Research Overview
While in residency at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) in Philadelphia, Dr. Wernicke presented her research work at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), and the Radiological Society of North America. Her research activities were acknowledged with the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) Travel Grant Award in 2004, the Howard Wong ACRO Award for Brachytherapy in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in 2004, the American Association for Women Radiologists Research Seed Grant Award in 2004, and the 45th ASTRO Resident Clinical/Basic Research Award in 2003. Her research focus has ranged from the basic science of brain tumor cells subjected to a hypoxic environment to the clinical aspects of preserving normal tissues from the effects of radiotherapy. Of note, she was one of the first radiation oncologists to focus on sparing erectile function in men treated with external beam radiation therapy for prostate cancer. After graduation, Dr. Wernicke focused her efforts on the prevention of normal tissue toxicity and the late effects of radiotherapy, while a faculty member at the New York University Department of Radiation Oncology. Preservation of normal structures, such as lung and heart, became of crucial importance while delivering radiation therapy to her breast cancer patients. She was privileged to deliver a presentation on "Cosmetic Outcomes of Women Treated for Early Stage Breast Cancer with Partial Breast Irradiation" at the Oral Plenary Session at the 48th ASTRO meeting. Recently, she worked to find a more accurate modality for assessment of breast tissue fibrosis and presented her findings at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Breast Cancer Symposium, the 49th ASTRO, ACRO, and ASCO.
