The Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program has named Irina Vergalasova, PhD, DABR as the recipient of the 2025 Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to clinical innovation, education, and professional leadership in medical physics. Dr. Vergalasova, an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, is being honored for her transformative work in brachytherapy physics, her leadership in medical physics education, and her sustained service to the profession and to Duke as an engaged alumna.
Irina Vergalasova received her B.S. degree in Physics from Rutgers University in 2008 and then entered the Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program in 2008 as a doctoral student. She was awarded the James B. Duke Fellowship as well as the NIH T32 training grant and her dissertation focused on 4D imaging techniques, led by Dr. Fang-Fang Yin. Irina graduated in 2013 and then proceeded to complete her residency training in therapeutic medical physics at Duke University Medical Center. In July 2015, she joined the Radiation Oncology department as a staff medical physicist and was at Duke for a total of 8 years. As the third entering class of the graduate program, Irina had the unique opportunity to have met and/or interacted with most of the students between 2008 and 2016. She established lifelong friendships and created so many incredible memories at Hock Plaza, student retreats at the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach, Duke basketball campouts and LDOC! In 2016, Irina moved back to New Jersey to join Rutgers Cancer Institute and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology. The values and skillset that the Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program instilled in Irina help her every day in her various roles as the Director of Brachytherapy Physics, Director of the Medical Physics Certificate Program and Associate Director of the Medical Physics Residency Program. The mentorship, community, and research foundation she gained there continue to inspire and drive every facet of her career.
Colleagues across the country highlight the scope and depth of Dr. Vergalasova’s impact:
“Dr. Vergalasova has quickly established herself as both a clinical and an academic leader at Rutgers,” wrote Manuel Arreola, PhD, Vice-Chair of Radiology and Director of the Medical Physics Graduate Program.
Rutgers colleague Ning J. Yue, PhD, Executive Vice Chair and Chief of Physics, emphasized that “over these years, Dr. Vergalasova has established herself as a nationally and internationally renowned academic medical physicist through her significant contributions to the fields of medical physics and radiation oncology, academically and professionally.”
Summarizing her qualities, Dandan Zheng, PhD, Professor and Director of Medical Physics at the University of Rochester, wrote, “Irina exemplifies the values of integrity, leadership, service, and innovation that define the spirit of this award.”
“Irina Vergalasova is an exceptional clinical physicist dedicated to education, and her accomplishments on the local and national level easily demonstrate her impact and passion for the field,” added Leah Schubert, PhD, Director of the Medical Physics Residency Program at the University of Colorado.
At Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Dr. Vergalasova has led the growth and modernization of a comprehensive brachytherapy program, implementing advanced HDR and LDR techniques, MRI-guided procedures, radiopharmaceutical therapies, and novel clinical workflows that directly improve patient care. In parallel, she has built and directed a nationally recognized CAMPEP-accredited Medical Physics Certificate Program and serves as Associate Director of the Medical Physics Residency Program, expanding access to high-quality training for students and residents across the country.
Nationally, Dr. Vergalasova has become a leading voice in medical physics education and professional development. She serves on the Executive Committee of the Society of Directors of Academic Medical Physics Programs (SDAMPP) as Secretary and chairs its Professional Issues Committee, has held leadership roles in AAPM, ABS, and other professional societies, and has contributed to influential guideline documents and curricula for residency training and professionalism in medical physics. Her substantial publication record, invited talks, and service on key committees reflect a sustained commitment to elevating clinical standards, educational quality, and professional culture in the field.
Dr. Vergalasova also maintains deep ties to Duke. As a founding member and first President of the Duke University Medical Physics Alumni Association (DUMPAA), she helped build a vibrant alumni network, launch annual events, and strengthen connections between alumni, faculty, and students. Her career continues to reflect the values of innovation, collaboration, and service that define the Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates whose careers exemplify excellence in clinical practice, research, education, and service, and whose accomplishments enhance the reputation and impact of the Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program. Dr. Vergalasova will be formally recognized at an upcoming Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program event in 2025.
