Radiation Oncology
Together We Thrive

Together We Thrive Committee

Together We Thrive is comprised of clinical and research faculty, residents, and staff. The first official meeting of the committee was held on September 11, 2020.

Mission Statement

Together We Thrive is committed to cultivating an environment where all are valued, respected, and heard. Through engagement, education, and opportunity, we empower growth, collaboration, and exceptional patient care.

Our Goals

  • Provide Engaging Learning Opportunities:
    Offer asynchronous and live training that fosters engagement and provides valuable knowledge in areas of resilience, respect, and professional development.
  • Facilitate Thoughtful Discussions:
    Organize book and documentary discussions that encourage varied perspectives and the open exchange of ideas.
  • Ensure Empowerment Through Feedback:
    Create anonymous feedback channels where employees can voice their thoughts and suggestions, empowering them to contribute to the department's growth.
  • Invite Experts for Learning and Growth:
    Host subject-matter experts to speak on topics that provide opportunities for deeper learning and collaboration.
  • Strengthen Networks Across the Organization:
    Build relationships with similar committees throughout the hospital system to share best practices and collaborate on mutual goals.
  • Evaluate Progress and Opportunities:
    Conduct regular assessments to monitor the impact of initiatives and identify new opportunities to enhance engagement and empowerment within the department.
  • Ensure Recognition & Retention:
    Develop initiatives that make faculty and staff feel valued and supported through structured appreciation programs, peer recognition, and retention strategies.
  • Provide Professional Growth & Mentorship:
    Create opportunities for career development, leadership pathways, and workforce engagement to foster individual and team success.
  • Promote Workplace Well-Being:
    Implement strategies to address burnout, strengthen collaboration, and promote a thriving work environment that prioritizes both personal and professional fulfillment.

Committee Members

Melissa Vyfhuis

Melissa Ana Liriano Vyfhuis, MD, PhD (she/her)
Committee Chair
Associate Professor and Physician
Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at UM-CRMC
 

Chaitanya Kalavagunta

Chaitanya Kalavagunta, PhD (he/him)
Committee Vice Chair
Assistant Professor and Medical Physicist

 

Dominic Bulkley

Dominic Bulkley (he/him)
Committee Treasurer
Senior Project Specialist

 

Sara Dudley

Sara A. Dudley, MD
Assistant Professor and Physician

Rivka Leichter

Rivka Leichter, CRNP, FNPC
Nurse Practitioner 

 

Acara Carter

Acara Carter
Clinical Research Coordinator

 

David Alicia

David Alicia
Senior Dosimetrist

Renee Kwok

Renee Kwok, MS, RN, OCN (she/her)
Nurse Manager

 

Michael MacFarlane Committee Pic

Michael J. MacFarlane, PhD
Assistant Professor and Medical Physicist

 

Nicole Helie 250 pix

Nicole Helie
Lead Clinical Research Specialist

 

Austin Thompson resized

Austin Thompson, MD (he/him)
Committee Resident Liaison 
Medical Resident Physician

 

Kennecia Shaw

Kennecia Shaw
Operations Manager

 

Jessica White

Jessica White (she/her)
Sr. Program Coordinator
Committee Communications

 

Cameron Chason

Cameron Chason
Committee Secretary

Human Resources Manager

Kim Marter

Kim Marter
Senior Dosimetrist

Yasmeen Ghazala

Ghazala Yasmeen, (DMG)
IS & T Corporate Liaison Officer, Rad Onc

Kai Huang resized

Kai Huang, PhD
Medical Physics Resident