Robert Timothy Dess, MD
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About
Dr. Dess is a Clinical Professor of Radiation Oncology and Urology at the University of Michigan and a radiation oncologist specializing in genitourinary cancers. He serves as Clinical Physician Lead for the Department of Radiation Oncology, Co-Director of the Weiser Center for Prostate Cancer, and Co-Director of the Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC)
He received his medical degree from the University of Chicago and completed his radiation oncology residency at the University of Michigan. His clinical practice focuses on genitourinary cancers, with particular expertise in prostate cancer, including high-risk, recurrent, and metastatic disease. He specializes in advanced radiation techniques, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and high-dose-rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy.
Dr. Dess works closely with patients to develop individualized treatment plans based on their cancer characteristics, the available evidence, and their personal preferences. He collaborates with colleagues in urology, medical oncology, and other specialties to help patients understand their treatment options and make informed decisions that balance cancer control with potential side effects and quality of life.
In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Dess is actively involved in clinical trials and efforts to improve cancer care across Michigan. Through his leadership roles at the University of Michigan and MROQC, he works with multidisciplinary teams and radiation oncology practices across the state to advance evidence-based care and improve treatment quality.
Areas of Practice
Genitourinary cancers, including prostate cancer (high-risk, recurrent, and metastatic disease); stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT); intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT); and 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
Research Overview
Dr. Dess is a clinical and translational researcher focused on improving outcomes for patients with prostate cancer. His research has advanced our understanding of prostate cancer prognosis, biomarkers of treatment response, and the selection of patients most likely to benefit from intensive treatment. His work has also addressed disparities in cancer outcomes and the development of more convenient forms of radiation therapy. His current research focuses on personalizing treatment for high-risk prostate cancer, particularly the use and duration of hormone therapy, and developing clinical trials to improve treatment effectiveness while minimizing toxicity and treatment burden. He also leads statewide quality improvement efforts through the Michigan Radiation Oncology Quality Consortium (MROQC). His work has been published in leading medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, and JAMA Oncology.
Links
Patient Ratings & Comments
Visit our Physician Ratings & Comments page to learn more about how patient ratings are collected, calculated, and updated to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right physician for your care.
Patient Ratings
379 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
June 21, 2026 - "I was very impressed with [...] and Dr. Dess. Both were very engaging and took the time to answer all my questions/concerns."
June 11, 2026 - "[...] and Dr. Dess both informative and caring."
June 5, 2026 - "Dr. Robert Dess is an incredible physician. His expertise & style covers all the bases. He represents the "leaders and the best!""
May 22, 2026 - "DR. Dess was very professional as well as understanding my concerns. He seemed very caring."
May 15, 2026 - "Doctor Dess in particular is simply amazing and easy to talk to. In a nutshell, he just has an elite ability to communicate in a manner that makes you feel like he genuinely cares."
May 8, 2026 - "[...] Dr. Dess, [...] and [...] took this visit to the next level. They are THE BEST OF THE BEST."
April 30, 2026 - "Dr. Dess is a great listener and great at helping me understand my [...] treatment journey. The best of the best!"
April 26, 2026 - "Dr. Dess was pleasant, enthusiastic and very thorough throughout our discussion of treatment options."
April 18, 2026 - "DR. Dess made the experience comfortable for my wife and I. He answered all our concerns and questions. It's great to have a doctor like Doctor Dess to help you through these troubling times in life. It's stressful enough but he put our minds at ease."
April 11, 2026 - "Dr Dess [...] appears to be a competent doctor."
