Christopher J. Tien, PhD, DABR
Associate Professor of Therapeutic Radiology; Lead Physicist for Brachytherapy, Therapeutic Radiology
Biography
Research & Publications
News
Appointments
Biography
Dr. Christopher J. Tien is an Associate Professor and Lead Brachytherapy Physicist in the department of Therapeutic Radiology. In addition to his appointments at Yale, Dr. Tien is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Brown University.
Dr. Tien practiced at a community hospital in suburban Chicago for 3 years after completing his residency at Brown University/ Rhode Island Hospital. He completed his PhD by the time he was 25 years old from the University of Florida, which he attended on a full fellowship.
Clinically, he is a board-certified therapeutic medical physicist appointed as a Medical Physicist at Yale-New Haven Hospital. His current translational research is largely inspired by his clinical duties in brachytherapy (gynecological, prostate, ocular, and skin) applications and radiobiological modeling.
Dr. Tien is a full member of the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS), the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the American Society for Radiation Oncology, and the Yale Cancer Center. He is currently the chair of the national AAPM Task Group on high-dose-rate brachytherapy (TG59). He has served terms on the national AAPM Board of Directors and as the Connecticut AAPM president. He is a member of the national AAPM Medical Physics Education Subcommittee and ABS National Education Subcommittee.
Education & Training
- Medical Physics ResidentBrown University (Warren Alpert Medical School) (2013)
- PhDUniversity of Florida, Medical Physics (2011)
- MSUniversity of Michigan, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (2008)
- BSUniversity of Michigan, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences (2007)
Certifications
- Board CertificationAmerican Board of Radiology, Therapeutic Radiology (2014)
Activities
- Review of Radiobiological Considerations in Ultrahypofractionated High-Dose-Rate 192Ir Prostate BrachytherapyAnnapolis, MD, United States 2022Review of Radiobiological Considerations in Ultrahypofractionated High-Dose-Rate 192Ir Prostate Brachytherapy
- A New Era of Physics in Gynecological Brachytherapy: Single-Channels Are Not Enough: Part I. Multichannel Vaginal CylindersAnnapolis, MD, United States 2022A New Era of Physics in Gynecological Brachytherapy: Single-Channels Are Not Enough: Part I. Multichannel Vaginal Cylinders
- A New Era of Physics in Gynecological Brachytherapy: Single-Channels Are Not Enough: Part II. Vienna/Vienna-style Intracavitary-Interstitial CapsAnnapolis, MD, United States 2022A New Era of Physics in Gynecological Brachytherapy: Single-Channels Are Not Enough: Part II. Vienna/Vienna-style Intracavitary-Interstitial Caps
- Let's Get Practical: Advice for the Brachytherapy Physicist (Moderator)Denver, CO, United States 2022Let's Get Practical: Advice for the Brachytherapy Physicist (Moderator)
- The Impact Of Sublethal Damage Repair On Biological Dose For A Stepping-source Brachytherapy Delivery In A Single-fraction Prostate Treatment.Denver, CO, United States 2022The Impact Of Sublethal Damage Repair On Biological Dose For A Stepping-source Brachytherapy Delivery In A Single-fraction Prostate Treatment.
- Investigating The Implications Of A Newly-available Higher Initial Source Strength For Ultrahypofractionated High-dose-rate 192Ir Brachytherapy In Prostate MonotherapyDenver, CO, United States 2022Investigating The Implications Of A Newly-available Higher Initial Source Strength For Ultrahypofractionated High-dose-rate 192Ir Brachytherapy In Prostate Monotherapy
- Automated Channel Identification For Efficient Brachytherapy Treatment PlanningDenver, CO, United States 2022Automated Channel Identification For Efficient Brachytherapy Treatment Planning
- Investigating The Efficacy Of Simulation-Based Education For Interstitial Gynecologic Brachytherapy Using A Novel US/MR/CT-Compatible Gynecologic PhantomDenver, CO, United States 2022Investigating The Efficacy Of Simulation-Based Education For Interstitial Gynecologic Brachytherapy Using A Novel US/MR/CT-Compatible Gynecologic Phantom
- The Effect Of Quantum Noise On A Novel Multilateration-based Brachytherapy Source Localization ApproachDenver, CO, United States 2022The Effect Of Quantum Noise On A Novel Multilateration-based Brachytherapy Source Localization Approach
- The Impact Of Sublethal Damage Repair On Biological Dose For A Stepping-source Brachytherapy Delivery In A Single-fraction Prostate TreatmentDenver, CO, United States 2022The Impact Of Sublethal Damage Repair On Biological Dose For A Stepping-source Brachytherapy Delivery In A Single-fraction Prostate Treatment
- Practical Considerations for the Clinical Physicist (Moderator)New Orleans, LA, United States 2022American Association of Physicists in Medicine Spring Clinical Meeting
- Single-Institution Experience with Implementation of Varian Multi-channel ApplicatorWebinar, Varian Medical Systems User's Meeting at ASTRO 2021; Chicago, IL, United States 2021Varian Medical Systems User's Meeting at ASTRO 2021
