New York, NY, October 15, 2019 – Today, the New York Proton Center announced it has expanded its team of proton trained radiation oncologists with the addition of two new physicians: Dr. Shaakir Hasan and Dr. Robert (Bob) Press. Both physicians have strong clinical and research backgrounds and will provide valuable expertise in proton therapy and patient care as the center ramps up operations this fall, working in close collaboration with its institutional partners Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Health System and Mount Sinai Health System.
“Delivering the highest quality of care for patients is our number one priority,” said Dr. Charles Simone, Chief Medical Officer of the New York Proton Center. “We are lucky to have Drs. Hasan and Press join our team to help us accomplish that mission. Their experience and knowledge in the field of radiation oncology will be a tremendous asset to the New York Proton Center, and their highly successful research backgrounds will further advance the quality of our clinical and translational research as we establish the center as a premier clinical and research proton facility.”
Dr. Shaakir Hasan specializes in proton therapy for genitourinary and prostate cancers, lymphoma, and pediatric malignancies. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, several of which are on proton therapy, and he has presented his research at multiple international conferences. Dr. Hasan completed his residency training in radiation oncology at Allegheny Health Network in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he served as Chief Resident and received the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) Roentgen Resident Research Award.
“Not only is the New York Proton Center is a state-of-the-art facility which features the most advanced technology in the field of radiation oncology, but it is also led by a world class team of physicians from three of the leading cancer institutes in the country, and I feel privileged to be part of the team,” said Dr. Hasan. “I look forward to collaborating with this group and helping the center become both a hub for practice-defining research and elite level of care for metro region patients and beyond.”
Dr. Bob Press specializes in the treatment of central nervous system malignancies and head and neck cancers with proton therapy. He has won numerous awards, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology Conquering Cancer Foundation Merit Award. He was named the Andrew W. Pippas Resident in Radiation Oncology at his alma mater, Emory University School of Medicine, where he served as Chief Resident; the honor is given by to physicians who exemplify professional and compassionate patient care.
“Proton therapy has emerged as an important treatment option for a wide range of patients,” said Dr. Press. “Our goal is to utilize this technology to save lives while maintaining the highest possible quality of life during and after treatment for our patients. I’m proud to begin working at the New York Proton Center, where patient-centered care is the top priority.”
In addition to the specialty areas of Drs. Hasan and Press, the New York Proton Center team includes physicians with national and international expertise in proton treatment and research across all adult and pediatric solid malignancies.
For additional information, please visit www.nyproton.com. High resolution video and images of the center are also available.
About New York Proton Center
New York Proton Center is creating the gold standard for proton therapy, giving new hope to patients living with cancer. In partnership with leading academic medical centers—Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Health System, Mount Sinai Health System, and ProHEALTH as manager—New York Proton Center brings together expert oncologists, clinical care teams, and researchers to improve cancer care and advance the clinical evidence for proton therapy.
