Dwight E. Heron, MD, MBA, FACRO, FACR, FASTRO
Dr. Dwight E. Heron is a nationally and internationally recognized physician-executive, oncology leader, and innovator with more than two decades of experience transforming cancer care through clinical excellence, operational leadership, and technological advancement. As a leader at the intersection of medicine, business, and innovation, Dr. Heron has built and scaled some of the most advanced, integrated oncology programs in the United States and abroad.
Currently serving as System Medical Director for Oncology Services at Bon Secours Mercy Health, Dr. Heron oversees a comprehensive, multi-state oncology service line spanning more than 50 hospitals, integrating medical, radiation, and surgical oncology into a unified, high-performance care delivery model. His leadership focuses on leveraging data, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration to improve patient outcomes, expand access, and drive sustainable growth.
Dr. Heron’s career is defined by his ability to build and lead complex healthcare systems. During his tenure at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, he held numerous senior leadership roles, including Vice Chairman for Clinical Affairs, Director of Radiation Oncology, and Deputy Director of the Cancer Institute. He led the integration and expansion of more than 35 academic and community oncology programs, managed oncology service lines exceeding $450 million in scope, and played a key role in developing one of the nation’s top radiation oncology residency programs.
A pioneer in innovation, Dr. Heron has been instrumental in developing and commercializing advanced clinical solutions, including remote treatment planning and evidence-based clinical pathways that have improved quality, safety, and efficiency across oncology networks. His work has also extended globally, leading international oncology program development and fostering cross-border collaborations in research, education, and patient care.
Dr. Heron is a highly accomplished academic physician and researcher, with an extensive body of peer-reviewed publications and contributions to advancing radiation oncology techniques, including stereotactic radiosurgery and image-guided therapies. His leadership in clinical trials infrastructure and translational research has helped bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world patient impact.
He has also held prominent national leadership roles, including serving as President of the American College of Radiation Oncology and currently as Chairman of its Board of Chancellors. In these roles, he has been a leading advocate for patient safety, quality improvement, and innovative payment models in oncology care.
Dr. Heron holds a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Rochester and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh’s Katz Graduate School of Business, reflecting his unique ability to bridge clinical expertise with executive leadership.
At his core, Dr. Heron is a visionary leader dedicated to advancing cancer care through innovation, collaboration, and a relentless focus on improving the patient experience—shaping the future of oncology on both a national and global scale.
Short Version (Speaker / Website Intro)
Dr. Dwight E. Heron is a physician-executive and nationally recognized oncology leader with more than 20 years of experience building and leading large-scale cancer programs. As System Medical Director for Oncology Services at Bon Secours Mercy Health and former President of the American College of Radiation Oncology, he has driven innovation, clinical excellence, and global program development across integrated healthcare systems. His work focuses on advancing patient-centered care through technology, research, and operational leadership.