Prof. Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj | The Ohio State University | United States
Dr. Dukagjin M. Blakaj is a visionary leader in radiation oncology, currently serving as the Drs. Malati and Ganesh Potdar Endowed Professor and Vice Chair of Clinical Operations at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. Renowned for advancing proton therapy and translational cancer research, he has overseen exponential growth in departmental faculty, revenue, and NIH funding since joining in 2013. His leadership has transformed clinical operations, implemented strategic innovations, and significantly expanded clinical trial participation. Dr. Blakaj has mentored numerous faculty and fellows, initiated multi-disciplinary research collaborations, and secured millions in philanthropic and research funding. An influential educator and administrator, he also directs fellowships in Head & Neck, CNS/Pediatric, and IORT radiation oncology. Beyond his institutional impact, he serves on national committees and journal boards, shaping the future of cancer research and care. His work exemplifies excellence in clinical innovation, academic mentorship, and collaborative leadership across the oncology landscape.
Profile
Education
Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj holds a distinguished academic background with dual advanced degrees in medicine and science. He earned his M.D. and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he also completed a Master of Science in Biochemistry. Prior to that, he obtained both his Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Chemistry and Molecular Biology & Biophysics from Wesleyan University. His academic excellence is reflected in numerous accolades, including the Rudin Scholarship and Dean’s Recognition Award. He completed his internship in internal medicine at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center and a residency in radiation oncology at Montefiore-Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. Further, he undertook a post-doctoral fellowship focused on HPV epidemiology and therapeutic vaccine development. Dr. Blakaj’s academic training is complemented by multiple faculty leadership and coaching certifications, which have equipped him with the strategic and educational tools to excel as a clinical and academic leader in oncology.
Experience
With over a decade of experience at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj has held progressive leadership roles, including Director of Head & Neck/Skull Base Division, Director of Clinical Operations, and currently Vice Chair of Clinical Operations. Under his guidance, the department expanded from 13 to 51 faculty members, increased revenue by over 450%, and tripled NIH funding. He has played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiencies, developing data lakes for research, and implementing standardized procedures across divisions. As a fellowship director in multiple subspecialties, he has trained future leaders in radiation oncology. His innovative leadership has advanced FLASH radiotherapy, Theranostics, and multidisciplinary care models. Dr. Blakaj also serves as Co-PI on several clinical trials and large-scale grants, leading to substantial contributions in patient care and translational research. His collaborative, data-driven approach continues to drive excellence in academic medicine and clinical cancer care.
Research Interests
Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj’s research spans translational oncology, radiation therapy innovations, and molecular mechanisms of treatment resistance. He focuses extensively on head and neck, skull base, and spine malignancies, leading efforts to develop precision radiation protocols and novel therapeutic strategies. His research has garnered over $5 million in funding, supporting groundbreaking clinical trials, including studies on FLASH radiotherapy, immunotherapy combinations, and stereotactic treatments. He is Principal or Co-Investigator on numerous NIH, industry-sponsored, and institutional grants addressing treatment optimization, radio-sensitization, and rare cancer biology. His work includes building large-scale clinical databases and integrating radiomic and molecular data into patient care models. He co-leads the PARTNER protocol to create a comprehensive data lake for translational research. His commitment to collaborative research has elevated institutional trial accruals and contributed to over 200 peer-reviewed publications. Through mentorship, innovation, and cross-disciplinary collaboration, Dr. Blakaj is advancing personalized oncologic care on both clinical and molecular fronts.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Dukagjin Blakaj has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to oncology, research, and education. Notably, he received the James Outstanding Physician Peer Award for his leadership, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. He has consistently ranked among the top 10% of most published and cited doctors on Doximity (2021–2024) and was named a Top Doctor nationally in 2021. His article in Practical Radiation Oncology was selected for Elsevier’s Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month feature. Additional accolades include the Best Teacher Award at the Osler Board Review Course, the Samuel J. Roessler Memorial Scholarship, and multiple abstract and travel awards from ASTRO, ACRO, and other leading organizations. He was also a finalist for the 2021 International Book Awards for his leadership publication. His early academic excellence was recognized through fellowships from the American Heart Association, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the International Biophysical Society, setting the foundation for his distinguished career.
Publications Top Notes