Singapore: Varian Medical Systems appointed Dr Deepak "Dee" Khuntia as vice president of medical affairs. He will report to Ms Kolleen Kennedy, corporate senior vice president and president of Varian's Oncology Systems business.

Dr Khuntia will provide clinical and scientific guidance in all areas of clinical risk, safety reviews, adverse experience reporting, product life cycle reviews and clinical protocol design. Dr Khuntia holds a medical degree from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine, US, and had completed his radiation oncology residency at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, US.

Dr Khuntia joined Varian earlier this month after serving two years as director of research and education for a large private practice in the San Francisco Bay area, US. Prior to that, he practiced at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, US, where he served in many leadership roles, including residency program director, vice chair of radiation oncology outreach, and course director for neoplastic diseases at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, US.

Dr Khuntia has led multiple national and international clinical trials designed to advance the standards of care in the treatment of brain, lung, head and neck, and prostate cancer. A widely published clinical researcher, his presentations and papers have spanned a broad range of topics including radiotherapy, radiosurgery, and imaging techniques in the treatment of cancer. Passionate about education and broad scale quality cancer care delivery, he has lectured worldwide helping to bridge the knowledge gap that exists with the recent surge of advanced radiation techniques.

Ms Kennedy said, "Dee brings a wealth of directly relevant experience to this important role. He is a well-reputed thought leader in the field of oncology with a special interest in advanced radiation delivery techniques as well as medical informatics, continuing education, and healthcare policy. With his broad experience and strong leadership skills, I am confident that he will help us maximize the clinical potential of our product development efforts and collaborative research partnerships with a strong focus on healthcare economics."