For Dr. Kristofer Roberts, joining Radiation Oncology Associates (ROA) at Concord Hospital Payson Center for Cancer Care was part of a transcontinental journey. His career path was inspired by his mother’s own cancer experience years ago.

Dr. Roberts is from Alaska, went to college and medical school at UCLA, then completed his radiation oncology residency training at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in 2020 before moving farther east to Concord last August.

While he was in medical school and before he had chosen a specialty, Dr. Roberts’ mother received radiation therapy from a doctor she adored. As a result, Dr. Roberts met his mom’s radiation oncologist and stayed in touch throughout his medical training. It was through this relationship that he learned of ROA and its excellent reputation.

“That’s what put it on my radar many years ago,” he said.

When the opportunity became available, he was pleased to join the experienced ROA providers at Payson Center and become part of a community healthcare organization, rather than a larger academic center.

“ROA is an amazing group, so for myself and my family, we really felt like we wanted to prioritize the ability to be part of a community and be in a more community-based practice,” Dr. Roberts said.

He appreciates that the group welcomes recent graduates like himself and is prepared to contribute his skills in a field that continues to change dramatically.

“Radiation oncology is a dynamic ­ field, and having recently completed training allows me to help ROA continue to bring the latest techniques to the community,” Dr. Roberts said.

He is proud to be part of Payson Center, an organization that offers much-needed support to patients and their loved ones.

“Cancer care is so much more than the technical aspects of delivering treatment,” Dr. Roberts said. “It needs to be a holistic approach, where you are partnering with our excellent care coordinators and the other resources that are available here.”

Read the full PDF from Payson Center for Cancer Care.