherapy, representing the cutting edge of translational research in neuro-oncology that promises to improve outcomes for patients with challenging malignancies.
