The George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center has appointed Serena Mao, MD, PhD, as a radiation oncologist specializing in thoracic and gastrointestinal cancers.
Dr. Mao’s interest in oncology began early, shaped by her family’s experience with advanced breast cancer. She went on to earn her MD and PhD through the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where her doctoral research focused on the pathogenesis of breast cancer. She completed her residency in radiation oncology at Johns Hopkins University.
Drawn to GW’s strong mission of serving diverse and underserved patient populations, Dr. Mao says the opportunity to combine compassionate, face-to-face care with collaborative, multidisciplinary treatment made the Cancer Center the right fit. “GW’s commitment to community impact aligns with my own goals as a physician,” she said.
“Dr. Mao brings both scientific rigor and deep empathy to her work,” said Julie Bauman, MD, MPH, Dr. Cyrus Katzen Family Director of the GW Cancer Center. “Her expertise in radiation oncology and her dedication to addressing health disparities will strengthen our ability to provide world-class, equitable cancer care to the communities we serve.”
A native of the Washington, DC metropolitan area, Dr. Mao’s clinical focus is complemented by a commitment to research and multidisciplinary collaboration. She plans to work closely with colleagues in medical and surgical oncology to develop innovative approaches to patient care and advance cancer treatment through clinical research.
“GW’s mission to serve diverse and underserved populations resonates deeply with me,” said Dr. Mao. “I am excited to contribute to a team dedicated to both excellence in patient care and meaningful engagement with the community.”
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Mao plans to contribute to research initiatives in partnership with colleagues across oncology disciplines, leveraging GW’s strengths to advance innovative approaches in cancer care. Dr. Mao will see patients at the GW Cancer Center’s Foggy Bottom campus.
