Robert Dale Timmerman, MD Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Biography
Complex disorders that affect a child’s brain are rare, and that rarity often complicates treatment protocols. For Dr. Robert Timmerman, those challenges have fueled his work in developing specialized treatment techniques for pediatric patients.
“My goal is to continually advance the treatment options and improve the standard of care for our patients,” he says.
Dr. Timmerman is one of the most experienced clinicians in the world using specialized treatment techniques called radiosurgery to treat tumors and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) in children’s brains. Using advanced imaging technology and sophisticated planning software, he is able to deliver a potent dose of radiation from different angles directly to the tumor or mass in the brain.
“It’s exciting to see the evolution of technology and the use of radiation therapies that provide help to patients of all ages.”
Developing the right treatment plan for a child with a brain disorder is challenging and often requires that Dr. Timmerman consult with other specialists.
“It takes a great amount of coordination when treating a brain condition in a child,” he says. “I am constantly impressed by the collaboration between providers from Children’s Health℠ and UT Southwestern who come together to orchestrate a procedure for a child that offers a lifetime of hope.”
Dr. Timmerman is certified by the American Board of Radiology in radiation oncology. He earned his medical degree from the University of South Dakota. He was an intern at McKennan Hospital and was a radiation oncology resident at the Johns Hopkins Hospital.
He is a member of the American College of Radiology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, and the NRG Oncology group, among others. He is professor and vice chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology, as well as professor of Neurosurgery at UT Southwestern, with research interests in advanced radiation therapy.
Outside of his practice, Dr. Timmerman enjoys spending time with his family and caring for a small herd of cows and a flock of chickens.
Education and Training
Medical School
University of South Dakota School of Medicine (1990)Internship
Avera McKennan Hospital (1991), Transitional YearResidency
John Hopkins Hospital (1994), Radiation OncologyGraduate School
University of Tennessee at Knoxville (1986)Research & Publications
Research Interests
- Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy
- Radiation Response Modifiers
- Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Selected Publications
- Phase I dose-escalation study of stereotactic body radiation therapy for low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer., Boike TP, Lotan Y, Cho LC, Brindle J, DeRose P, Xie XJ, Yan J, Foster R, Pistenmaa D, Perkins A, Cooley S, Timmerman R J. Clin. Oncol. 2011 May 29 15 2020-6
- Phase I dose-escalation study of stereotactic body radiotherapy in patients with hepatic metastases., Rule W, Timmerman R, Tong L, Abdulrahman R, Meyer J, Boike T, Schwarz RE, Weatherall P, Chinsoo Cho L Ann. Surg. Oncol. 2011 Apr 18 4 1081-7
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy for inoperable early stage lung cancer., Timmerman R, Paulus R, Galvin J, Michalski J, Straube W, Bradley J, Fakiris A, Bezjak A, Videtic G, Johnstone D, Fowler J, Gore E, Choy H JAMA 2010 Mar 303 11 1070-6
- Surgery versus stereotactic body radiation therapy for early-stage lung cancer: who's down for the count?, Timmerman RD J. Clin. Oncol. 2010 Feb 28 6 907-9
Professional Activities
Professional Associations and Affiliations
- American College of Radiology
- American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
- Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
- Society for Neuro-Oncology
- The Children′s Cancer Group and The Children′s Oncology Group
Awards & Honors
- Alpha Omega Alpha 1989 (0)
- The Best Doctors in America 1998-2005 (0)