Brett Morris

Biography

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Radiation Medicine at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and a radiation oncologist at UW Health. My clinical practice focuses on caring for adult patients with tumors of the brain and central nervous system, as well as children and adolescents who require radiation therapy. I am originally from northern Illinois and central Wisconsin, and I am honored to care for patients and families at a nationally recognized cancer center within my home community.

I completed my MD and PhD at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. My doctoral research, performed with Patricia Keely, PhD, studied how the extracellular tumor microenvironment influences cancer cell metabolism. This background in cancer biology continues to shape my clinical and research interests, which focus on improving radiation treatment for patients with brain tumors by better defining the true extent of disease, integrating advanced imaging into treatment planning, and developing new approaches to safely target microscopic tumor spread.

My research and clinical trial work focus on central nervous system tumors, pediatric radiation oncology, proton therapy, radiopharmaceutical imaging, and novel radiation techniques. I am particularly interested in using advanced imaging and precision radiation approaches to improve tumor control while reducing side effects and preserving long-term quality of life. I also participate in national pediatric and neuro-oncology research groups dedicated to improving outcomes for children and adults with cancer.

In addition to my clinical and research work, I serve as Director of Clinical Informatics for the Department of Radiation Medicine. In this role, I work to improve how electronic health records, radiation oncology software, imaging systems, and clinical workflows support patient care. My informatics work focuses on making cancer care safer, more coordinated, and more efficient for patients, clinicians, and care teams. I also help lead departmental initiatives in pediatric proton therapy, CNS-focused clinical trials, and specialized radiation programs including eye plaque brachytherapy and GammaTile therapy.

I am committed to academic medicine, mentorship, and community engagement. I teach and mentor medical students, residents, fellows, and other trainees, and I work closely with multidisciplinary teams across UW Health and the UW Carbone Cancer Center. My goal is to help bring innovative, compassionate, and highly coordinated cancer care to patients throughout Wisconsin and beyond.