As we celebrate National Doctors’ Day this March, Shore Medical Center is honored to highlight some of the outstanding physicians who dedicate their expertise and compassion to our community. Today, we are proud to spotlight Dr. John Wilson, Medical Director of Radiation Oncology at Shore Cancer Center and a Penn Medicine Radiation Oncologist. With nearly two decades of experience in radiation oncology, Dr. Wilson brings a passion for patient care and a commitment to excellence.
Background & Career Path
Dr. Wilson’s journey into medicine began early, inspired by his mother, a nurse. “My mother was probably my first inspiration to become a physician. She helped foster in me a fascination about the human body and how it works, and also introduced me to the art of caring for people who are sick, with all the patience and understanding that often requires.”
His interest in medicine deepened through high school volunteer work at a local hospital and an AP biology course. “I had a great teacher who was good at bringing some of the more basic science concepts into practical applications in the healthcare field.”
Dr. Wilson attended Harvard University for his undergraduate studies, followed by medical school and residency in radiation oncology at the University of Pennsylvania. “I continue with the University of Pennsylvania as an employed physician with them,” he shares. Since completing his training in 2006, he has devoted nearly 19 years to radiation oncology.
In 2021, Dr. Wilson joined Shore Cancer Center and was honored to be named Medical Director of Radiation Oncology. He has also been recognized multiple times as a “Top Doc” by SJ Magazine, most recently in 2022.
Passion for Medicine
Dr. Wilson’s choice of specialty was deeply personal. “Near the end of high school, my grandmother developed lung cancer, and I saw her fight a tough battle with that. When I was in college, I started working in a cancer research lab during the summers, which was fascinating to me. During medical school, I became interested in radiology and enjoyed the feeling of being like a medical detective to find out what was wrong. Radiation oncology was the perfect field for me that combined my interest in cancer and radiology and the ability to still have a lot of interaction directly with patients.”
He finds immense fulfillment in his work, particularly in seeing his patients thrive after treatment. “By far the most rewarding thing about my work is when I see follow-ups returning several years after their treatment and they are still doing well and no sign of cancer recurrence. I also am inspired by how my patients face their diagnosis and treatment with such courage and grace under pressure.”
Impact on Patients & Community
Dr. Wilson is dedicated to educating his patients about their diagnosis and treatment. “I try to educate my patients as much as I can about their diagnosis and treatment options so that they become empowered to make educated decisions about their health.”
He also wants people to understand how personalized radiation treatments are. “I wish people understood better how custom-designed our radiation treatments are to a patient's body shape and size and their specific diagnosis and stage. Sometimes there is a misunderstanding when they come in for consultation that they will be getting their first radiation treatment at the same time, but very often it takes us about a week of planning in order to develop the ideal treatment plan for them. I also wish people understood how clinically oriented our field is, and we interact directly with patients a lot.”
Teamwork & Shore Medical Center Experience
Dr. Wilson values the camaraderie and patient-centered approach at Shore Medical Center. “I think I appreciate the collegial atmosphere the most at Shore Medical Center. I feel there is such a positive vibe here, focusing on what is best for the patient, and at the same time a good measure of lightheartedness and sense of humor to help lighten some of the darkness that needs to be traversed.”
Personal Perspective
Outside of work, Dr. Wilson finds balance in surfing and music. “I enjoy surfing with my friends and children, and playing guitar and singing with my band when I am not with patients. Our band has been fortunate to arrange music festivals with other bands to raise money for things such as mental health and the homeless population.”
Shore Medical Center is proud to have Dr. Wilson as part of our dedicated team, bringing exceptional care and compassion to our community.
