About Reinhard W. Schulte, MD, MS, DABR

My clinical expertise lies at the intersection of radiation oncology and medical physics, specifically focusing on particle therapy. My academic journey has been a blend of physics and medicine, culminating in a Doctorate in Medicine (Dr. med.) from the University of Cologne, Germany, alongside my professional certification as a physician. The Medical Board of California also licenses me. I am board-certified in Radiation Oncology (2012) by the American Board of Radiology and in Radiology (1992) by the Specialty Board of Lower Saxony, Germany.

In 1989, upon completing my radiology residency—which involved training in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology - I developed an interest in proton therapy. This led me to apply for a two-year postdoctoral fellowship, a prestigious research grant (commonly called a ‘habilitation stipend’ in Germany) from the German Research Foundation (DFG). I quickly identified two key issues in proton therapy: range uncertainty and biological effectiveness. Both of these areas required significant improvement, and they have since become the central theme of my career as a physician-scientist in the field of particle therapy.

Over time, I have established an extensive network of collaborators and partnerships, focusing on medical physics research topics. I have worked with numerous institutions worldwide, contributing significant advancements in proton therapy techniques and protocols. Notably, my work on developing proton CT to reduce proton range uncertainty and nanodosimetry to overcome the challenges with radiobiological effectiveness of protons and ions have significantly influenced the field of particle therapy.

My enduring goal is to advance and disseminate knowledge and to educate the next generation of scientists to continue the work I have begun. I am committed to fostering innovation in particle therapy and improving patient outcomes through cutting-edge research and clinical practice.

F