Simon K. Cheng M.D., Ph.D. is the Residency Program Director and Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center. He is recognized nationally in thoracic oncology and brain tumors and his research group is dedicated to developing innovative strategies to make treatment more effective and improve patient care.

Dr. Cheng’s clinical expertise in radiation therapy has been recognized by his peers, acknowledged as Super Doctors New York Rising Stars (2015-2017) and Castle Connolly New York Metro Area and Regional Top Doctor (2017-2019). He was inducted into the Academy of Clinical Excellence at the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2019. He is a national and international invited speaker on lung cancer and stereotactic radiation therapy, including the prestigious opening plenary lecture at the 2007 national American Society of Radiation Therapy (ASTRO) meeting.

Dr. Cheng’s research endeavors focus on enhancing the effectiveness of radiation therapy and immunotherapy using innovative translational and big data platforms. He has been awarded the 2010 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Award and the 2010 Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Research Seed Grant. Dr. Cheng was a Louis V. Gerstner Jr., Scholar from 2012-2015. His research work in lung cancer been recognized with 2013 LUNGevity Foundation Targeted Therapeutics Award and the 2019 American Lung Association Lung Cancer Discovery Award.

Dr. Cheng received his B.S. from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY and completed his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees from New York University in 2005. He then completed in 2010 his residency program from New York University, where he was the recipient of the Holman Research Pathway and Chief Resident. Dr. Cheng joined the faculty of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons in 2010.

As the Residency Program Director at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center, Dr. Cheng is dedicated to medical education and mentoring scientists, medical and nursing students, and residents. He was awarded ARRO Educator of the Year Award in 2016 and was inducted into the Apgar Academy of Medical Educators in 2016.