Robert Timothy Dess, MD
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About
Dr. Dess is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Michigan.
He attended medical school at University of Chicago and completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Michigan.
He practices in several locations. At the University of Michigan Ann Arbor main campus, he is the co-Chief of Genitourinary Radiotherapy Service, and also leads the high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy program. At the Brighton Center for Specialty Care, he serves as the primary genitourinary radiation oncologist.
Dr. Dess is a clinical and translational researcher focused on genitourinary malignancy. He has worked with a global network of collaborators to create novel prognostic models to characterize prostate cancer disease aggressiveness, to identify novel prognostic and predictive biomarkers, to analyze racial outcomes differences and settings in which disparities are minimized, and to advance more convenient forms of treatment including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and high-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR). He is interested in maximizing efficacy, minimizing burden, and understanding the long-term toxicity risks of treatment. His work has been published high profile in peer-reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology.
Dr. Dess also serves as the co-lead for prostate cancer within the Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC) where he works to improve state-wide care.
Areas of Practice
Prostate cancer, genitourinary cancers, toxicity Mitigation and Quality of Life, stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy
Locations
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Radiation Oncology | University Hospital 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor B2 C490
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5010Get Directions -
Oncology Clinic | Brighton Center for Specialty Care 7500 Challis Rd
Entrance1, Level 1
Brighton, MI 48116-9416Get Directions -
Urologic Oncology Clinic | Rogel Cancer Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
Floor B1 Reception E
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5913Get Directions
Insurance Accepted
University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.
Education & Training
Medical School or Training
Residency
Board Certifications
Professional Organizations
Links
Patient Ratings & Comments
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Patient Ratings
344 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
February 7, 2026 - "Dr Dess is outstanding and exceptional. Spends as much time as is needed explaining treatment plans etc. Always empathetic and genuine. He really puts a positive spotlight on Michigan Medicine!"
January 15, 2026 - "Dr Dess gave me excellent information about potential treatment options"
January 8, 2026 - "Dr Dess did a fantastic job during our visit, taking his time to discuss all matters and leave no questions unanswered."
January 8, 2026 - "Dr Dess is cool breeze. I've never met a doctor like him. He's different than just about anyone."
January 3, 2026 - "Dr. Dess is a five-star MD"
November 17, 2025 - "Felt at ease with Dr. Dess"
November 15, 2025 - "Dr. Robert Dess has provided excellent communication regarding my health issue from initial consultation [...]. He listens to my concerns and explains the best approach to resolve any treatment side effects. I am very pleased with his recommended treatment plans. I would highly recommend Dr. Dess for my specific medical issue to help gain a better understanding of advance medical technologies and to help make the best decisions going forward."
November 6, 2025 - "Dr. Dess and [...] did an exceptional job of showing and explaining the results of my [...]. And provided me with treatment options and the timelines. One of the best explanations of what to expect and the science behind it, in very understandable terms."
August 20, 2025 - "Dr. Dess spent one hour with me and my wife adding clarity to my circumstance."
August 15, 2025 - "Dr, Dess explained treatment therapies thoroughly, providing Information for better decision making."
