Mays Cancer Center radiation oncologist recognized as outstanding mentor to next generation leaders

David Gius, MD, PhD, professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology and assistant dean of research at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio), was named this year's recipient of the prestigious American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Career Recognition Mentorship Award.

Gius serves as associate cancer center director for translational research at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. He is among three awardees receiving this recognition. The award honors individuals who have made significant contributions to mentorship and education in radiation oncology. It highlights the importance of guidance and development of future professionals in the field of radiation oncology.

"I am truly honored to receive the ASTRO Mentorship Award," said Gius. "Mentorship is vital in our field and an important part of our profession. I have been privileged to work alongside so many talented young radiation oncologists."

Gius began mentoring in 1997. Since then, he has trained 65 undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral and clinical fellows, radiation oncologists and junior faculty. Twenty-five of his trainees are currently faculty members at medical schools across the country. Thirteen are full professors and 12 are funded cancer researchers. Gius credits his mentorship success to his own mentors, who taught him to prioritize programs that encourage sharing best practices, valuable guidance, support and expertise to young radiation oncologists who are navigating a rapidly evolving field.

"This honor recognizes Dr. Gius' dedication to education, mentorship and professional growth of future leaders," said Mark Bonnen, MD, chair of radiation oncology at UT Health San Antonio and chief medical officer of the Mays Cancer Center. "Dr. Gius' work is instrumental in creating collaboration and fostering a supportive environment for young professionals."

Gius specializes in breast and thoracic radiation oncology and investigates the cellular processes related to aging, metabolism and cancer. He is the only radiation oncologist to serve as an Established

Investigator Scholar in Cancer Research as part of the Cancer Prevention Research Institute of Texas, also known as CPRIT. Gius' contributions to the mentorship program at Mays Cancer Center elevates the learning experience for many aspiring radiation oncologists.

"Developing mentorship programs for trainees and faculty members at all levels is a priority of our cancer center," said Lei Zheng, MD, PhD, executive director of Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio. "Dr. Gius set up a role model for all of us at the Mays Cancer Center."

The Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio is one of only four National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Centers in Texas. The Mays Cancer Center provides leading-edge cancer care, propels innovative cancer research and educates the next generation of leaders to end cancer in South Texas. To learn more, visit https://cancer.uthscsa.edu/.

Stay connected with the Mays Cancer Center on Facebook,Twitter,LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) is one of the country's leading health science universities and is designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. With missions of teaching, research, patient care and community engagement, its schools of medicine, nursing, dentistry, health professions, graduate biomedical sciences and public health have graduated more than 43,886 alumni who are leading change, advancing their fields and renewing hope for patients and their families throughout South Texas and the world. To learn about the many ways "We make lives better®," visit UTHealthSA.org.

Stay connected with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

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