Headshot photo of Maria T. Thompson, M.S., R.T.(T)

Maria T. Thompson, M.S., R.T.(T)

  • Assistant Professor of Radiation Therapy Program, School of Medicine
  • Assistant Professor, Academic Affairs
  • Assistant Program Director, Clinical Education, Radiation Therapy Program, School of Medicine

Biography

Maria Thompson, M.S., R.T.(T) is an assistant professor and the Assistant Program Director, Clinical Education for the Radiation Therapy Program. She joined OHSU faculty in July 2016 after working 9 years as a radiation therapist in the greater Portland area. Maria earned her Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy from OHSU and her Master of Science from Portland State University. Along with teaching didactic courses, Maria oversees the clinical education of radiation therapy students throughout their time in the program. 

Maria hopes to continue to grow in her role as an adult educator and aims to create educational opportunities that will enhance the profession in the benefit of radiation therapists and their patients. Special interests include Trauma Informed Care, patient education and assessment. At OHSU, Maria serves as a member of the OHSU Assessment Council.

Education and training

  • Degrees

    • B.S., 2007, Oregon Health & Science University
    • M.S., 2021, Portland State University

  • Certifications

    • The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) - R.T.(T)
    • Oregon Board of Medical Imaging (OBMI) - Practice of Radiation Therapy

Memberships and associations:

  • American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT)
  • Oregon Society of Radiologic Technologists (OSRT)

Areas of interest

  • Patient Education, Radiation Therapy
  • Trauma Informed Care
  • Virtual Reality in Radiation Therapy Education

Honors and awards

  • Faculty Senate Distinguished Faculty Award for Outstanding Teaching - 2023
  • Excellence in Education Award 2023
  • Provost Award for Excellence in Program Assessment 2023: Radiation Therapy Program
  • Provost Award for Scholarship in Assessment 2023: Radiation Therapy Program
  • Faculty Member of the Year, Radiation Therapy Program - 2022
  • Provost Award for Transparency in Assessment 2022: Radiation Therapy Program
  • Provost Award for Excellence in Program Assessment 2020: Radiation Therapy Program
  • Provost Award for Stakeholder and Data Engagement 2020: Radiation Therapy Program

Publications

Selected publications

  • Tonning, K, Thompson, M. (2021) Chapter 3: Patient Assessment,  Principles and Practice of Radiation Therapy 5e, Washington, Leaver, Trad, Elsevier (Textbook)
  • Tonning, K., Thompson, M. (2018) Students as Teacher and Patients as Learners: Pathway of the Integration of a 3-D Virtual Simulation into Program Curriculum and to Patient Education.  (3rd place poster at Oregon Health & Science University Symposium on Educational Excellence)