- Grid-Based Boltzmann Solver for Dose Transport in Gynecological Brachytherapy Medical ApplicationState College, PA, United States 2021Grid-Based Boltzmann Solver for Dose Transport in Gynecological Brachytherapy Medical Application
- Single-Channel Cylinders with Metal Stems: Considerations in Brachytherapy Dose Reporting to Clinical TrialsVirtual 2021Single-Channel Cylinders with Metal Stems: Considerations in Brachytherapy Dose Reporting to Clinical Trials
- Utilizing Tumor Control Probability to Aid in Selection of Multi-Dwell or Single-Dwell Methodology for Leipzig-Style Applicators: A Preliminary StudyVirtual 2021Utilizing Tumor Control Probability to Aid in Selection of Multi-Dwell or Single-Dwell Methodology for Leipzig-Style Applicators: A Preliminary Study
- A Novel Gamma Camera-Based System for Real-Time Visualization of 192Ir Source Position in High Dose Rate BrachytherapyVirtual 2021A Novel Gamma Camera-Based System for Real-Time Visualization of 192Ir Source Position in High Dose Rate Brachytherapy
- Single implant hybrid interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: An institutional approachVirtual 2021Single implant hybrid interstitial brachytherapy for cervical cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic: An institutional approach
- Clinical surface brachytherapy: A primer on applicators, dose calculations, and case studiesHartford, CT, United States 2019Clinical surface brachytherapy: A primer on applicators, dose calculations, and case studies
- The impact of model-based dose calculation algorithms on clinical brachytherapyNashua, NH, United States 2019The impact of model-based dose calculation algorithms on clinical brachytherapy
- The Theoretical Benefits of a 15 Ci Ir-192 Source for HDR BrachytherapyMiami, FL, United States 2019The Theoretical Benefits of a 15 Ci Ir-192 Source for HDR Brachytherapy.
- Feasibility of Using Multiple Positions in Leipzig Applicator to Increase Target CoverageMiami, FL, United States 2019Feasibility of Using Multiple Positions in Leipzig Applicator to Increase Target Coverage
- Plenary Session: Early Experience with Brachytherapy Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithm: Commissioning and Retrospective Comparison with Historical TemplateSan Francisco, CA, United States 2018Plenary Session: Early Experience with Brachytherapy Model-Based Dose Calculation Algorithm: Commissioning and Retrospective Comparison with Historical Template
- Assessment of MR compatibility of novel needle placement template and collets for intraperitoneal interstitial gynecological brachytherapy applicationChicago, IL, United States 2018Assessment of MR compatibility of novel needle placement template and collets for intraperitoneal interstitial gynecological brachytherapy application
- HDR Monotherapy In Prostate Cancer: Radiobiological Considerations When Determining Biologically Effective Dose in Clinical TrialsBoston, MA, United States 2017HDR Monotherapy In Prostate Cancer: Radiobiological Considerations When Determining Biologically Effective Dose in Clinical Trials
Honors & Recognition
| Award | Awarding Organization | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Editor's Recognition Award as Outstanding Reviewer | Brachytherapy (Journal award) | 2019 |
| Plenary invited speaker at Annual National Meeting | American Brachytherapy Society | 2018 |
| Judith Stitt Award for Best physics abstract (of 300+ submissions) | American Brachytherapy Society | 2018 |
| Best Medical Physics Graduate Student | American College of Medical Physics | 2011 |
| Young Investigator's Symposium 2nd place, ACMP National Conference | American College of Medical Physics | 2011 |
| FLAAPM: Young Investigator's Symposium 2nd place | Florida AAPM | 2010 |
Professional Service
| Organization | Role | Date |
|---|---|---|
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Education and Training of Medical Physicists | 2023 - Present |
| American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) | Research and Technology Development Council | 2023 - Present |
| APEx Reaccreditation Preparation Committee: Brachytherapy Division of Physics | Lead | 2022 - 2023 |
| Canada National Foundation for Innovation's 2023 Innovation Fund competition | Grant Reviewer | 2022 - 2023 |
| Canada National Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) 2023 Innovation Fund competition | Grant Reviewer | 2022 - 2023 |
| AAPM: Spring Clinical Meeting 2023 Planning Subcommittee | Planning Committee | 2022 - 2023 |
| American Brachytherapy Society: Annual Meeting 2022 Session Moderator | Moderator | 2022 |
| AAPM: Spring Clinical Meeting 2022: Session Moderator | Moderator | 2022 |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 317: Catheter, Needle, and Applicator Tracking Technology in Brachytherapy | Reviewer | 2022 - Present |
| American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) | Skin Brachytherapy Subcommittee of Education Council | 2022 - Present |
