P. Reed McDonagh, MD, PhD

University of Notre Dame, BS, Physics in Medicine, 2009

Virginia Commonwealth University, PhD, Clinical and Translational Science, 2018

Virginia Commonwealth University, MD, 2018

Virginia Commonwealth University, Residency, Radiation Oncology, 2024

Dr. McDonagh is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Maryland. His primary areas of clinical and research interest include gynecologic, breast, and hematologic malignancies.

Dr. McDonagh completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Notre Dame with a focus in Physics in Medicine. He subsequently completed the MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). His PhD dissertation was focused on molecular imaging methods to study cerium oxide nanoparticles as a novel radioprotector therapeutic.

After completing 2 years of residency training in Internal Medicine at VCU, Dr. McDonagh continued his medical training at VCU and completed his residency in Radiation Oncology. During his final year of residency he served as Chief Resident. During residency. he continued his focus on molecular imaging, developing MRI sequences to study glioblastoma brain tumors. He received the RSNA Roentgen Resident/Fellow Research Award at the completion of his residency training.

Dr. McDonagh implements a strong focus on collaboration with his treatment approach to ensure he is providing excellent patient care. He believes that treating cancer requires a team approach involving the entire medical team inside and outside of the Radiation Oncology Department. This also includes keeping the patient involved in their care by ensuring they stay informed about their treatment options and results.

Dr. McDonagh continues his research focus on advanced molecular imaging techniques and translation of nanoparticle therapeutics into the clinic. He also has an interest in hyperthermia research, especially as it applies to brachytherapy patients.

Dr. McDonagh is a Maryland native, raised in La Plata, MD in Charles County.

Brachytherapy, Gynecologic cancer, Breast cancer, Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Hematologic Cancer, Nanoparticles, Hyperthermia, Molecular Imaging

McDonagh PR, Sundaresan G, Yang L, Sun M, Mikkelsen R, Zweit J. Biodistribution and PET Imaging of 89- Zirconium Labelled Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized with Several Surface Coatings. Nanomedicine. 2018 June, 14(4): 1429-1440. PMID: 29641981. 

McDonagh PR, Slade AN, Anderson J, Burton W, Fields EC. Racial differences in responses to the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List: Evidence from a radiation oncology clinic. Psychooncology. 2018 Oct, 27(10): 2513- 2516. PMID: 30067307. 

McDonagh PR, Sundaresan G, Rabender C, Zweit J. Molecular Imaging Investigations of Polymer Coated Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles as a Radioprotective Therapeutic Candidate. Pharmaceutics. 2023 Aug 15, 15(8): 2144. PMID: 37631358.