| American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) | Education and Training Council | 2022 - Present |
| American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) | National Education Committee - Physics section | 2022 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Work Group on Radiation Dosimetry | 2022 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Working Group on Medical Errors in Brachytherapy | 2022 - Present |
| AAPM Annual Meeting 2022: Abstract Reviewer (Outcomes Modeling section) | Abstract Grader | 2022 - Present |
| City College of New York and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Partnership for Cancer Research, Research Education and Community Outreach Award for Pilot Projects | External Reviewer | 2021 |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Representative | 2021 - Present |
| American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) | Reviewer | 2021 - Present |
| American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) | Reviewer | 2021 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Meeting Analysis and Evaluation Committee | 2021 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Board of Directors | 2021 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) | 2021 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | National Brachytherapy Subcommittee | 2021 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Regional Organization Committee | 2021 - Present |
| Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society Meeting Planning | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) Summer Meeting (Zoom) 2021 | 2021 - Present |
| ASTRO Annual Meeting 2021,2022: Abstract Reviewer (Physics section) | Abstract Grader | 2021 - Present |
| ABS Annual Meeting 2021,2022: Abstract Reviewer (Physics section) | Abstract Grader | 2021 - Present |
| Journal of Contemporary Brachytherapy | Reviewer | 2021 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Unit #66: AAPM Leadership and Education | 2020 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Radiation Oncology Medical Physics Education Subcommittee | 2020 - Present |
| APEx Initial Accreditation Preparation Committee: Brachytherapy Division of Physics | Lead | 2019 |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Immediate Past President | 2019 |
| Medical Physics Residency Program Steering Committee | Member | 2019 - Present |
| AAPM Annual Meeting 2019,2020,2021,2022: Abstract Reviewer (Radiation biology section) | Abstract Grader | 2019 - Present |
| AAPM Annual Meeting 2019,2020,2021,2022: Abstract Reviewer (Brachytherapy section) | Abstract Grader | 2019 - Present |
| Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) Winter Meeting 2018 | 2018 |
| Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) Summer Meeting 2018 | 2018 |
| Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) Spring Meeting 2018 | 2018 |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) | 2018 |
| Yale Cancer Center: Radiobiology and Genome Integrity Division | Member | 2018 - Present |
| International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics | Reviewer | 2018 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) | 2017 - 2019 |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society (CAMPS) | 2017 |
| Medical Physics Residency Program Admissions Committee | Member | 2017 - Present |
| American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) | Member | 2017 - Present |
| Brachytherapy | Reviewer | 2017 - Present |
| Medical Physics Residency Program: Special Topics Rotation - Gamma Knife | Mentor | 2016 - 2019 |
| Medical Physics Residency Program: CT Simulation Rotation | Mentor | 2016 - 2018 |
| Department Brachytherapy Committee: Physics Division | Representative | 2016 - Present |
| Medical Physics Residency Program: Brachytherapy Rotation | Mentor | 2016 - Present |
| Physics of Radiation Therapy for Resident Physicians: Radiation Measurements and Calibration section | Instructor | 2016 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Connecticut Area Medical Physics Society | 2016 - Present |
| Yale School of Medicine Symphony Orchestra (YMSO): Cellist | Cellist | 2016 - Present |
| Frontiers in Oncology: Radiation Oncology | Reviewer | 2014 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | Midwest Chapter | 2013 - 2016 |
| American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) | Member | 2013 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | New England Chapter AAPM (NEAAPM) | 2012 - 2013 |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | AAPM Task Group (TG) 180: Image Guidance Doses Delivered During Radiotherapy: Quantification, Management, and Reduction | 2012 - 2013 |
| Physics in Medicine and Biology | Reviewer | 2012 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): Regional Level | New England Chapter AAPM (NEAAPM) | 2011 - 2013 |
| Medical Physics | Reviewer | 2010 - Present |
| Journal of Applied Clinical Medical Physics | Reviewer | 2010 - Present |
| American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM): National Level | Member | 2007 - Present |